My husband is an artist and we are looking to start doing art shows and selling online. I was wondering about some resources that could help with this process. I know I need a Texas Sales Tax Certificate but that is really all I know. Anything would help.
Tags: art shows, sales tax, tax certificate, texas sales tax
Suggestions:
First get a sales tax number from the Texas State Comptroller office.
Second, start listing the art on eBay and see what happens there.
Third, develop your own web site and promote the heck out of it.
Here are some suggested materials to help out.
"The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Starting a Home-Based Business" by Barbara Weltman. Available at Barnes and Noble or Amazon.
"Poor Richard’s Web Site" by Peter Kent. Available at Barnes and Noble or Amazon. This is an excellent book for getting you started and tells you how to promote your web site. This is a must book to get.
"Selling Online" by Jim Carrol and Rick Broadhead. Available at Barnes and Noble or Amazon.
"eBay Power Seller Secrets" by Debra Schepp and Brad Schepp. Available at Barnes and Noble or Amazon.
Also visit eBay’s web site and review the tons of materials via their HELP link. This is an excellent source of information that is free
Try to get the art work displayed at art shows and art festivals around the state. See if some art studios will show the work.
See if restaurants will display the art work. I’ve found them to be good places to sell to their patrons. In my experience, I’ve sold more more of my art work in restaurants than anywhere else. It sounds strange, but it works since many people will looking around as they are eating meals. The down side to this is that you will have to pay the restaurant owner a piece of the action.
Lastly, Good Luck!!!.