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From: wifetod
Date: 08-09-2004, 01:22 PM (1 of 7)
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I am wondering if any of you have turned your sewing talents into a small business? The reason I am asking is that I have made a couple of jackets recently and I had relatives here last week and they said that they would sell at craft shows and stuff real easy. I don't know that I would ever do it but if you have any knowledge of what it involves I would like to hear about it. I am also wondering how much you can make a year before you have to call it a small business and get a tax permit etc. I live in Texas and I don't know if this varies from state to state or not. I have never sold anything on ebay but have bought from there a few times. Just curious. Jolene
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User: wifetod
Member since: 01-19-2004 Total posts: 149 
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From: plrlegal
Date: 08-09-2004, 04:27 PM (2 of 7)
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That's probably true Joelene. However, if you are using a commerical pattern, i.e., McCalls, Butterick, etc., there are copyright infringements to consider when selling the items you make with these patterns. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: colojd
Date: 08-15-2004, 01:36 PM (3 of 7)
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I could be wrong, but I think that making and selling items from commerical patterns is not a copyright infringement. It is a copyright infrigement though if the design or item for the pattern says "for home use only". For example, some licensed items like Disney, Muppets, might have this statement on the pattern. I owned a fabric shop in the 80's and asked the pattern companies about this and they said that only the patterns with this statement meant that you could not make the item and resell it, not even at a church bazaar. This means for example that you could make a stuffed Mickey Mouse toy to give as a gift to a child but could not make these and sell them if the pattern says for Home Use Only. Same might be true with a Halloween costume pattern - if it is a generic one like a witch, then it is probably OK to make and sell but if it is a character from TV, Movies, etc and the pattern says for home use only, you probably cannot make and resell these. The idea here is that some of these companie release patterns to almost identical things that they sell in retail stores and don't want the home sewer making and selling what they sell, too. But to be sure, go directly to the pattern companies and ask their customer service department. To answer your question about selling on Ebay, I have a good friend who sews and she sells things she made on Ebay as well as kits like ones for quilting. These are her own design. She found that sometimes things sell well and other times they don't - which is typical with Ebay. You never know if they buyer is out there the week that you list your item. My friend found that she had to carefully buy quality fabric and notions as cheaply as possible because people want to buy online as cheaply as possible and after the cost of your time and the materials, you probably are not making much profit. |
User: colojd
Member since: 05-03-2002 Total posts: 83 |
From: boogalooz
Date: 10-12-2004, 06:05 PM (4 of 7)
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I have sold some things. Not from patterns that I have purchased though. I make and sell fitted diapers, and covers, and other baby type items. christine Christine
Diaper maker - BoogaloozBaby Avon lady www.interavon.ca/christine.ziegler mommy to Susanne 3.5 and Victoria 17mo wifey to Will for 6.5 years |
User: boogalooz
Member since: 10-08-2004 Total posts: 32 
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From: paroper
Date: 10-12-2004, 06:42 PM (5 of 7)
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According to the Oklahoma State Tax Commission, if you have as much as a garage sale and make only a few dollars in OKLAHOMA, you are by law required to pay sales taxes to the state (eventhough you are loosing money on the goods you sell.) My recommendation would be to contact the state tax commission of your state and ask the question. There may be variences according to how to sell your item: internet or whatever. Now, if you sell your items to a business, the business collects taxes and you might not have to collect from them, I don't knowt. If you sell your items through a business (like a crafters' mall), the business is responsible for collecting your taxes and they may actually pay those taxes for you (but they'll usually take it out of your proceeds.) It is generally a good rule to safe at the beginning rather than sorry later. In our state, if you provide a pure service with no product sold, you may not have to collect taxes. There are certain advantages to having a tax id number anyway.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: paroper
Date: 10-12-2004, 06:44 PM (6 of 7)
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Our state also offers free one day workshops to help you decide how you want to run your business (each month).
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Londa
Date: 10-22-2004, 10:57 PM (7 of 7)
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I am really working at this - but doing better at high level craft shows and in boutiques and 'markets' around town and the area. I have a website up with my 'done' stuff, but I haven't taken time to market it yet, so I can't complain it isn't doing well - yet! Kenneth King (sewed for Elton John), says that if no one is buying your stuff to RAISE your prices - you just need a different market! Right on!!!!!  Regarding the copyright issue - a gal in the industry who has aa very successful pattern line said in a seminar she checked into this VERY thoroughly with a lawyer and that even if they put this on a pattern, it doesn't really mean that you can't. For the few things you would make - I don't see a problem. I look at it this way - what is the difference between doing custom sewing and making money from it for a client in hand versus doing the same thing for a client you don't know yet. I don't think any of us are planning on setting up a sweat shop here or abroad and making a million of a garment. But, even then - do you really think that most styles haven't already been made and remade and remade and remade? Now - if you go copy the pattern itself and sell that pattern - that is infringement. Disney - I wouldn't even think of trying to sell something with Disney on it - they have police everywhere, and when I sold Brother machines, the company made it VERY clear to caution those buying the Disney machines against thinking they could sell the stuff. Enough said. Regarding business - yes, always do it the right way. It's not that hard. Really - and most info is right there on the internet. Think big and be prepared! Londa www.londas-sewing.com www.alondaoriginal.com Londa
www.londas-sewing.com www.alondaoriginal.com |
User: Londa
Member since: 05-26-2004 Total posts: 39 
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