Knife Shows??

[L6steel]

I'm going to my first knife show soon and would like some advice from those knifemakers/dealers who have show experience. Heres some questions I have.
1- Is the knifemaker/dealer liable if someone cuts themselves while handling one of your knives?
2-If you are liable, would having a warning sign saying the knives are sharp release you from liability?
3-Should I have a reciept book and give them out when a knife sells?
4- Am I required to pay sales tax and if so should I add it to the price of the knife or eat it myself?
5-If you have several knives of a specific model do you lay them all out on the table or keep the extras off?
6-If a customer drops a knife and does damage to it, are they liable or do I just live with it?
If there is any other advice you folks can share, please post it. I am looking forward to this show but I want to be prepared and don't want to embarrass myself there. Thanks!!

 

[RHINOKNIVES]

L-6, i can tell you that the shows i do require you to have a resale permit on file with them. its 8 1/4 % here in sunny s. cal, my customer pay it. it is being collected for the state. i don't get a dime. you may want to have you marked price include what the tax is in you area. but if you are not paying the tax don't collect it. that wil get you in more trouble. besides being dishonest. these are adult people, if they damage it they are responsiable.i bring bandaids with me and there free! the most important thing is to relax and say hi, and talk with people. you my not make the sale that time. i have people that are good for a blade of mine about every show and one,s ever other show and some i have talk with every time for four time's in a row and still have yet to buy. but that is o.k. the may send a friend or who know's. also just having a talk with someone help's having other people stop and look! good luck!

 

[Brett Bennett]

Mike,

I've only done one show, so take this for what it's worth.

1. I would think not, but a fairly good precedent has been set for suing manufacturers for misuse by the customer. I would ask the promoter of the show.
2. See above.
3. I provide a certificate with all of my knives. I only had one person ask for a seperate receipt. I would take one just in case.
4. Probably best to ask the show promoter. The show I attended left it up to the maker.
5. It's probably best not to have more than 10 knives on the table at one time. Keep the extras stashed away.
6. Hopefully the customer would do the right thing and offer to pay, avoiding an uncomfortable situation on the part of the maker. As the maker, I would offer to repair the knife, so I didn't have an upset customer with a broken knife.

Other advice that has mostly been given to me, would include:
-Talk to your customers at eye level. Bring a folding stool or directors chair so you are at a higher level when seated.
-Remain at your table as much as possible, even if you have no knives left. If you can, bring an album of knives so that you can still 'display' your knives and get orders.
-Bring your own table covering.
-Be able to make change.
-The ability to take credit cards helps.
-Provide an information card with each knife that includes things like length, steel, hardness, handle material, price, etc. Remember, not everyone knows what micarta or Ironwood is, for example.
-Put business cards on each end of the table.
-Consider adding a 'conversation piece' or other type of attention getter at your table to draw in the customer. Often, people get that 100 meter stare and overlook your table completely unless something really stands out.
That's all I can think of off the top of my head. I'm sure others will have much to add.

Brett

 

[R Dannemann]

Think a small card stating knives are sharp is a good idea, combined with a quick offer of a band-aid.

Sales tax, every state is probably different. Mine has a manufacturers license available, giving you limited events per year for retail sales with less paperwork/expense during the year. There may be a temporary tax license available. Including sales tax as part of the purchase price is illegal in my state, it must be identifed as a seperate amount added to the selling price.

Some people around here, not me, give the materials to the buyer and sales tax is not charged on labor in my state, thus avoiding the whole issue for a while at least.

There is probably a website for the Sales Tax collection agency in your site with answers to a lot of questions or a booklet available. Here its called the Dept of Revenue.

My state seems to become more complicated each year and seems fully intent on burying its citizens under red tape.