A sales tax permit from the revenue agency of your state A tax certificate A business license from the county clerk’s office A vendor or peddler’s license
Try to avoid picking something very common to sell at a particular location. Being the new guy with the taco truck in a city loaded with taco trucks will be a tough challenge. Think of ways to make your product unique and sellable. If you’ve got a common product that you need to get rid of, think of how to spin it so it seems different from other varieties, even if it isn’t particularly. Consider ways you may change your product so it stands distinct. If someone else sells artisanal jam at the farmer’s market, what will make yours different?
Consider refrigeration and food-service guidelines if you’re going to sell food. You’ll need a food-handler’s license if you want to sell anything edible.
The name of your service The visual aesthetic of your space Your unique take on the product or service Your customers’ desires
The name of your service The visual aesthetic of your space Your unique take on the product or service Your customers’ desires
Corporate office parks Outside bars Outdoor concert venues Public parks Zoos Theme parks Festivals Busy street corners or intersections Downtown business districts Outside metro stations or subways
Lower prices are beneficial because you’ve already done the customer the service of bringing the product to them. You’re out on the street, in a convenient location for them to access, and offering a product at a cheap price. If it’s too close to the operating cost, however, you’ll be close to breaking even unless you sell a lot of whatever it is you’re making or providing. Higher prices can drive business away unless the product is very good. If you’re selling watches, for example, they’ll need to be relatively cheap, because customers might just think, “Why not go to a store and buy something for face value. " If you have a super-unique item, like a homemade organic popsicle, people might be willing to shell out a bit more.
Understand that it takes time to build a reputation. It’s nothing that’s going to happen overnight, but you must center your business around good customer service, good hospitality, and creating a good product in general.
You must be flexible and roll with the punches. Not everything is going to work out like you plan, especially at first. There’s going to be a lot of trial and error. So, being flexible, understanding that your idea or your product might not fit with the clientele that you’re going after are essential things to keep in mind.
Buy one get one free promotions Half-price happy hours Coupon flyers Free samples Punch card coupons, for repeat business Don’t forget about word of mouth, too! Word of mouth is one of the best ways to grow a business.
Especially if you’re somewhat mobile, maintaining an online presence is critical. How will your fans know you’re going to be posted up outside the Friday concert if you don’t shoot off a Facebook post? If you’re not big on social networking, create an email list and have people sign up for it at your booth or cart. Send out periodic updates about what you’re working on and what you’ll be selling.
