If check was returned "account closed", you may have a criminal case depending upon when account was closed. If account was closed before date check was written, you definitely have a criminal case. If account was closed afer check was written, court may determine that you didn't present check for payment in a timely manner. In that case, you have a civil matter, not a criminal complaint.

If check was returned because of a "stop payment", you have a civil matter. Some people try to save time and work by filing a crime report for ANY check that doesn't clear. This can result in individual who gave you check being arrested. They may miss work and encounter a host of other problems as a result of your FALSE crime report.

I said FALSE crime report, because an individual who puts a stop payment order on a check almost always does so because of dissatisfaction with a product or service. The accused individual is now in a position to countersue for problems caused as a result of your FALSE crime report. This could end up costing you a lot more than value of check.

Sooner or later every small business operator will receive a bad check. The first thing to do is politely contact individual and give them opportunity to make check good. If that doesn't work, many people try to save time and work by filing a crime report regardless of why check didn't clear. It's very important to determine why a check didn't clear before deciding on a course of action.

Disclaimer: Stephen Bucaro is not engaged in rendering medical, legal, accounting or other professional service. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, services of a competent professional person should be sought.

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The problem facing many crafters is how exactly to go about selling them, or more accurately, finding paying customers. The fact is that there is an awful lot of competition out there.

My own business got jump-started by my “circle of friends”. My friends noticed and liked my calling cards and began to ask me to design and make cards for them. Starting with just Broderbund’s Create-a-Card program, I was soon earning a nice supplemental income in just a few hours a week. It probably helped that I was retired and live in an area dominated by retirees. But I think that everyone has a “circle of friends” either socially or at work.

Of course you don’t want to impose on their friendship by making a hard sell, but rather use or display your crafts in front of your friends to see if they draw any interest. If they do and if they’re priced right, you’re on your way to craft retailing for profit.

If your “circle of friends” market starts extending to friends of friends, you’re probably ready to tap general marketplace of craft retailing.

Most crafters are aware of periodic craft shows put on by local groups or even by local Parks Departments. These usually cost little or nothing to join and should give you a fair idea of whether there is any broader interest in your craft. What better way to jump into craft retailing?

There are also organized craft shows that tour country, most of which charge an entrance fee for participants. Check your local papers, especially free shoppers, for information about upcoming shows

Another venue for craft retailing is at localflea markets that spring up in every community just about every weekend. Again entrance cost is usually minimal. The only other thing you need is a little marketing savvy.

With a little cost and some effort, you will be well on your way to knowing whether there is a market for your craft. Once you know that, you can move on and think about other ways of selling, such as in galleries, on consignment, on eBay or from your own website.

All these methods and more are discussed in great detail on my website,http:// www.theartfulcrafter.com. Come visit and see what you can do to become successful in craft business!

By Eileen Bergen The Artful Crafter www.theartfulcrafter.com