Wholesale & Retail Business
Everyone has a passion of some sort and, whether it be art, cosmetology, or caring for animals, it is natural to want to share this enthusiasm with others. Hence, more and more entrepreneurs start wholesale and retail businesses out of their homes, enabling them to provide others with the supplies they need to nurture their own interests.
As every smart entrepreneur knows, business insurance is vital to protecting those interests ensuring the security of your livelihood. We provide specialized policies to wholesalers and retailers to include:
Advertising Specialty Item Sales
Businesses under this category sell promotional items that help other businesses to advertise and promote their brand. Typically, the business will work with several manufacturers and utilize multiple catalogues. Items range from the inexpensive, such as pencils and pens to more expensive items such as clothing and office supplies, making this classification quite inclusive. Note that this sort of coverage does not extend to advertising and marketing consultants, as well as direct importers of goods. Please note that no writing of copy or product placement is allowed on otherwise eligible products.
Note: Personal and Advertising Injury Exclusion and Communicable Disease Exclusion* will be attached in states where approved.
Antique Gallery/Shop
Businesses covered under this category deal specifically with rare, historic, and low to high-valued items of certain mediums from distinct periods. This policy also includes antique galleries and stores that have gift shops that include a few authentic antiques. Antique dealers act as liquidators and appraisers, and some may hold auctions and exhibits at trade shows. We do not extend this class of coverage to sales of toys or collectibles, including baseball cards and Beanie Babies.
Note: Antiques are valued on an Actual Cash Value basis only.
Note: Communicable Disease Exclusion* will be attached in states where approved.
Art Gallery & Studio
Coverage includes artists who exhibit and sell paintings, drawings, graphics and a variety of other art objects such as sculpture, tapestries and photos. Merchandise can range from original works of fine art to mass-produced reproductions.
The value of pieces can vary considerably and is subject to the BPP limit. Restoration and appraisal may also be included. An art studio is defined as a workplace for an artist to study and create art objects. Ice sculptors are not eligible under this class.
Note: Art is valued on an Actual Cash Value basis only. Communicable Disease Exclusion* will be attached in states where approved.
Artist Supplies
This category includes artist supply sales via the Internet or parties. The realm of goods covered is quite comprehensive, including items like paint, canvas, easels, pencils, charcoal, paper, fabric, yarn, and sewing materials, etc. This particular policy does not address retail storefront operations.
Note: Communicable Disease Exclusion* will be attached in states where approved.
Artist supply businesses also benefit from Additional Insured Coverage, which allows the policy terms to extend to any trade show or fair you might consider attending.
Barber Supplies
We structured this category to contain individuals who sell barber products, salon supplies, and related equipment. A retailer’s clients can include private barbershops, corporate operations, and individuals who take care of their own hair care needs. The supplier may call on barbershops to show clients what products they have available and/or may have customers who visit the premises to purchase products.
Note that salons and barbershops are not covered under this class. Please see Personal and Home Services for more information on these business classes.
Note: Selected Products Liability Exclusion and Communicable Disease Exclusion* will be attached in states where approved.
Beauty Supplies
Beauty supply businesses present products that enhance one’s appearance, including wigs, hair dye, and hair accessories, as well as other similar supplies. Salons of all sizes utilize products from these businesses to maintain their in-store stock. Suppliers may also call beauty shops to show potential clients what products they have available and to conduct transactions while present. Salons and barber shops do not qualify for this category – please see Personal and Home Services for more information on these entrepreneurships. This classification does not extend to tanning beds or piercing products.
Note: Selected Products Liability Exclusion and Communicable Disease Exclusion* will be attached in states where approved.
Eligible businesses under this class will also be interested in Additional Insured Coverage. This adds the required coverage to secure space on a trade show floor and can extend liability coverage to that trade show.
Book & Magazine Distributor
Book and magazine distributors conduct business in various ways, including through subscription, door-to-door sales, over the phone, direct distribution to target audiences, or through personal contact on premises. Distributors may also exhibit at trade shows and fairs.
Representatives and distributors of Barefoot Books, Bright Minds – The Critical Thinking Company, Good Books & Company LLC, NestFamily, The Southwestern Company, Usborne Books at Home and World Book Inc. are eligible operations for this classification.
Magazine and book distributors will also be interested in securing Additional Insured Coverage to ensure they secure the required coverage for trade shows and fair space.
Note: Communicable Disease Exclusion* will be attached in states where approved.
Camera & Photography Sales or Repair
We can arrange Home Business Insurance for businesses that sell and repair photographic equipment. Covered equipment services include cameras and camcorders, accessories, darkroom equipment, supplies, and film repair and sales. Film developing and printing are also an option available for coverage via darkroom equipment that is set up in the home.
Note: Communicable Disease Exclusion* will be attached in states where approved.
Candle Sales
Eligible candle sale businesses include those who sell products from independent third-party manufactured candle companies. Sales can be done through home parties as well as mail-in information. This class excludes candles with curative or medicinal properties. Homemade candles of any kind are ineligible.
Representatives and distributors of Gold Canyon Candles LLC, Northern Lights at Home, PartyLite Gifts Inc. and Scentsy Candles (wickless) are eligible operations for this classification.
Note: Selected Products Liability Exclusion and Communicable Disease Exclusion* will be attached in states where approved.
Cell Phone & Pager Sales
Clearly, cell phone devices and pagers salespersons handle highly delicate inventory that, if broken or stolen, result in significant losses. We can orchestrate coverage that shields retailers from such financial risks, as well as other concerns like liability.
Note: Communicable Disease Exclusion* will be attached in states where approved.
Computer Sales
Computer sales is a surprisingly diverse classification, as it encompasses salespersons that vend computer and related equipment, including:
- Hardware: computer systems (central processing units), internal disk drives, and hard drives
- Software: computer programs loaded on diskettes or compact discs
- Peripherals: video monitors, modems, trackballs, mice, numerical keypads, microphones, keyboards, external disk drives, printers, game controls, multimedia speakers, plotting boards for graphics, image reader scanners, surge protectors, headphones, and virtual reality equipment
- Computer accessories: disk files, wrist rests, mouse pads, and polarizing filters
- Printer supplies: tape, ribbon, toner, inkjet refills, and paper
- Other items: periodicals, manuals, books, video game systems, and game cartridges
CAD/CAM & CNC, Video Security operations are not eligible under this class.
Note: Communicable Disease Exclusion* will be attached in states where approved.
Cosmetic Sales
Cosmetic sales covered by this class are a direct-to-consumer operation with demonstrations occurring on premises, at parties or door-to-door. Commonly offered additions to cosmetic products include skin care and hair care products, clothing, and novelty items. Medicinal products, wellness products, weight loss products, magnetic items, and Nikken distributors are not eligible under this class.
Qualified operations under this class include those from Avon, Esther, Lip Ink International, and Mary Kay Cosmetics.
Note: Intellectual Property Hazard Exclusion, Personal and Advertising Injury Exclusion, and Communicable Disease Exclusion* will be attached in states where approved.
Games & Puzzles Vendor
Like the name of the category implies, qualified individuals sell jigsaw puzzles, board games, decks of cards, and items of a similar nature. Often, the vendor will create a personalized jigsaw puzzle from a photo provided by a customer. The making, selling, or distribution of toys is not eligible under this class; see Retail Toys class for specified coverage details.
Representatives and distributors of Bright Minds – The Critical Thinking Company at Home, Discovery Toys Inc. and Highlights-Jigsaw Toy Factory Ltd. are eligible operations for this classification.
Note: Selected Products Liability Exclusion and Communicable Disease Exclusion* will be attached in states where approved.
Gift Shop
Gift shops may offer a wide variety of merchandise including novelty items, souvenirs, decorator items, greeting cards, books, stationery, glassware, pictures, and clothing. The items may be handmade or mass-produced. Though we provide coverage for a full assortment of items, this category does not include baseball cards, homemade candles, and all toys, including Beanie Babies.
The following representatives and distributors are eligible operations for this classification: Blessings Unlimited, Christian Gifts Place (TrueVine Embroidery LLC), Claire Murray Home Gallery, Ethnic Expressions, Home & Garden Party Inc., Home Interiors & Gifts Inc., Kirks Folly Design, Living Sculptures Inc., Richmond Direct, and The Longaberger Company.
Note: Communicable Disease Exclusion* will be attached in states where approved.
Hobby & Model Supplies
We provide this particular class of coverage to scale-model kits intended for entertainment purposes only, including model airplanes, automobiles, ships, and railroads. The insurance protection encompasses the finishing materials, art materials, handcraft kits, craft tools, radio control equipment, figurines, magazines, and hobby-specific publications. However, sales or usage of explosives, propellants, flammable liquids, puppets and sporting good activities are not eligible.
Note: Communicable Disease Exclusion* will be attached in states where approved.
Household Products
Salespeople that vend household products are often part of a network marketing system and sell products door-to-door or via arranged parties in private homes to individuals or small groups. We do not provide this classification of coverage to hardware items, pet supplies, flotation devices for bathtubs/pools, and carpet cleaning services. Furthermore, service providers are not eligible.
Representatives and distributors of the following businesses are eligible operations under this classification: Aerus LLC (formerly Electrolux LLC), Inc., AtHome America Inc., CUTCO/Vector Marketing Corporation, Dr. Leonard’s Healthcare Corporation, Enagic USA Inc., Hy Cite Corporation, Krystal Planet Corp., LifeMist Home Products LLC, International, Oreck Corporation, Our Own Image, Private Quarters, Regal Ware Inc., Quixtar, Rena Ware International Inc., Rexair Inc., Signature HomeStyles, SMC Specialty Merchandise Corp., Southern Living AT HOME, Stanley Home Products, Taste of Home Entertaining, The Fuller Brush Company, The Kirby Company, Thirty-One Gifts, and Tristar Enterprises LLC.
Note: Communicable Disease Exclusion* will be attached in states where approved.
Interior Window Treatments
Individuals who sell curtains, drapes, blinds and the hardware that they hang on are all eligible under this policy. Please note that this policy caters to retailers rather than installation professionals and subcontractors.
V2K and Budget Blinds distributors are eligible under this class.
Note: Communicable Disease Exclusion* will be attached in states where approved.
Jewelry (Costume)
Costume or “fashion” jewelry utilizes base metal that may have filling, electroplating, and overlays. Products containing fake or semi-precious stones contained in base metal settings are considered costume jewelry. Sterling silver is acceptable.
For obvious reasons, fine jewelry falls under a separate category entirely. Such precious metals that do not qualify as being “costume” or “fashion” include real gold or alloys, as well as precious stones like diamonds, rubies, and sapphires.
Representatives and distributors of the following businesses are eligible operations for this classification: Accentz, Bead Retreat Ltd., Bracelet Club, Chu’s Pearls LLC, Cookie Lee Inc., Creative Beading Inc., Earth’s Elements, F.A.I.T.H. Company, Fifth Avenue Collection Ltd., Latasia & Company, Lia Sophia, Luxe Jewels, M Studio Inc., Michele Baratta at Home, Premier Designs Inc., Sarah Coventry, Silpada Designs, South Main Designs, The Glass Bracelet, Three Girls Who, Touchstone Crystal LP, Traci Lynn Fashion Jewelry, U Design Jewelry, Vantel Pearls in the Oyster, and Yoffi Fine Jewelry.
Note: Communicable Disease Exclusion* will be attached in states where approved.
Kitchen Supplies
Kitchen supplies sold door-to-door or via in-home demonstrations are eligible under this class. While this policy provides coverage to storage containers, measuring devices, and dishes, knives manufactured by you, will not qualify.
Representatives and distributors of the following businesses are eligible operations for this classification: Demarle at Home Inc., Hurley Industries Inc., Hy Cite Corporation, Kitchen Fair (Regal Ware Inc.), Princess House Inc., Saladmaster Inc. (Regal Ware Inc.), Setting Traditions, The Pampered Chef, Tupperware Brands, UCAN2 Infotainment Inc. dba UCAN2 Cook!, Victorian Epicure Inc., and Vita Craft Corporation.
Note: Communicable Disease Exclusion* will be attached in states where approved.
Music Instruments Sales/Repair
Eligible businesses under this class include operations selling or repairing musical instruments and related equipment including sheet music, tapes, and records. The Teacher/Tutor business class covers instrument lessons.
Note: Communicable Disease Exclusion* will be attached in states where approved.
Office Supplies Vendor
Businesses selling/vending office supplies under this class include paper products such as folders and paper, as well as standard office supplies such as pens, pencils, and staples. Sales of office furniture such as office chairs and desks are also covered. Office supply vendors can sell door-to-door as well as on premises.
Note: Communicable Disease Exclusion* will be attached in states where approved.
Paper Goods
Sales of various paper products are included under this policy, including notebooks, envelopes, and greeting cards. Also covered in this class are sales of companion products, such as pencils and other paper-based products like paper plates. This class is unrelated to the Stationery business class, as paper goods covered are more general in nature.
Note: Communicable Disease Exclusion* will be attached in states where approved.
Personal Care Products
This type of classification includes entrepreneurs who will sell items that maintain and enhance their customers’ appearances and well-being; examples include deodorants, cotton swabs, hair care supplies, and oral care products. Operations can be conducted through mail, door-to-door, phone sales, trade shows, fairs, or direct sales on premises.
We do not provide any type of coverage to medicinal products, wellness products, weight loss goods, magnetic items, Shaklee, Herbalife, Nikken, and inventory from similar distributors.
Note: Intellectual Property Hazard Exclusion, Selected Products Liability Exclusion, and Communicable Disease Exclusion* will be attached in states where approved.
Pet Accessories
We present this classification of coverage to retailers of pet accessories, including engraving and personalization of pet supplies. However, this protection does not include any manufacturing or goods for exotic animals.
Note: Intellectual Property Hazard Exclusion, Selected Products Liability Exclusion, and Communicable Disease Exclusion* will be attached in states where approved.
Religious Goods
We provide home business insurance that caters to the sale of religion-oriented goods. However, homemade candles and toys do not qualify.
Note: Communicable Disease Exclusion* will be attached in states where approved.
Retail Store NOC
We understand that there are plenty of unique wholesalers and retailers out there that we would be willing to work with, and yet they may not fall into any of the other listed categories. With a proper referral, we may consider working with a business, even if they do not meet any of our outlined classifications.
Note: Medical Expenses Coverage Exclusion and Communicable Disease Exclusion* will be attached in states where approved.
Retail Toy Sales
We extend a special type of policy to businesspersons who sell retail packaged toys. This coverage does not include manufacturing operations, as well as the sale of toys made by internationally-based companies.
Representatives and distributors of Discovery Toys, Inc. and Highlights – Jigsaw Toy Factory, Ltd are eligible operations for this classification.
Note: Communicable Disease Exclusion* will be attached in states where approved.
Seed Sales
Merchandise covered under this policy include various types of seeds including flowers, fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The seeds can be repackaged and sold in a variety of different ways, from being bundled into gift baskets or spotlighted at horticulture shows.
Representatives and distributors of The Happy Gardener are eligible operations for this classification.
Businesses covered under this category might be interested in Additional Insured Coverage, which addresses sales and operations off-premises, and provide required coverage on show grounds.
Note: Communicable Disease Exclusion* will be attached in states where approved.
Stationery
We created this classification to cater to the sale of writing products, such as notebooks, pens and pencils, envelopes, greeting cards, etc. Due to the aesthetic nature and construction of stationery, we regard these types of goods as being separate from ordinary paper products.
Representatives and distributors of Phoenix Trading are eligible operations for this classification.
Note: Communicable Disease Exclusion* will be attached in states where approved.
