First thing I did, was to get a Sales and Use tax license. In the state of Texas, that means 8.25% I don't have to pay at Point of Sale. Of course on the back end, I've got to do a lot of paperwork (I choose to file quarterly), and maintain receipts...that is the life of an entrepreneur.One of the perks of being a member of the Austin Bead Society, is many of the local bead stores offer discounts...+Legendary Beads (15%); +Sea of Beads (10%); +Nomadic Notions (10%). Original Beads in San Antonio, offers ABS members a discount as well. Additionally, Nomadic Notions and Sea of Beads both offer 20% discount off materials on the day of a class.
I recently discovered ebay as a place for shopping for beads and beading material... I saw a listing on ebay 1000 4mm Swarovski Crystals (this was for auction). With only minutes left, I bid $.99 and guess what, I won! Yeah!!! Good deal right? Well, seller was in China and it was $10+ for S&H. My thought process was, at $.01 per bicone, if they truly were Swavorski, this was a major steal..if not and they were Czech or Austrian, still no big deal...there was just nowhere that I could purchase 1000, 4mm bicone crystals for under $12. Draw backs...long shipping time and you just weren't sure whether or not they were Swarovski's. To me, well worth it...I just don't list that I use Swarovski Crystals in my product details.
Other places you might find some good deals...
Some of my favorite online stores always have deals and specials running...check them out online and sign up for email newsletters...Auntie's Beads, Fusion Beads; INM Crystals and of course Firemountain Gems...
Almost forgot, the best place to shop...bead shows!...OMG how could I forget! There are many to choose from. I try to stay as local as possible...more money to spend on beads! It's a beaders dream...beads of all colors, shapes and sizes and all (mostly) priced to sell. It's wonderful if you have a Sales and Use License (No paying tax) and the vendors (many of them) will have bulk specials...buy 10 get 9 or some other thing that you can really get more bang for your buck!
Happy Shopping!
Good one although not sure if I understand the license part. So if you have that no tax on supplies nor finished product? Or is that only in Texas?
ReplyDeletePNI:
ReplyDeleteIt's best to review the applicable Tax laws for your state. In the state of Texas, with a valid Sales and Use License, I am able to purchase goods and materials related to my business without paying the 8.25% applicable tax at the time of purchase because my intent is to resell a finished product. When I sell a product, I must charge the applicable taxes (in accordance with tax filing rules)and then quarterly pay the collected taxes. Hope that helps...
Here's a link: http://www.colorado.gov/cms/forms/dor-tax/drp0099.pdf
Thanks
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