Questions about selling handwork

Dec 29, 2003 11 Replies

I realize that laws will differ state by state but............. At what point would I need to start charging sales tax on my handwork? I've had enough people admire my work and tell me I should sell it so maybe it's time. Just for pin money - no shows, etc. Word of mouth and business cards for now.



Also, I'd like an honest opinion of the name I'd like to use. "Cathouse Blues Designs". And yes, I am aware of what a cathouse is but I am a



*housekeeper* for two cats. I've got the blues because I can't even be the queen in my own house. ;-) I am also looking at using that name for doing some sideline computer work - newsletters/websites - and possibly some simple needlework designs. I'd love an all-purpose name, hence Designs and not Beads or Jewelry or Services......

JoAnn


Your name should be descriptive. If you're selling beads that you bought wholesale use a name that indicates beads.

But if you're selling your own creations you are selling your personal artistry. In that case, go for professional. Use your own name, like a lawyer, engineer, entertainer or artist.

Cathouse Blues Designs sounds cutesy to me, and not at all descriptive. It also sounds like a name you might not want in another 5 or 10 years. The most successful artists are known by their names, not by a made up business name.

I am adament in my opinion. But it is only my opinion.

Tina

(I would have sworn I posted this once but I'll be darned if I've seen it. If it has appeared and I missed it, forgive me.)

I realize that laws will differ state by state but............. At what point would I need to start charging sales tax on my handwork? I've had enough people admire my work and tell me I should sell it so maybe it's time. Just for pin money - no shows, etc. Word of mouth and business cards for now.

Also, I'd like an honest opinion of the name I'd like to use. "Cathouse Blues Designs". And yes, I am aware of what a cathouse is but I am a

*housekeeper* for two cats. I've got the blues because I can't even be the queen in my own house. ;-) I am also looking at using that name for doing some sideline computer work - newsletters/websites - and possibly some simple needlework designs. I'd love an all-purpose name, hence Designs and not Beads or Jewelry or Services......

JoAnn

How do states with sales tax handle things like garage sales?

I guess *technically* you should report it but most people don't. (We have a flat 6% sales tax on non-essential items here in PA)

IANAL, but I believe that garage sales are a special category... unless you're a professional whose *business* is setting up and running garage sales for other people.

Celine

I realize that laws will differ state by state but............. At what point would I need to start charging sales tax on my handwork>

NOW -- plain and simple youhave a card? you are a business - you had better register and start collecting. Cheryl of DRAGON BEADS Flameworked beads and glass

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I don't have a card yet. Guess I should look into it this week. I have the next couple of days off - I was hoping to spend them beading.

How do states with sales tax handle things like garage sales?

To be honest, I'd think of another name.

Carol (who grew up down the road from a "real" Cathouse)

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