Comments on: Should I Consider Having Small Business Liability Insurance?

By: Coral

Coral — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 22:45:15 +0000

Thanks for all your advice ladies, much appreciated.
The premises which put on the markets I attended already had public liability insurance.
I only do indoor markets as I also sell cards and silk scarves and Scottish weather is known for being wet and windy pretty often!
I will look up GM Imber Ali, thanks for that.
It is a bit of a worry that someone might decide to claim, as I know that online sales are more distanced in the mind of buyers than those made at markets when you have direct contact, and people have a different attitude to them.
Our weekly markets were so badly attended last summer that we’ve decided not to carry on with them this year, so I need to do things differently from now on. I live on a small island and we don’t have too many choices here.
Thank you all again for your help.

By: Anne Mulligan

Anne Mulligan — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 17:27:47 +0000

I would recommend having insurance, especially if you’re selling at craft shows. If you have a sudden storm and the wind picks up your tent (although, I’m sure that, being experienced, you know to secure it) or somebody trips coming into your booth and injures herself you could be liable for damages. I don’t know about the UK, but people in the US will sue at the slightest provocation.

By: Ali

Ali — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 12:30:26 +0000

Hi Coral,
Check out GM Imber & Sons – http://www.gmisl.co.uk/
They do reasonably priced insurance for small craft businesses, incl online, craft fairs, home sales parties, etc. I don’t know what it costs now, but a couple of years ago it started at approx £50-60; considering how financially crippling a potential claim against you could be if it ever does happen, I think it’s a no-brainer. However, do be aware that they don’t generally cover sales to USA or Canada (I think it’s because consumers there are so much more likely to bring a legal action and the payouts are so much higher).
Anyway, hope this helps, best of luck whatever you decide!
Ali 🙂
ps – Thanks Rena for all your fab advice and inspiration 🙂

By: Hazel

Hazel — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 11:04:17 +0000

Hi, I was told that you need public liability insurance if you are selling at craft fairs, unless the organizers say differently, but I’m not sure about online. If you sell through other sites, etsy or ebay, you can ask them for advice.

By: Rena Klingenberg

Rena Klingenberg — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 02:26:50 +0000

Hi Coral, I’m in the U.S., so I’m not familiar with what would be recommended for a business in the U.K. But if you have a local chamber of commerce, there is probably someone in that organization who can direct you to a person or resource that could answer your business insurance questions.