The Paper Side of Craft Shows

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Mar 30, 2001

SALES RECEIPTS

Some customers do ask for a receipt. Have the capability of handing out one if asked. Receipt books are very inexpensive and can be purchased at office supply and discount stores. But you can also keep track of your sales by using a sales receipt book. On the book you can list the sale made to the customer and keep the duplicate copy for your record. The totals on the copies should be added at the end of the day. This should equal the total of the difference in your cash box between all the money in the box, minus the amount you started with before the show.

When collecting sales tax, remember that it is in the total in your cash box. Take tax money out and put it into a separate place - this money belongs to the State in which you reside. If you keep it separate right from the time you collect it, it will still be there when you have to file your report and write the check.

RECORDING SALES

Many crafters do not like to keep records, but they are necessary for the IRS. Read Bookkeeping...Why Bother?
Good records of your sales during a show will make your life much easier. It really depends on your product as to how you can keep track. If you sell only painted T-shirts at all the same price, the records can be very simple. If you sell white pine cut outs with some medium and large items, you must be particular and be organized.

Since I had small items and large items, I used an inventory list to keep track of my sales. It is set up with columns with headings:

ITEM NAME
NUMBER TAKEN TO SHOW
PRICE PER UNIT
TOTAL NUMBER SOLD
TOTAL DOLLARS IN SALES

List the items and number taken to the show and the price of each item. As a sale is made put hash marks for each item sold. At the end of the day multiply the price per item times the number of hash marks. Total the column at the far right to find the amount of cash taken in.

With this method you know your total sales and can use the sheet to control inventory. Read Home Inventory Software to get an idea of what inventory aids are available. This is a suggested method and you have an idea for your own.

Do remember that the cash is not all yours! Set aside the amount of sales tax collected and put into a separate account to be sent to the state collector of taxes.

BAGS, PACKING MATERIALS

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