Suggestions for serious consideration regarding items to sell in a
giftshop

1) Choose items that really represent learning about what your msueum
has to offer:  local and regional history books are obvious; any
knicknacks should resemble items form the collection;  the IRS is
beginning to look at what museum giftshops are selling to make sure the
items are really within the mission of the msueum.

2) Take a look at your local community and what is contained in your
collection, and look at skilled local artists and craftspersons.  for
example, if you have quilts in your collection, is there someone local
who makes good quilts?  Would that person be interested in consigning a
quilt to the giftstore and share the proceeds, promoting both the museum
and the local economy?

Are there local photographers for taking photos of the museum interior
and exterior (those photos could be translated into postcards and
notecards) while also consigning his/her own other photos of the local
scene, again, sharing the proceeds of the sales?

Jewelry, pottery, metalurgy, and other arts can be considered.

It would mean making sure your tax records are clear and legal, as well
as any contracts you have with your artists.

-Hope this helps
Cheryl Maslin

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