How to Make Money Selling Things on the Street

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff | Reader-Approved

Updated: December 2, 2019 | Reader-Approved


Method 1 of 3:
Choosing and Pricing Your Products

  1. 1
    Sell products that you make if you enjoy crafting. Handmade products are a popular option for street vendors. Use a skill that you have to make something that people want. Here are some ideas:[1]
  2. 2
    Resale used items that you no longer need for an easy option. You probably have great stuff that you don’t use anymore laying around your house. These items can make great products for your street-selling business. Choose items that are in good condition to offer for sale. For instance, you might try the following:[2]
    • Sell your used books, magazines, DVDs, and music.
    • Offer your old clothes, shoes, and jewelry for sale.
    • Sell antique or vintage items.
  3. 3
    Make food for sale if you’re a good baker or cook. If you’re a talented baker or chef, you might be able to sell your tasty creations. Pick products that are easy to transport and sell without them going bad. Additionally, match your products to customer demand.[3]
    • For instance, you might sell candies and cookies outside of an office building around lunchtime.
    • You'll need to get a home-based food business license to sell food out of your home or a commercial food license to sell food out of a commercial kitchen. Check the laws in your area to find out what type of license you need.
  4. 4
    Turn your natural resources into a product you can sell. If you have a yard or land, you may have a product that grows naturally. Items like produce, herbs, and chopped wood are products that customers might buy. Consider selling the natural resources you have available.[4]
    • Sell your extra produce if you have a garden or fruit trees.
    • Bundle fresh herbs to sell.
    • Sell cuttings or seedlings from plants you grow.
    • Build wooden furniture or craft wooden home decor items.
  5. 5
    Create your own niche to differentiate yourself from your competition. Customers have a lot of choices, and you need them to pick you. Branding your business with a theme or target customer-base may help you attract more customers. Pick a niche that fits your product, personality, and goals for your business.[5]
    • For example, let's say you operate a small food truck that sells desserts. You might decorate the outside like a jukebox and name your desserts after pop songs.
    • Similarly, if you're an artist, you might focus on fantasy art or political art.
  6. 6
    Price your products high enough for you to make a profit. Once you know how much each product costs to produce or acquire, set the price of the products higher than your costs. To stay competitive, use the typical profit margin, which is 35% of the product cost. To find the best price for your product, multiply your cost by 1.35 to get the cost plus 35%.[6]
    • For instance, let’s say you spend $10 each to produce beaded necklaces. You’d multiply $10 x 1.35 = $13.50 for each bracelet.
    • It’s okay to set your profit margins higher, especially if you plan to offer promotional discounts. However, you might get more customers with lower prices.

Method 2 of 3:
Following the Law

  1. 1
    Research your local ordinances to make sure it’s legal to sell on the street. Many cities allow you to sell items on the street, but it might not be legal in your area. Do an online search to find out the rules in your area. Then, make sure you follow all local ordinances so you don’t get in trouble.[7]
    • If you violate a local ordinance, you might be arrested or fined. Additionally, all of your products may be confiscated.

    Tip: If you’re confused about local ordinances, visit your county clerk’s office to ask questions. They can help you fully understand what you need to do to sell on the streets legally.

  2. 2
    Get a license or permit if one is required. You’ll need a business license to operate most businesses. Check with the Small Business Administration or your local county clerk’s office to get the appropriate licenses and permits to sell your items. Additionally, pay the necessary fees. For instance, you may need the following items:[8]
    • Get a business license if you’re selling under a business name.
    • You’ll likely need a sales tax permit from your local and state revenue agencies.
    • If you’re selling food, you’ll need a food handler’s permit.

    Tip: You typically don’t need a permit if you’re selling items like art, books, CDs, magazines, and newspapers. These items are protected by the first amendment.[9]

  3. 3
    Pay your vendor fees if you’re selling at a street event. You might decide to sell your goods at a festival, fair, or farmers market. Typically, these events have their own fees to cover promoting the event, set up, and materials. Check with the vendor to find out how much your fee is and how to pay it. Then, pay it by the deadline.[10]
    • Fees can vary, so be sure to check the fee structure before you agree to be a vendor.
  4. 4
    Make sure your product is legal to sell in your area. Unless you’re selling something that’s obviously illegal, such as drugs, you likely don’t need to worry. However, some areas have local ordinances that prohibit selling certain items. Make sure you aren’t selling items that aren’t allowed in your area.[11]
    • Be careful when selling copyrighted material. It’s okay to sell used items, but don’t sell pirated movies and music.
    • For instance, some areas allow you to sell eggs in used cartons but others don’t.
  5. 5
    Don’t interfere with anyone else’s business. Avoid blocking the entrance to someone else’s business or attempting to poach customers. Not only is it rude, but it’ll also likely get you in trouble with the police. Be respectful of other businesses.[12]
    • If you’re making art or playing music, don’t do it right outside a business. It may disrupt the business or its customers because of the noise or a gathering crowd.

Method 3 of 3:
Selling Your Products

  1. 1
    Choose a high traffic area so you meet more potential customers. You’re more likely to turn a profit if you’re in a highly visible area. Pick a street corner where there’s high foot traffic or a busy traffic stop. Alternatively, set up shop at a popular park or outdoor mall. Make sure you stay on public property and follow the restrictions on your permit the entire time.[13]
    • Set up near your city’s main street or town square.
    • If you’re selling food, choose a location near a large office building.
    • Sell at a street fair, festival, or farmers market if one is open.
  2. 2
    Display your products if you have space to lay them out. You’re more likely to make sales if you have your products on display for customers to see. Arrange your items on a table, in a display box, or on the ground, depending on the space available. This may attract customers over to you.[14]
    • For instance, you might arrange your items on a small table, in a stall, on a bike cart, or on a kiosk. Additionally, you might use displays or crates to present more of your products on the ground near your table or booth.
  3. 3
    Post a sign that advertises your goods if you can. Depending on the product you’re selling, a sign can advertise what you have available. Place your sign near your selling spot to alert potential customers that you have items for sale.[15]
    • If you make a sign, try to be as professional as possible. For instance, use a stencil to write neatly or print out the words on your sign using a computer and printer.
    • If you can afford it, buy a professional sign to advertise your goods. You can find sites that sell signs online.
  4. 4
    Greet the customers that pass by you to get their attention. Be kind and positive while interacting with your customers. Make eye contact and smile when people pass you. Then, say “Hi” and tell them you have a product for sale. If they keep walking, wish them a good day.
    • Say something like, “Hello! Would you like to check out my art that's for sale?" If the person keeps walking past you or says "no," say something like "Thanks! Have a great day!”
  5. 5
    Dress well so that customers trust your product. You don’t need to wear a suit and tie to sell on the street unless you want to do so. However, you’ll likely make more sales if you look like an entrepreneur. Bathe yourself and use personal care products so that you’re clean and smell good. Then, pick an outfit that makes you look professional.[16]
    • For instance, you might wear a button-up shirt and khaki shorts or a nice summer dress on a hot day. On a cooler day, you might wear a button-up shirt or polo with khakis, dark jeans, or dark dress pants. You might also wear a cardigan, light jacket, or blazer.
  6. 6
    Collect payments by cash or card. Cash is the easiest way to collect money from your customers. Bring a bag or box to keep your money inside, and carry small bills and coins so you can give customers change. Additionally, consider using an app that lets customers pay by card. You might try Square, Venmo, or PayPal.[17]
    • Apps that charge credit cards typically carry fees. To help cover these fees, you might charge your customers a nominal fee to use their credit card, such as $1, or require they spend a minimum dollar amount to use a card.
    • Square usually charges a 2.75% fee on card swipes or a 3.5% plus 15 cents fee for keyed-in cards. Venmo is typically free if both individuals have an account. PayPal usually charges 2.9% plus 30 cents per transaction.


  7. 7
    Make sure your customers are satisfied so they spread the word. Good customer service may attract returning customers. Additionally, it increases the likelihood that your customers will recommend you to others. This can help you sell more products so your profits grow. Be honest and kind to your customers, and stand behind your products.[18]
    • Provide good customer service! If you sell a product that’s defective or damaged, replace it or give your customer a refund.

    Did You Know? Good word of mouth from your clients is essential for running a successful business. There’s no better advertisement than the word of happy customers.[19]

  8. 8
    Track your expenses so you know how much money you’re spending. You’ll likely need to spend money to operate your business. Document all of the money you spend and keep your receipts. Add up your expenses so you know how much you’re spending to make your products and pay for your permits. This way you can set the price of your products high enough to cover your expenses.[20]
    • If you don’t track your expenses, you might accidentally spend more than you’re making.

Community Q&A

Add New Question
  • Question
    Can I sell cookies in my drive through?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    You'll need to get a food handler's license and a retail permit to sell your homemade cookies. However, it's legal to sell out of your driveway if you have the proper documents.
  • Question
    How do I get a permit to sell things on the street?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Visit your county clerk's office. Then, apply for your permit and pay the necessary fees.
  • Question
    Do I need a permit to sell things at a swap meet?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Yes, you'll need to get a permit. Sellers at a swap meet are considered retailers, so you have to have a permit to operate a retail business.
  • Question
    Is it legal to sell things I have scavenged or found?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    As long as the products aren't stolen, it's legal to sell scavenged or found objects, such as trash or discarded wood. However, don't sell items that clearly belong to someone, such as a bicycle you found at the park or a phone you found in a bathroom.
  • Question
    Do I need a permit to sell wooden accessories in the streets of New York City? Where would I get the permit?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Yes, you do need a permit to sell in NYC. Visit the Department of Consumer Affairs to apply for a General Street Vendor License. However, these permits are usually given to veterans, and permits for non-veterans are limited.
  • Question
    May I sell my succulent plants in pots on the corner of our street in a vacant public area?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Get a permit from your county clerk's office before you sell your products. Otherwise, it's likely illegal.
  • Question
    Is it legal to sell food from my home?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    It may be legal to sell food from your home if you get a food handler's permit. Check with your local county clerk's office to find out what type of permit you need.
  • Question
    Is it legal for me to sell my used clothing on my front lawn without a vendor's permit?
    Community Answer
    If you sell it on your own property, you are fine. But if you try to sell your stuff on someone else's property, you would need a permit or permission from the owner.
  • Question
    Can I sell smartphone accessories on the street?
    Community Answer
    If you have a permit to do so, yes.
  • Question
    Do kids have to be licensed to sell things other than food on the street?
    Community Answer
    Usually local ordinances dictate street food vendors. Where you live, it is possible that the law would say something like all food vendors have to be licensed or have a permit. This would include kids. If you're only doing something similar to a lemonade stand. Then that is fine. No cop will ever shut you down for that, unless you turn into some famous big time vendor, then you would probably want to look into getting some permits.
Show more answers
Unanswered Questions
  • Do I have to have a permit to have a lemonade stand in my driveway? Do I need a permit to sell slime in my front yard?
  • How old do I have to be to make money selling things on the street?
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      • Try to avoid working by yourself. Individual vendors can be targets for theft or violence. There's safety in numbers, so find a business partner or choose a spot near other vendors.
      • Don’t operate your business without a permit. If you do, you may be arrested and your goods may be confiscated.

      About This Article

      Co-Authored By:
      wikiHow Staff Editor
      1 votes - 100%
      Co-authors: 36
      Updated: December 2, 2019
      Views: 282,183
      Categories: Selling | Making Money
      Article SummaryX

      To make money selling things on the street, start by choosing what you want to sell. If you’re the artsy type, you could sell your creations such as jewelry, paintings, or pottery. Additionally, you could take your talents to the street by painting faces or drawing caricatures. Or, if everyone loves the way you cook, think about selling your homemade tortillas or chocolate truffles. Just make sure you check with your local and state government for what permits you will need and that what you are selling is legal in your area. For more advice, like how to find the right location to sell, read on!

      Did this summary help you?

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 282,183 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • AL

        Abigail Langford

        Jul 4, 2018

        "I traveled quite a bit and usually go to tourist destinations by way of life. I just recently thought of taking advantage of the fact that I'm around other tourists all the time. This article helped me get ideas for what I can sell on the streets."..." more
      • C


        Jul 2, 2017

        "I'm a kid, and it helped me get ideas of what to sell on the streets, like the artwork or the stickers."
      • AP

        Alva Palin

        Sep 25, 2016

        "I love how you laid out the info in a structured manner, makes it easy for me to follow."
      • IK

        Indra Kumar

        Dec 2, 2016

        "All of the above said facts are really very helpful for starting up."
      • SP

        Sherry Peabody

        Apr 22, 2018

        "I understand that I can sell freely from my property."
      • CT

        Chemy Tashi

        Aug 11, 2017

        "Your explanation is simple and brief."
      Share your story

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