Am I in "Business"

[Ottor]

Would you consider me a "Business" - my insurance company does... and wont' allow a separate policy for my camera equipment without catagorizing me as a business...

I have a website that I store pic's on for family/friends - anyone can purchase a photo if they want one...

I dont' advertise...

I dont' do 'commission' work - I work for nobody...

I have no 'studio'..

I love to take pictures - mostly landscapes - and I put them on my walls and website.. I have a full time job 40hr/wk - same job 25 years..

Not much difference between me and the amateur/hobbyist oil painter who paints pictures and will sell one to a person who liked it and wants it...

I 'did' sell some pictures last year ........... a total of $389 over the last 2 years - and one of those sales was for $200...

I have a 'card' that has my website on it - to give to people who want one....

Am I in "Business", or am i a hobbyist who wouldn't turn down an offer to by one of my pictures... ?

r

[OsmosisStudios]

Do you have a business license?

If not, then no, you're not a business and raising that issue with the insurance company may help. Unless, somehow, they refuse to underwrite camera equipment for a particular reason (other than this claimed business), you should be able to get insurance on your equipment.

If you still cant, consider a different company just for your gear.

[Jim Bryant]

OS is right, in order to be in business legally you much process a business license. I told my long time insurance company if they wouldn't insure my cameras, which I went to Hayes and Associates.com, I'd switch to another company, which I did and got lower home, personal and car rates.

[dakwegmo]

I probably wouldn't say you're in business. However, I'm not underwriting your insurance policy. Insurance companies have different guidelines about what they consider personal vs. commercial use of your equipment. It may be the total value of the gear or the amount of money you make from it. Whatever their definition, that's what they'll go by if you ever try to file a claim. Adjusters will think nothing of denying a claim because they've determined you were using your gear commercially.

[BigVinnie]

You need to consult with an insurance "broker", not an agent. Brokers are licensed to deal with multiple companies and will know the ins/outs better.

I had a similar problem when it came to my cars.

[Jim Poor]

Photography is not a licensed business in many states. Insurance companies go on the more common perception that if you make money, ANY money with it, it's a business.

[Statto]

I suppose it depends on where in the world you are, as ive read posts saying that coz your american you need a business leicense
BUT
Here in the UK

If your selling, then your a business, no matter how small

One question has sprung to mind, which is slightly off track but hopefully some of you guys will respond

How much ($) can you earn by selling your skills in the USA before
A) You have to have a business leicense
B) You have to declare the income to the TAX authoritys

In the UK, all income, no matter how small or from what source has to be declared

[candleman]

Originally Posted by Jim Poor

Photography is not a licensed business in many states. Insurance companies go on the more common perception that if you make money, ANY money with it, it's a business.

+1

in NZ, the insurance company wont ask you "do you operate as a business" when trying to insure your camera gear.. they ask "Is it used in any way commercially"

so, in their eyes, if you are making money you're using it commercially and arent covered under normal personal Contents policies.
dont lie and say you arent,... because when it comes to claim time, they know more about you than you think.

I have to get additional insurance for my gear for my business..
fortunatley my cover includes accidental damage.. so giving it a bath would be covered

[GadgetRick]

Originally Posted by Statto

I suppose it depends on where in the world you are, as ive read posts saying that coz your american you need a business leicense
BUT
Here in the UK

If your selling, then your a business, no matter how small

One question has sprung to mind, which is slightly off track but hopefully some of you guys will respond

How much ($) can you earn by selling your skills in the USA before
A) You have to have a business leicense
B) You have to declare the income to the TAX authoritys

In the UK, all income, no matter how small or from what source has to be declared

Well, in most states here, you don't need any kind of license for photography. However, you must declare ALL income no matter how small to the IRS (technically).

[wri7913]

IRS in the U.S. wouldn't consider you "in business" until you've made over $500. Just because you made some money off your photography doesn't mean you are "commercial".

IMHO, I don't think you would be "commercial" until you are making a substantial income off it to cover part or full operations of a business. That means you would be a "professional" (making a full living off your photography, or "semi-professsional" making extra income.)

If you can't get covered by your current insurance you may need to seek out another insurance for your gear only. ASMP would likely be a good place to look unless a pro can give you more info here.

Candleman says "Well, in most states here, you don't need any kind of license for photography. However, you must declare ALL income no matter how small to the IRS (technically)."

You can make up to $500 before you need to submit tax forms. At that point you should have a Business license and / or DBA to submit taxes.