New to all of this!

[Allaroundadorable]

I have always enjoyed crafts and a few months ago I started making hair bows for my daughters and For a few years I have been making Party stuff for friends and family. (diaper cakes, towel cakes, party banners, invitations and decorations) Everyone told me to start selling on etsy. A local woman I know that is the head of a few festivals and fairs asked me to be a part of one this month. She said that I do not need any business or vendor permits/licenses to be a part of it.

I am really excited to do this seeing as I am a stay at home mother of 2 and its time for me to have something other then "mommy duties" lol but I don't want to do it the wrong way....What do I need to have (permits, licenses) and do I need to collect sales tax on my items?? I would love to be a part of more fairs and festivals in the future or sell at flea markets, so I want to make sure I have all my ducks in a row so to say!!!

I would love any advice or information about starting a new handmade item business in Florida.
Thanks in advance

[MaggieTheCat]

If you are in the U.S. (just noticed you said Florida...) then yes, you will need to get a tax permit.  It should not be too hard to obtain, try searching for "Florida sales tax permit" or something similar, or check at a library for reference documents, or ask the person who invited you to her show or another vendor.  If she says you don't need anything, be sure to ask her about a state sales tax permit.  If she still says you don't need one...check with someone else.  I am only really familiar with my state's laws (Texas) but as far as I know, every state requires that you obtain a sales tax permit to sell, and then to report and pay sales taxes.  I don't really want to get into how it's done here since it might be totally different in Florida and I don't want to start you off with false information.

Vending is a lot of work but, to me at least, is very rewarding.  Remember to expect the unexpected for your first show or three, and that diving in head-first is the best way to learn.  There will be bumps along the way and you will have to improvise but things will work themselves out.  Have fun and good luck!

[Shelin20]

I applied for my tax id number on my states irs website it was a lot of questions to answer but free and easy they took 2 days emailed me the number and are mailing me my cards, its a good and easy way to cover your but. lol