Sales in the USA advise

[suzielaws]

Hello guys

I have just started selling on etsy and mostly everything is going to the USA, my broker friend has told me I must tell my Liability Insurers and they will probably not be happy with this much sales going to the USA, and my premium will go up a lot. I'm still waiting to find out how much but I just thought I'd ask you guys what you all do?

Thanks Suzie

[Kalorlo]

It depends who you're with - Ian Wallace said I should put on my T&C that by buying from my Etsy shop you agree that all transactions are subject to UK legislation. (Not that I've sold anything to the US or Canada yet!)

[chipperpottery]

Well done Suzie, wish I had that problem.

[Blue Box Studio]

Ian Wallace accept that some of my sales are to the US, but I had to state how many.  Think I said about 20 a year and they cover it, the Aviva policy doesn't specifically cover non-UK sales.  Not sure any of the smaller business insurance policies cover non-UK.

[suzielaws]

Thank you everyone for your replies, I'm with Axa at the moment so I guess I may need to change Insurers. Thanks again.

[Margram]

We had a good old natter about this on this thread Suzie: http://www.frit-happens.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=21758.0

[Kalorlo]

http://www.a-n.co.uk/ is recommended there. I didn't go with them as I didn't meet their criteria. The actual FAQ is at https://www.a-n.co.uk/join_in/faqs/single/567125

[Blue Box Studio]

http://www.a-n.co.uk/ is recommended there. I didn't go with them as I didn't meet their criteria. The actual FAQ is at https://www.a-n.co.uk/join_in/faqs/single/567125

Have I missed something about their criteria?  I thought it was now open to anyone, although it used to be 2d only.

I'm going to try Towergate next year, not because I don't like Ian Wallace but because of Direct Line moving the goal post about working from home.  Dh needs professional indemnity as well so thought it would be easier to get everything from one company - or perhaps not?

[Kalorlo]

Here's what it says on there if you click on "Does my kind of practice make me eligible for AIR membership and PPL insurance cover?":

AIR is open to all practising visual and applied artists. Practising artists tend to be carrying out activities such as seeking to exhibit or sell their work in galleries and fairs, seeking or accepting commissions, selling to collectors, undertaking artists' residencies and community projects and receiving artistic coverage through reviews, features and critical writing.

AIR doesn't formally 'vet' artists' applications, and expects prospective members to be honest and truthful when signing up for AIR membership and its associated services. Using the following definitions of "practising artist" if you can say 'yes' to at least 3 you would be considered eligible for AIR membership and all its professional benefits, including PPL insurance cover.
You hold a degree (or equivalent qualification) in a visual arts practice.
You've held at least one public exhibition, installation or live art performance (other than a degree show) in the recent period.
You have carried out on a paid-for basis at least one artist's residency or community project in the recent period.
You have sold art or craft work through a gallery, exhibition space or retail outlet in the recent period.
Your work has been reviewed, featured or profiled in an arts magazine or website or other relevant publication.
You are a current member of another professional body for artists such as Contemporary Glass Society, DACS, Royal Society of British Sculptors, etc.
Your work has been commissioned on paid-for basis on at least one occasion by a public or private client.
You have received at least one prize, grant, award or bursary in your capacity as a practising artist.
You have had at least one work purchased for a public or a private collection.

If you aren't able to affirm at least 3 from the above, you would not be eligible at this point for AIR membership nor its professional services including PPL insurance. AIR is committed to reviewing its membership processes and activities annually and will launch an Associate Membership option in due course.

When I was looking for insurance, I didn't meet enough of those. Now I meet 3, just. It was more complicated for me, because I was starting off selling the glass only and intending to sell beads later. (It seems a bit odd to me that you have to have sold something *before* you can join, but eh).

[Blue Box Studio]

I can think of a lot of people with a-n insurance who don't meet 3!  Wonder if they check up if you ever have to make a claim. I sort of meet 3, public exhibition, gallery sales and private collection - assuming everything I sell goes into a private collection.  Bit tentative though.

[Kalorlo]

I've got member of professional body (with GBUK), commission and private collection. Oh, and potentially sold through exhibition, though that's a bit shaky.

Hey, you sold three beads to me that are in *my* private collection!