Finding Crafts Shows and Selling Candles-Good Idea?

Question

Hello there, I was thinking about selling some items at craft shows. A friend of mine's aunt sells those knockoff designer purses you get in NY and makes like $1000 or so at a show around here. I was wondering if anyone knew any good resources for shows in my area (Youngstown, OH and also close to the PA line) and how I can get information to sign up for the shows, fees, if they say what kind of products are sold, etc.
I found these candles online I think would do well and they have a dropship I can do if I run out as well as wholesale, if you bought over $300 I believe it was 35% off, www.coolcandle.com I believe it is and I just want to make sure not a lot of people would have the same thing at these events because I think these would be a big seller.
Also I read it helps if you accept credit cards at these events-how can I do that and don't people normally just pay cash? I'm not real sure but I was wondering....but please if you can share any good information, I'd appreciate it...

Also I was wondering too how do taxes work with earnings or is it under the table? And the candles if you were wondering look like milkshakes, pancakes, beer, margaritas, cookies, pies, etc., they're very cute :-)

http://www.coolcandle.net is the actual link to the page :-)

Sorry it's 45% off with a $300+ purchase

Answer 1

If you think you can sell them then you probably will!!
I have been to fairs and other type of craft shows as a vendor and I have not but one candle person. I live in Washington. Taxes are only required after a certain amount of income. But I am not a tax consultant. You should probably take that question up with someone qualified to answer.
The company I work for takes credit cards. I have only had half dozen clients use cards since 2004. I would leave that option till later when you are more established.
Good luck in becoming your own boss!!

Answer 2

You'll need a mobile sellers permit (this is for people who sell but don't have a physical store.) If you were in PA the sellers licenses are here: http://www.revenue.state.pa.us/ They have you pay the sales tax every 6 months, and the permit is $15 (I got one), which renews free, automatically every year.

For Ohio I think you go here:
http://tax.ohio.gov/channels/other/business.stm

The shows are usually arranged 6 months in advance. The craft shows I went to were sometimes 3 months in advance, and the science fiction conventions were required to be all arranged 9 months in advance. You pay the booth fee up front, and they send you info as the event comes close so you know where to go, what times, the drop off area, parking, etc.

Best way to check is to go to a few shows, decide if these are ones you want to sell at, then find the organizer of the event and ask to be put on the mailing list (and ask any questions about cost, etc. from them). You can ask the cost from vendors there too, but a lot of times they've forgotten how much they paid several months back, or they weren't the one who sent in the money for it. It's best to talk to the event organizers.

A way to check if it's a good show is to look at if it's indoor or outdoor (weather can kill an event), are they charging admission at the door (can cut down on attendance), are people making purchases and walking around with bags, does the event take a % cut of your sales (they should NOT!), did they promote the event, does the event look like it's running smoothly.

Answer 3

winnie Trade days in winnie Texas>Its inbetween houston and Beaumont>>Its open only on the 1st weekend of the month>>Also pasadena convention center has a Sammy show a couple of times a year>>>Good Luck