Plant sales at local Orchid Societies

[Mauisoxfan]

Happy New Year to all! My question for all of you orchidists is whether your local society has plant sales(a members table or something similar but apart fom the sale of speaker's plants) and if so, does it work well? What would you change, improve or keep the same. Also- and most important, does this affect non-profit status? We are considering doing something like this and I want to be prepared with infos for the next board meeting.
Thanks in advance for all the wonderful answers I anticipate from this great group.
Victoria

[Cym Ladye]

Victoria,

Every society to which I belong in California has a members' table for sales. Depending on each club, a % ranging from 10% to 25% of each sale goes to the club. The member takes home the remainder. Sales tax is paid from the percentage that goes to the club. In some societies, tax on the entire sale amount is deducted before the percentage goes to the club. In the books with which I am most familiar, it goes under a "table rental" or "booth space rental" classification.

I know of two societies for certain that charge a "booth space fee" at their respective shows and both are 501 3C classified. It is one way in which a society can generate operating fees and also serve its members by giving them an outlet to circulate their collections.

Hopefully more members of the Forum will chime in.

CL

[Mauisoxfan]

CL - Many thanks! I agree that there are many benefits for all as long as pest/disease control is effective. It could add a nice component to our monthly meetings. We currently have hard to get orchid supplies available every other month with profits being given to the society and that works well. Appreciate your input
VC

[Mauisoxfan]

Cl - another question - we currently have plant sales at our 4 annual shows - but I am considering the possibility of a member sales table at monthly meetings- does your reply still apply
thanks again
VC