Can I get a state tax ID number and how can I make my craft fair successful?

[sarahsellcm]

I am doing a craft fair tomorrow and need some help.

One: Do any of you know how to get a state tax id number or if we need one? I never thought we needed anything like that since PC takes care of making sure the sales tax is paid on items. But if anyone knows how to get this please let me know.

Two: ANy thoughts or ideas that can help make this successful for me? thanks

Sarah

 

[chefann]

You shouldn't need a state tax ID. (Although if there's a tax specialist/attorney in the room, feel free to correct me.)

Relax and have fun!
Take something to give out to people - mini catalogs, recipe cards, etc. Make sure your contact info is on all of it! Don't use full-size catalogs unless you feel like wasting a lot of money, as 90% of the people who take your handouts will never buy anything, call you, or even keep the catalog longer than a week. Take a box with other info: host packs, fundraiser flyers, registry flyers, recruiting info, etc.

 

[BethCooks4U]

You do not need a tax id and they wouldn't issue one if you applied so don't worry about that. Pampered Chef takes care of all of that kind of thing.

As far as what to bring - set up a nice display with kit and new products. Take something to give them with your contact info on it. Take door prize drawing slips so you can get their info - do a drawing for something you have on hand or for a gift certificate. Field questions and work on getting leads for shows and recruits - that's where your fair time is best spent. Orders are nice but you get much more by using your time on building a relationship to get the show or recruit.

 

[bethsbiz]

You should go to consultant's corner and print the insurance form for crafts fairs and booths. It is just nice to have if they ask about it.

When I do fairs, I set up a small demo area where I use the food chopper and the microplane and a few other things. I buy a bag of cheap potatoes and and can of nuts. Work that stuff all day. I keep a plastic lined garbage sack under my work table to throw the cut potatoes and such in as needed.

Not everyone can do this but I take a baker's rack from my house and use it to display cookware and stonware pieces.

I have little hand outs, such as recipe cards. I keep my catalogs put away and only give those out to either good customers, someone who does place an order, etc.

I offer a door prize at the end of the event. Usually something about $15.00 - $20.00. Another reason for them to stop. (If you don't have anything on hand, then make a gift certificate coupon or something like that.)

For set up: I push whatever table they give me (or I bring) against the wall and create a more welcoming u-shape booth. I try to be on my feet whenever folks are in my booth or near it. I rarely sit down cause then people just walk right by.

Good luck!

 

[chefann]

Another trick I've learned through trial and error is to give away something other than product. I like to give away a cooking show (I bring the ingredients), because then everyone who enters is interested in one, and I actually give away several to fill my calendar.

 

[sarahsellcm]

Where on consultants corner can I find that insurance form? I can't seem to locate it. Thanks

I appreciate everyones help.
Sarah

 

[bethsbiz]

Go to Consultant's Corner:

Download Center:

There are 2 Insurnance items you can click on:

1)Demonstrator Certificate of Insurance....this is the request for a personalized certificate. It is a form you print, fill out, and send/fax in. You receive your info back within a biz day or 2. This is definately what your preference should be, especially for a big event where you might have other folks helping you. It covers you specifically, plus any others who might be assisting you. It will also list the event by name.

2) Demonstrator Libabilty Insurance Information...this is a printable document to take with you to an event. It basically is a generic form that is based on the PC insurance. On short notice, it works.

Personally, in our litagation happy world, I try to always have the more specific insurance form provided when I send in the request in #1.

But....short notice, forgetting, whatever, option #2 still is a good option.