I have made numerous items that I have found on this sight and gave them away as gifts, only to hear I should sell them.
So our church is having thier annual craft show so I signed up.
I've be busy making Casserole carriers, Hot Pads, Coasters with
a fabric box to hold them, tissue holders and a even 6 Mini Bow Tucks. So here is where I need the help. I have no idea what to charge and I need a name to call myself. "Crafts by Sue"
just doesn't have the Wow I am looking for. Any ideas???

well I am not so sure on the name or the prices of some of your things but the mini bow tucks are selling for like 50 here and 45 on ebay. Good luck!!!

No sure what you should charge but name wise - by using your name you may not need a business license. Check on that.
Also be aware of the need to pay the taxes on what you sell. Check with the promoters to see if they are collecting the tax at the show, if it is something you will need to do on your own. I am not sure what the laws are in PA anymore, but when we worked other type shows we always had to pay the taxes! There may be an income minimum achieved before you need a license or to pay the taxes.

Good Luck!

Since it is a church craft show, there would not be any taxes in Texas...don't know about other states.

Wow, If all of this is involved, which I just left a message to the lady running this,I guess I'll change my mind. I don't mind the tax part if the church is collecting it but a license is just to much for a fund raiser for the church. Thanks for opening my eye's to the world of craft shows. Live & Learn!!!

What is a 6 mini bow tuck?

Are you making the profit, or is it a fundraiser for the church? That could make a difference.

The bags that have begun to be so popular.

She made Mini Bow Tucks, 6 of them.

Churches dont usually ask for anything except pay for your space. As for a name how about: Created by Sue. Plain and simple but people will remember it. You never know about prices. Some people wouldn't take an item if it were free, instead would say Oh I can go home and make that. Some people just do not realize the time and money that goes into a good item, instead will buy a piece of junk because it was cheaper then yours.We've been doing craft shows for 15 yrs and we have heard it all.Good luck

The church charges a fee for the table@$20.00 per table or only $15.00 for members. Then the church ladies run the kitchen selling homemade soup, desserts and sandwiches.
The money goes to the school (it's a Catholic Church). So I hope to make a little money to buy more material of course.

I like your idea Denise, "Created by Sue" it is.

I have never heard of getting a business license or paying taxes for stuff sold at a craft fair. If it's hobby stuff and not your primary source of income, I think it's very different. Like having a yard sale. Good luck!! Sometimes you can do really well, other times not. Unpredictable.

As a veteran of many craft fairs, let me say the only people making any money will be the ones selling the soup and sandwiches. Sometimes I think that's the only reason they want the vendors there.
You will get a lot of oohing and aahing and oh how pretty and my haven't you been busy until your head will explode.
Most of the folks who go are looking for ideas they can do.
Sorry if I sound cynical, this is why I stopped doing them.

A general rule for prices ---- determine your cost of materials to make the item and double it. If you think it costs $2 to make a potholder - charge $4 for it. This is a very loose general rule and usually doesn't apply to quilts and other handcrafted items that are labor intensive, but for the items you are making to sell at a church bazaar - it should work. Good luck and have fun!

It depends on your state tax codes. We have a state tax. The church would be nonprofit and doesn't have to pay any taxes. If I sold items, I would be considered for profit. Where I live I have to have a Business name and tax id number. I am required to pay state taxes on any items I sell, whether it is a hobby or business. I do think all states are different in their laws and codes.

Be aware that if you do apply for a tax number, you may find yourself in a bureaucratic nightmare. Let's say you did 5 shows in the fall/holiday season and paid $100 in sales tax. next spring, when you do not do any shows, the state will bill you for $100 in taxes, assuming that every quarter you have the same sales, like a regular business.

Sue's Creations

Dear Sue
I have been doing craft shows for over 20 years and have actually made a profit and enjoyed a number of vacations on the earnings. My rule of thumb is basically take the materials and times it by either 2 or 3 depending on the amount of time involved to produce the item. I sale mainly stuffed animals, small quilts, and household items such as potholders/coasters/microwave bags. My big quilts do sale but only on the rare occasion and usually to someone the knows and appreciates the amount of work involved in producing a quilt that is full size or bigger.
In Arizona, you are required by law to be a licensed business where you collect and submit taxes to the proper jurisdiction. Be sure you are up on the laws because here the state officials do show up to the various craft shows, collect your license fee and give you the proper paperwork to account for your earnings that day. Then you are on their list FOREVER! Though you may only earn a few 100 dollars at any given show, they expect their fair share.
But since I'm licensed I also receive tax exemption on my supplies & fabrics and in some places I get a vendor or commercial discount on top of that. Give and take. Just be up on your local licensing and tax requirements. And have fun - I've met more wonderful people in all the shows I've done and will continue to enjoy doing them as long as God allows me the strength and talents to do so.

Crafty Sue for a name?

Good luck with your craft show!! How about calling them "Suzie Cuties" ?

Here's another name suggestion
Creations by Suzie
but I have to admit I just saw "Suzie Cuties" and love it! A bit of a tongue twister but fun.

Nanasue, Will you post some of your projects so we can see what you made? I'd be willing to purchase something from you,
if I saw what you made? I'd like a bag that I could take to quilt shows, etc. I just haven't had time to make one. Eiltcoq.

The craft show is on Nov. 6th and I have decided to go and play dumb. I will just post - Tax included in price. If I have anything left I'll be sure and post it.

i try to determine what the customer base will accept... if you are in an area with well-to-do folks who normally pay $50-$100 for a purse, you will be able to sell your items for a decent amount (materials x 3 is a normal base)these folks tend to not buy if items are (cheap, but will pay if priced a bit more) but if the customers are more in line with retired, lower income (or fixed income) they may not be able to pay those prices and you would do better to keep everything $20 and less...and figure the items that are under $10 are going to sell the best. location really does matter regardless of whether or not its a regular store or a craft fair.

How about, "Sue Doesn't Sleep Anymore"...for a name? Sounds like you are really busy and loving it! Let us know how you did in the craft show!

I love Created by Sue and there are no taxes changed by the church due to the separation of church and state laws that govern this country. Don't be so undaunted by effort it takes to start a business. Just take baby steps. You've already got your name, your doing your first church show and see how it goes from there. You could walk away from the show with furture orders as well.

Andie :-) :-) :-)

The names get better and better. I have them all written down and I'll have my daughter decide since she making the sign.
I knew I was at the right place to ask and thanks for all the great info and ideas.

Nanasue's Needlecrafts

how about Sue's Creations

Good Luck !