I'm going to be selling my artwork at a large arts & crafts show in two days. For various reasons, I don't have a vendor's license to sell my art. I've done it before and no one ever had a problem with it. Today I heard they are doing random checks for the vendor's license at the show! I would buy it online, but apparently I can't do that! What will happen if I get caught besides being kicked out of the show? Can they fine me or put me in jail or something? Is there some way I can get a vendor's license quickly? I feel awful about not getting the license, but there is a really good reason for it (please don't yell at me). I'm in ohio, if location makes a difference.
2006-09-08 16:48:23 · 7 answers · asked by reality69trip 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Small Business
Oh, I figure I should mention I think I found the form online that I can print out, but it says I have to mail it with the 25$ to the county auditor (but it doesn't say who or where he is!). Bugger. I'll say why I haven't filed for it as yet- I'm disabled applying for social security (waiting for my court date), and I sure as hell am not going to win in court if I have a vendor's license! They will say - oh, so you CAN do work, you're not disabled. Which of course is not true...I do my art an hour at a time less than an hour a day in my own home; I cannot do any sort of regular job. Hope that explains myself....
2006-09-08 16:54:43 · update #1
Whoa. I had no idea I would get replies this quick... Um, how much do you think the ticket would be? (horrific curiousity). I can't call any government agency about the issue, it's midnight in ohio and tomorrow the weekend starts- if I can't get a vendor's license online by giving my credit card or such, I'm sure I can't get one in time, right? My grama paid 150$ for me to get into this show...arrrgh. It's not like I don't want to pay the taxes or fee god knows, I would just get it back at the end of the tax year anyways since I only get 215$ a month from the gov (& food stamps and housing) to live on at the moment....
2006-09-08 17:00:57 · update #2
there's this site I just found businesslicenses.com but I'm assuming it's a scam or something? It's saying that if I pay this extra money then I can submit the form online... Poppet, how could they make me pay the taxes I owe on the spot? They have no way of knowing what artwork I came in with and sold if I didn't keep a record of it to begin with? (Not that I'm saying I would do this!!) Also the form I'm looking at asks for a federal employer id number, and ohio corporate charter number, blah blah- what is that? Do I have one? I'm not running any kind of a real business, I just made some paintings and registered with the show to sell them... I've never really even sold that much at the other shows (never more than 200$).
2006-09-08 17:11:07 · update #3
Ohio is one of the strictest states!! With so many tax rates throughout the state, it's a real pain to deal with them. And yes, sometimes they do random checks. There could be a fine, they could close you down, or they could make you pay the taxes you owe on the spot. But I don't think any state will put you in jail for it. Some shows even are reporting their list of vendors to the treasury department, and then you could get a letter later asking for your vendor license info. It's too late to get a license for a show in two days. You might be lucky and get away with it again, who knows!
Edited to say that Joe K info is not correct. The show has obligations to make sure that all booth spaces are set up correctly and fairly. No one can do any of the things he says because you don't have a license, The only one that can do anything is the State of Ohio.
2006-09-08 16:58:52 · answer #1 · answered by poppet 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You didn't say where you live dude. Here in Central California the Department of Health has inspectors out every day the street vendors are out there selling all the things you mentioned in your question. I do trust the vendors in my little part of the world.
2016-03-17 10:49:58 · answer #2 · answered by Marie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on your county laws regarding the matter, but more than likely, yes, you may be fined. I seriously doubt they will throw you in jail, but I'd make some calls and find out about a temp license. Our county has special licenses for temporary vendors. Check it out. Better safe than sorry. And good luck!
2006-09-08 16:51:54 · answer #3 · answered by Emm 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You need a license. You are required to collect sales tax. I'm in Indiana. You need to go to the county building for a business license. It cost about $25.00. Contact me for more information.
2006-09-08 16:54:32 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
One thing that can happen is that someone can come along and steal your products or simply come along and set up shop right in front of your stand and you have no legal recourse. Other businesses can slander you and/or steal your customers. By not being licensed the authorties have no obligation to protect your interests.
2006-09-08 16:57:50 · answer #5 · answered by Joe K 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I saw this happen in Chicago this weekend, they wrote the person a ticket and made them shut down..
2006-09-08 16:50:34 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, they can do that. go and get one, by asking some who is going too. ask them to help you
2006-09-08 16:57:09 · answer #7 · answered by Jan 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋