IRS - They will probably not bother you if you are small enough to avoid their attention ....BUT ....it is advantageous to be on the up and up in your mini business if you want to avoid sweating every time tax time rolls around. By purchasing a business license and filing taxes you will often have the opportunity to purchase your materials at a wholesale cost. Keep your receipts and track your mileage, etc and you will be surprised to find out how much of your expenses are deductible. Of course you need to show some profits after the first couple of years and it does require you to itemize your deductions. You will have to balance when your profits turn from five and dime hobby profits to being an actual cottage industry....if you have an accountant do your taxes he would be the one to ask. I know there are those out there with lots more experience in this than myself, but here are the thoughts from one person who has been filing with minimal $$ profits for 20 years. (I am so small I only pay state sales tax once a year- most of my sales have been wholesale to shops)

Bonnie Gibson

IRS: If you can afford it, or if you have an attorney friend or family member who would do it for free or cut rate, you might want to consider setting up your business as an S Corporation or Limited Liability Company. You're taxed just like a single individual, and you have some liability protection that way. The most important benefit, though, as far as my husband and I are concerned, is that you can claim all your losses for as many years as you have them. There's no three-year hobby business rule as there is on an individual tax return.

JoLynne W. Martinez

Home Business: Sole proprietorships are the simplest way to go if you have a simple home based business. There are reasons to incorporate, mostly dealing with protecting your assets in case of a lawsuit. There is a fairly simple corporate organization structure called an LLC (Limited Liability Corporation) in which you can still include you profits on your personal income tax. It's not available in all states and it doesn't always protect your assets ("piercing the corporate veil" ) and it is extra paperwork. One little thought of thing that should be done is product liability insurance. It's not that expensive and it does cover you somewhat if someone gets hurt using a product that you make or sell. Yes we all know that miniatures are not toys and shouldn't be given to small children but .....That's why so many minis have cautions "not intended for use by small children" or something to that effect. You can get that through commercial insurance companies. If you're planning on having customers come to your home, clear it with your homeowners insurance company. They probably would not cover you for someone getting hurt in your home if they were there on business. Your township may not like the idea and you should clear it with your township. If you're planning on using your car for shows, discuss it with your car insurance company. We do about 14-15 shows a year and our insurance company said that it wasn't frequent enough to warrant putting the van under business use. But cover yourself and let them know that you are using it sometimes for business use. Be a good bookkeeper. I probably spend 1/4 of my time on keeping the books. Inventory in, sales, expenses. Be able to back up all your expenses with receipts.

Carol

State Fair Competitions: I've been entering our state fair for the last couple of years and am working on 3 entries now. The best advice I can give is to find someone who has entered before and ask them for hints. Every fair is different--and so are the judges! But it helps to read the rules very carefully. In Texas, box rooms are under "Scale Models--Adult Scratch Built" so the amount of hand work is important. Including a letter stating the amount of handwork involved helps the judges. Sometimes it happens that the judges simply are drawn to the theme of one box room more that the other.

Sue Helm in Dallas, TX

Shopping: with multiple projects to be furnished!   I started a smallloose-leaf notebook with the house and what I still needed for it to bring to shows or in my case, as I am into 1/4" to order online.   When I get the structure furnished, I can just pull out the page and start one for another project.

Isabel Allen

Web sites: Due to their 'natural modesty', two of the hardworking elves that bring you this digest didn't mention what they can offer you.

Noella is the "system administrator" (or something like that) of miniature.net. She can provide you with a great place (server) for your web site, at one of the lowest costs I have found. This is not a free site, but then you don't have other people advertising on your web site and trying to lure your customers away. Go to the Miniature Net home page www.miniature.net  for more information

Anne Gerdes designs and implements beautifully designed web sites for a reasonable cost.  Many of the miniature web sites you have probably been visiting have been done by her.  I'm sure she would be glad to give you a list of her credits.

My web site (I did my own, so don't blame Anne) has been on Miniature Net for 2 years, and I am very happy with the service.

Tom

Building your own  web site: I built and maintain my own website and I, of course, have my own opinions and have never hesitated to hold back.

If you can help it, don't put it on a "free" hosting service because the ads are distracting and unattractive and may well be advertising something you don't approve of.  I once went to a mini site and there was an ad for an online casino. On other sites the ads were so intense (monkeys running back and forth) that I immediately got off.  As far as I know, you have no control about the ads on your site.   If you have an ISP they usually provide you with some free server space, free of ads,  and you should look into that first.  If you find that your business is successful, then sign up with a good webhosting service.  Mine costs about $60 a month which includes internet connection.  I am paying for extra bandwidth due to the heavy traffic on my site and extra server space due to the size of my site.

Kill the music.  Many people are now surfing the web from work (during their free time of course) and hitting a website with music could cause them unwanted attention.  For those that are surfing, you can turn off the sound.

If you are going to have graphics, watch your colors and remember the color blind.  Don't combine green on red and vice versa or they could see a blank page.  I'm not color blind but I have hit websites where it was difficult to see the print especially purple on black.    It can depend on the monitor.   Graphics can be distracting and I have few on my site. Graphics can also slow down loading.

Start simple.  A great book is "Web pages for Dummies" which is how I started.  When I wanted to enhance the site, I went to www.javafile.com (I think that's the URL), where they have free javascripts and all you need to do is change the parameters.  They have scripts for  such things as dropdown menus.  Be careful of the scripts you use as some of them are incompatible with some browsers.

 Have good images of your products.

 Make it easy for people to contact you.  I found that people were having trouble sending email to me from my site.  Never figured out why but I think it's because they might not have had their browsers set up properly.  I have tried to solve the problem with a webmail form but there's no such thing as an idiot proof solution because people have to put in their correct email address.  I've had someone yelling at me because I don't answer them when they have given me an incomplete email address.  I have now put in red letters on the webmail form something to the effect of putting in the full email address and an example.  Answer your email promptly.

After you have finished your page ask people to check it with the following browsers: Explorer and Netscape both on PC's and Macs and also Webtv.  This is especially important with Javascripts.   The people on SS are happy to help as I have found out in the past.

Thumbnail pictures.  The rule of thumb with web design is to have as few clicks as possible.  Putting in thumbnails instead of the full image requires an additional 2 clicks.  One click to get to the thumbnail, one to hit the back button.  I don't use thumbnails.

Try to avoid frames.  Frames are ok but they do cause additional problems.  I got around frames by making an image map for a  site menu.

I use 2 programs for maintaining my site.  CuteHTML, an HTML editor.  You have to know HTML for this.  The other program I use is an image compressor which makes the images load faster.  Both cost around $20 each and that is all I have used.  If you just have a couple of pages you don't need an HTML editor, you can use Notepad.  The advantage of CuteHTML or programs like it is that I have about 170 pages on my site and I can make a change in all of the pages simultaneously. I have Corel-photopaint for making buttons, image maps for menus etc but you can get an image mapping program for about $30 and you don't need an expensive Corel program.

Doing a website yourself allows you the flexibility to change it when you want.  This is especially important if you have an ever changing inventory or if you make one of kind things.  I spend at least an hour a day on my website, taking off or marking things that are sold out and adding on new items.  It is time-consuming.

Carol, S P Miniatures

Mini Show Manners: I've been a dealer at many mini shows and some of the things that bother me are:

Two or more friends stand in front of, and block your table, catching up on old times while potential customers are trying to get a chance to see what you have to offer.

- Step out into the lobby or hallway to chat.

When someone at your table is admiring or inquiring about an item and a friend calls from across the aisle or room to "come see what I found".

- The odds of that person coming back to your table are slim. Wait until they are free and escort them to the table you want them to see.

When someone lets their children (or themselves) touch everything on the table without asking permission from the dealer.

- Ask if you may pick up an item to inspect it closer. A lot of dealers will be happy to hand it to you or hold it while you look.

When someone asks for a discount if they buy a high priced item.

- There's a reason that it is priced that way. This ain't WALMART.

When some one places their purse, shopping bag, or other packages on your table, while either looking at or paying for their purchases.

- Wear a fanny pack and place your shopping bag on the floor between your legs so you won't forget it. Most dealers have a clipboard, or should, to give you something to lean on while signing your check or credit card slip.

When someone expects the dealer to pay sole attention to them, while there are other customers at the table.

- Please be patient. The dealer wants to pay as much attention to each customer as possible, but cannot always do so. Unfortunately, we also have to watch for theft too.

When customers have only large ($100 or $50) bills at the beginning of a show and buy a low priced item.

- Have plenty of smaller bills so the dealers will have enough change for everyone.

When customers say to their friends, in front of the dealers, "I can make that".

- Think about the time and effort the dealer has put into R & D and has had the guts to put it on a table for hundreds of people to admire and/or criticize it.

When people take pictures of your table without asking permission.

- Just ask. Most dealers will be happy that you think so much of their work that you want to remember it, even if it is to try and make something like it. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

I'm sure there are many more pet peeves that dealers have, but if you just use some common sense and try to place yourself on the other side of the table, you will have a great time and be treated with respect by the dealers.

Most of all, feel free to be awed, astonished, and amazed at the variety and quality of miniatures you will see at these shows, and tell the dealers how wonderful their things are. They should all be happy to talk to you if they are not busy and answer any questions you might have.

Spencer Stall

"When customers have only large ($100 or $50) bills at the beginning of a show and buy a low priced item. Have plenty of smaller bills so the dealers will have enough change for everyone."

I can't remember how many times someone will buy something at my table for under $10 and try to give me a $100 bill to pay. It is just not fair to the dealers to expect them to be your changemaker! When you go to the bank to get cash for the show, please ask them for fives, tens, twenties only - even some ones. It will make life happier for all of us.

Beth, In a Miniature Manor

Mini Show Manners: Why are people agonizing so much about proper behavior at mini shows -- lighten up people, use your common sense and approach with a friendly smile. Try it, you might like it.

Ann Kozlik

Visible Prices on miniatures: I'll add my two cents on miniatures without visible prices. Many years ago, I had a friend who worked at a furniture store that did not have prices on the furniture. The reason was so the salesman could quote a price that he thought the customer would pay--well above the so-called retail price. If the customer wouldn't buy, then the salesman would have a line about a one-day sale or such and give a lower price. To this day, I assume that if a item isn't priced, the dealer has different prices for different customers. For those who don't know me, I have had tables at miniature shows since 1984. If there are dealers on small stuff who do not have prices on their miniatures, it would be interesting to know their reasons. Don't email me, post it to the board as I'm sure the other readers would like to know.

Dean Jenson

Children at shows: I feel that all children are very special. Take the time to talk to them. I found that if a child does something that you do not like, like picking a miniature up, be kind and explain to the child that you will show them what they want to see. Children are really, very agreeable and will do what you ask. It's really all common sense and treating the little ones the way you would want to be treated.

Laura Bush

Children at shows: I never discourage children from touching my items, actually encourage it by putting the things that are less delicate at the front of my display and offer a Free Fimo ball for the young ones too, so they are encouraged, rather than discouraged. My landscape beds are especially tempting as they look like you get your fingers wet and the younger ones want to touch. I do put the more fragile things out of reach but would not hesitate to help a younger customer with a decision or just looking!! Many parent breathe a sigh of relief when I tell the little one to try to get their fingers wet lol!!! I also carry a couple of things that are affordable and appeal to the younger set just so they have something to do and look at!! But maybe since my daughter got me into this business I have a great respect for the younger collectors.

Laura Redman

Children at shows: I've been following your debate about children and venders. Here is are a couple of possible solutions..

Venders - if you don't want people picking up your items, put little string tags on them with the price that people can look at without picking up the item. Or maybe a little card in front of the pieces with the price on it.

Children - Make them Jr. SS badges so the venders know that "here is a child who is serious about miniatures." Maybe you could print on the bottom of the badge..."I'm not really a child, I'm just a small mini collector" LOL!

Grace Shaw

Mini Show Manners:

I have an "open table". Most of the things I sell (except for the very expensive items) are out in the open for people to touch, pick up, play with, and look at the price without having to ask. I think that this is very good for business and makes it more fun for the customers but it does have it's down side. I will skip shoplifting and price tag switching because that's stating the obvious. Some of the things I sell such as perfume bottles with tops or small delicate pieces are in small plastic containers. Don't open them without asking. The seller may prefer to open it themselves so that if the stopper to the perfume gets lost you won't be publicly beaten :-)

Don't block a table conversing with friends. I may get flak for this one, but sellers and buyers have about 6 hours to shop or make a profit. Blocking a table prevents customers from buying which annoys both the customers and the sellers. If you want to talk to friends go outside the sales room or in a corner out of people's way.

Be patient. If there's a line to pay, please wait your turn. If I'm helping a customer, I don't like being interrupted because not only is it rude, but I lose my train of thought (not hard these days), and it's unfair to the other customers. It's especially important not to interrupt while the seller is adding up a sale.

Don't ask for a discount. I give my "speech" which makes people very sorry they asked. The speech covers topics such as the expense and time involved doing a show. My prices are fair. If you go into a department store, do you ask the manager for a discount? If you ask for a senior citizen discount I will point to my husband and ask if he should charge extra because he's a senior citizen (I refuse to accept being a senior citizen).

Kids - I will put my 2 cents in about kids here as I saw another discussion going on this topic. I have on occasion given a kid my "look" which usually sends them running or have asked them to stop attempting to break something. I've also said the same thing to adults. What I have for sale on my table are not samples, it's the merchandise that other people will buy. Most of the pieces I sell are not intended for young children. A number of shows have children's tables with things appropriate for kids and at a price they can afford which is a great idea. That way they can truly participate.

The above comments are common sense. There are no special rules for shows.

Shows are a lot of fun. You get to meet with other people with the same interest as you. You get to see wonderful miniatures. You get the glorious feeling of guilt at having gone overboard. And you get to bring home neat stuff to enjoy for many years.

Carol, S P Miniatures

Mini Show Manners:

I have an "open table". Most of the things I sell (except for the very expensive items) are out in the open for people to touch, pick up, play with, and look at the price without having to ask. I think that this is very good for business and makes it more fun for the customers but it does have it's down side. I will skip shoplifting and price tag switching because that's stating the obvious. Some of the things I sell such as perfume bottles with tops or small delicate pieces are in small plastic containers. Don't open them without asking. The seller may prefer to open it themselves so that if the stopper to the perfume gets lost you won't be publicly beaten :-)

Don't block a table conversing with friends. I may get flak for this one, but sellers and buyers have about 6 hours to shop or make a profit. Blocking a table prevents customers from buying which annoys both the customers and the sellers. If you want to talk to friends go outside the sales room or in a corner out of people's way.

Be patient. If there's a line to pay, please wait your turn. If I'm helping a customer, I don't like being interrupted because not only is it rude, but I lose my train of thought (not hard these days), and it's unfair to the other customers. It's especially important not to interrupt while the seller is adding up a sale.

Don't ask for a discount. I give my "speech" which makes people very sorry they asked. The speech covers topics such as the expense and time involved doing a show. My prices are fair. If you go into a department store, do you ask the manager for a discount? If you ask for a senior citizen discount I will point to my husband and ask if he should charge extra because he's a senior citizen (I refuse to accept being a senior citizen).

Kids - I will put my 2 cents in about kids here as I saw another discussion going on this topic. I have on occasion given a kid my "look" which usually sends them running or have asked them to stop attempting to break something. I've also said the same thing to adults. What I have for sale on my table are not samples, it's the merchandise that other people will buy. Most of the pieces I sell are not intended for young children. A number of shows have children's tables with things appropriate for kids and at a price they can afford which is a great idea. That way they can truly participate.

The above comments are common sense. There are no special rules for shows.

Shows are a lot of fun. You get to meet with other people with the same interest as you. You get to see wonderful miniatures. You get the glorious feeling of guilt at having gone overboard. And you get to bring home neat stuff to enjoy for many years.

Carol, S P Miniatures

Children at shows: After reading all of the experiences that people have with children and vendors I have decided to say my peace. I won't even get on my tallest platform *wink*

Children and their behavior are dynamic little critters. I was taught to not touch unless I asked, but I also remember that some things were SOOOOO beautiful that I forgot to not touch, but I NEVER, EVER treated those things with anything but the utmost care and respect.. after all they were so wonderful and tiny.

To me it is EXTREMELY obvious what kids are at a show because mom drugs them, and those that have a love of the hobby themselves. The ones that love the stuff stand transfixed at your table staring at whatever it is that caught their little heart.

Those that are there because mom drug them are more difficult to deal with, and are more interested in leaving than buying our wares. Then again, I say take those parents out back to the woodshed, after all if they had any manners they would leave those kids at home, or control them better. Yes, there are exceptions I am talking about the inconsiderate parental masses we have all encountered.

It is important for all of us (no matter how much we think all kids are trouble) to understand that these young people make life decisions based on their childhood experiences. If we treat kids fairly, and honestly we will all have influenced that young person positively. If we treat the kids with the respect that all humans are due then we will receive the same when we are older and need care from the same children we interacted with.

Yes, there are times where children may make mistakes, we all do. If something is broken because they were rough, then yes it should be paid for. If some thing was broken because it was fragile and at the edge of the counter, then it is our own dumb fault as vendors. We need to remember that the wayward adult purse, shopping bag, or jacket is equally guilty for the same offense. We mumble about kids being inattentive and disrespectful when they reach, and talk about "accidents" when an adult reaches or swings their purse around. Consider your logic before you make an assumption.

So that is my soapbox. I love children, even the obnoxious ones, as I know that it isn't their fault that their parents may be selfish idiots who don't know the word discipline or baby sitter. (again, yes there are exceptions to the rotten kid thing)

Sudie Parker

Children at shows: I haven't seen a post about kids at shows who are there because mom/dad couldn't (or wouldn't) get a sitter. The children don't want to be there and are bored and we all know about bored children. I have had a number of children buy from me and it's wonderful to see their enthusiasm. I've also had the "I'm really bored and I hate being here and if I cause enough trouble maybe mom/dad will leave" kids hit my table and it's an unpleasant experience.

Carol

Children at shows: Some years ago I attended a show in Atlanta put on by the miniature club there. They had sections off an area into which ONLY children could go and shop amongst donated items. There were volunteers to help and make suggestions, but no other ADULTS were allowed. Some of their children and grandchildren were also working the area helping out.

Teddie Martin aka Mama Bear

Children at shows: I was particularly interested in the dealers that made the effort to offer little, inexpensive items for kids to buy. Then I had this thought - it happens sometimes...having a thought................If cheap things for kids to buy is a good thing wouldn't FREE things be even better? How about printing out some of the free printables (the checker game, the computer or TV or, my fave, the hatboxes) to give out to kids only? You could arrange it so that a printable only took half a page, to save on paper, AND you could use this as an amplified business card with dealer contact information on it. PLUS you would put on the proper credit to whichever site the printable came from. They wouldn't be sold. They would be credited and I think this utilization would be in the complete spirit that Jim (and others) offer them.

Maybe go a step further and distribute them in a Ziploc bag to keep them from being smeared or otherwise ruined. What fun to go home and put together a hatbox or a mini computer!

W. Marie in Edmonds, WA