Hi everyone.
My Dad, for 43 years, operated a jewelry store in Bronson. He retired Jan 1, 2006 and the store has sat empty for a year. My wife does massage as a part-time extra money type thing and I have made her a room in the old store. There is some extra room and I've decided to try and sell what other people call "junk". I call it "neat stuff".
I am looking for any hints from some of you who operate a store front. I most likely won't have any high end items. Just cool junk, of which fishing collectables will be a fair percentage.
How do I go about getting a tax number and how does sales tax work? The shop will only be open by chance or appointment. Dad still lives next door to the shop. He may be willing to sit over there if I install a t.v..
What do you think? Any helpful suggestions?
Dave "O"
Can I get some business help?
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Ron Mc
- Star Board Poster
- Posts: 3403
- Joined: Thu Apr 29, 2004 7:49 am
- Location: downtown Bulverde, Texas
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don't know how it varies from state-to-state.
I can tell you about Texas.
You go to the County Tax Office and register a business name.
They verify that the name you selected doesn't already exist, and that same application goes to the state for your Sales Tax Permit.
Initially, you can file Sales Tax annually (filing quarterly or monthly is your option). The form accounts for your City and County taxes as well, and it's all submitted to the state (there's even a discount for early filing).
When your sales reach a certain level, you get a "congradulatory" letter from the state and you're expected to file monthly from then on.
If any point you want out of this mess, you go back to the County Tax Office and have your DBA and Sales Tax Permit revoked.
from ask.com, this is the first site that pops up for "texas sales tax"
http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/sales/index.html
try it for your state.
I can tell you about Texas.
You go to the County Tax Office and register a business name.
They verify that the name you selected doesn't already exist, and that same application goes to the state for your Sales Tax Permit.
Initially, you can file Sales Tax annually (filing quarterly or monthly is your option). The form accounts for your City and County taxes as well, and it's all submitted to the state (there's even a discount for early filing).
When your sales reach a certain level, you get a "congradulatory" letter from the state and you're expected to file monthly from then on.
If any point you want out of this mess, you go back to the County Tax Office and have your DBA and Sales Tax Permit revoked.
from ask.com, this is the first site that pops up for "texas sales tax"
http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/sales/index.html
try it for your state.
Thanks Ron and Steve "V" who emailed direct.
Any ideas for when I get the shop up and running?
I always like venues where I can pick things up and hold them in my hand. I know many people lock everything up that could fit in your pocket. To protect against loss.
What about pricing? Most places I frequent will always drop 10% just by asking. Do sellers price accordingly? I know some people who won't buy even at a good price if they don't get a discount.
Do "smalls" sell better than big ticket items? Do you move your stock around from time to time to get a fresh look or do you leave it in the same place so people know where to look.
Know any effective cheap ways of advertising?
Hey Brian, I bet this all belongs in another forum doesn't it?
Thanks again Ron and Steve. I'll get over to the County when I finish my drywalling. Cut my thumb on my table saw last week so work is going quite slowly.
Dave "O"
Any ideas for when I get the shop up and running?
I always like venues where I can pick things up and hold them in my hand. I know many people lock everything up that could fit in your pocket. To protect against loss.
What about pricing? Most places I frequent will always drop 10% just by asking. Do sellers price accordingly? I know some people who won't buy even at a good price if they don't get a discount.
Do "smalls" sell better than big ticket items? Do you move your stock around from time to time to get a fresh look or do you leave it in the same place so people know where to look.
Know any effective cheap ways of advertising?
Hey Brian, I bet this all belongs in another forum doesn't it?
Thanks again Ron and Steve. I'll get over to the County when I finish my drywalling. Cut my thumb on my table saw last week so work is going quite slowly.
Dave "O"
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Ron Mc
- Star Board Poster
- Posts: 3403
- Joined: Thu Apr 29, 2004 7:49 am
- Location: downtown Bulverde, Texas
- Contact:
throw in some things to keep the wives interested - look for some steals in old furniture. Visit estate sales, etc.
Again, I only know Texas, but the DBA (and tax permit) is a one-time $30 fee, so anytime is good, especially to secure your DBA name.
look for some old glass counters at flea markets - keeps the shoplifting down on your nice reels, and that way you get to talk to people and tell them history about the items.
the good thing about small items is that people will buy them just to "get stuff"
Again, I only know Texas, but the DBA (and tax permit) is a one-time $30 fee, so anytime is good, especially to secure your DBA name.
look for some old glass counters at flea markets - keeps the shoplifting down on your nice reels, and that way you get to talk to people and tell them history about the items.
the good thing about small items is that people will buy them just to "get stuff"
you all gona do WHAT!!!??? HMMMNNN!!
usa Dave, at last count, were you not the CITY Manager?or about the same as a mayor only you said the manager made more DOLLARS? YIKES! will that be that ifin one gits a ticket in Bronson one can pay the fee grabers in REELS, RODS or LURES? Do you still collect Bronson, COXE reels and SHUREBITE LURES? and you dont know where you gets them permits!? Lansing is for sales tax, then the county gets a share and lets see Bronson , dont they too have a city permit? And ifin you dont know what to put in that shop, BOY! the cold weather must be gitting to you! Of corse you could be a nice person and take consignments in, that way you wont have a inventory tax to pay! To all ORCANS! attention DAVE IS SHARPER than a 2 edged r*bass*or blade! For Starters Dave How about that ice fishing gizzmo you had in West Ohio about 2 years ago? I will give CASH MONEY FOR IT! ha ha ho, Your Ohio conection on a COLd LAKE ERIE Col. Milton Lorens aka SWIM JIG