Sole-proprietors are not required to have an EIN. But if you are a sole-proprietor, I strongly recommend getting one.

The reason? If you are a sole-proprietor, clients who pay you $600 or more in course of a year must file a 1099 on your behalf. And they need your social security number or employer identification number to do that.

And you, in turn, are required to do same for your own sole-proprietor subcontractors who receive $600 or more in payments from you.

The Employer's ID number fulfills IRS's requirements when filing your 1099s, so you just substitute EIN for social security number.

The process is easy and straightforward.

You can apply for your EIN number online at IRS website (www.irs.gov) or ask IRS to have forms sent to you.

1. Ask basic questions about families and homes. Suggest items that would fit their lifestyle or decor. 2. Suggest that a guest can "earn" a gift she particularly wants for "free" by hosting a party. 3. Never high-pressure a guest into having a show. 4. If you don't have answer to a guest's question, simply note guest's name and phone number and call them at home with answer. This gives you more time to talk to guest and does not take valuable time away from other guests during party.

Finishing Up Guest Orders It should take about 10 minutes for all guests' Order Forms to be completed. As soon as you have gathered all orders and remittances, it's time to award Host her free gift if your program is set up for it. In some cases you won't actually have gift with you since some companies suppliythe incentives gift free of charge based on party performance. However, you can still make it a point to present her with a certificate. Note: Make sure you do this before gusts leave. It's a strong incentive to host a party.

Getting Paid: Be prepared to accept cash payments (have some change on hand) along with checks. Many guests will probably want to write a check, so be sure they make check out to you or your company's name, whichever you prefer. Since most guests are well known to party host, you don't need to worry too much about "bouncing" checks. If a problem comes up, it will be easy enough to contact that guest and let them know their check didn't clear.

Policy Tip: You might want to hold off on ordering merchandise until each check has cleared. Of course, if you have a merchant account you can accept credit card payments as well.

How To End The Show After all orders have been taken and you've signed up some future . hosts, run through this checklist:

1. Each guest should have a copy of his or her completed order form. 2. Give all future hosts their Open House Host Guides. 3. Get names and addresses of guests who had solid reasons for not booking shows immediately. They are still good future prospects, and excellent names for your mailing list. 4. Be sure all display samples are back in boxes and all packed up.

Good Practice: Make it a point to visit or call Host following day to express your appreciation for their hospitality.