I have recently been asked about selling handmade crafts.
It occurred to me that we have never addressed this topic. Selling your crafts isn't as simple as it first seems. There are a number of issues that can come up.
1. The first and most important is: Do you own the design? Is it your own original work? If not, you could be looking at serious and very costly lawsuits. Copyright infringement is nothing to treat lightly. Be very careful.
2. You may need a license depending on how you are intending to sell your product. Talk to your county building. There is a form called DBA (Doing Business As) that you fill out and pay a fee in the U.S.. I am sure Canada and other areas have something similar.
3. You also may need to fill out papers with the IRS. This is prior to doing business. It also gives you a tax ID number and can save you money.
One person asked recently if part of their product could be someone else’s property. If I were to create a crochet design and market it with the yarn and crochet hook, even though the yarn and crochet hook were not created by me, that would be ok. If I were to use someone else’s design and add the yarn and crochet hook and market them as kits. That would not be ok due to the fact that I do not have the right to use that design without express permission of the owner. Make sure it is in writing and have it looked over by a lawyer to insure that the permission allows you not only access but access with the ability to market it in the manner you intend.
Above all else check with your local government to find out all the rules and regulations.
