Teach Soap

I have been making soap for several years now but have never sold. I recently got asked to sell at a small craft show for a local church fundraiser. They do not require a business license, and after doing some research it appears I do not need one in my state unless I do three or more craft shows in a year. I thought about creating an email address at least to put on the soap should anyone want or need to contact me. Is there any benefit to actually getting a business license right now?

IMHO wait. At least until you're rolling a little and get an idea if you're going to continue to do craft shows or if this is just a "one time shot". My state doesn't require one either unless I sell more than $8,000 worth of "hand-made" goods. I probably sell 1/2 that amount throughout the year because I give most of mine away to hospice, convalescent homes, orphanages, etc. In which case I can write off the amount I give away and deduct it from my total sales.

I would wait until you at least know if you're going to keep doing shows before registering. Then once you do, you'll need a fed tax ID (which you can get online in 10 minutes). Then you'll have to start filing quarterly taxes. Then general liability insurance, etc, etc,. It's starts a ball rolling that keeps snowballing. So do yourself a favor and wait until you do at least 3 shows to see if you like the experience, then make a decision.

But I'm just 1 man's opinion and I own 2 businesses not including soap. Everyone will have an opinion on what you should do. Take your time, give it some thought, then make a decision.

Regarding the upcoming event: If they want a tax ID number, give them your social security number which is your personal tax ID number. Again.....just my opinion.

According to the rules and regs in the US, the FDA requires you to have your address on all your labels. Just an email is not sufficient.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

Thank you, EuropaPress for your response. I think waiting sounds like the smart thing to do (and comes with a lot less headache). And soapbuddy, it is my understanding that if my name (or business) can be found in the phone book, I don't need a street address on there. I plan on putting my name on the label.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.