hum... I think you're twisting my post into something I never said...

I never said the club was running a "profitable business" selling merchandise.

I didn't say the club had employees. Of course the club is run by volunteers.

I stated a FACT that the CLUB was already selling merchandise. The CLUB spends the money for the items. The CLUB is receiving the proceeds for the items being sold. That is a fact with that can't be disputed. Whether or not the club is doing so at profit is a different topic. Some members have indicated that practice of selling merchandise might need to be taken into consideration since our club now has a tax exempted status.

I didn't say selling merchandise was right or wrong because of our tax-exempted status. If I had to guess, I would GUESS that it's ok since other non-profit organizations can do it.

As far as donating time back to the club to run the club's gift shop when we get a building... SIGN ME UP! I hope to see it happen one day!

Archie said: "...Selling club promotional items at close to, or below cost..."

Since you bought up this topic... Do you really sincerely believe the club's promotional items are sold at or below cost? I disagree with you. For example, a set of five tournament chips in being sold by the club for $15. That would make each chip be $3.00 if sold individually. You've had professional quality chips made in the past as have I. My per chip cost was no where near $3. More like $1... I'm no tax attorney but that's not below cost.

Please don't infer that I don't like the club selling stuff. I think's it GREAT. I just disagree with your statement that the club is selling the items at or below their cost.