Selling crafts from the back of your truck/van/geo/blanket on the ground

Is this even possible anymore? I know hippies used to sell tie-dye, batik, hemp things etc. out of the back of their vans to make some dough... I have seen people doing it these days as well, but what are the restrictions? The only rule I've heard about this is that if you don't have some sort of business permit you'll get hassled by the fuzz, and that in some areas it's prohibited (private property in front of businesses, etc.) But if one were to set up one's small Vanagon outside a Wal-Mart, on the edge of a dirt lot, by a freeway offramp, etc. would one get razzed by the authority figures? What are the laws concerning this? What can you do to both sell your wares and keep the heat off your back?

I'm just curious because I live in a tiny town that's mostly cotton fields, and I know the Wal-Mart here lets people set up in their lot or outside their store sometimes (I hate referencing that place but it's the only place with any traffic around here, unfortunately.)

If I were to sit with my lovely handpainted sign and hawk my crocheted bags and tie-dyed dresses and lovely batiked pillows and my homey Vanagon outside the damn place in the far end of the lot, or on a corner of the raped dirt cotton fields where traffic passes by like I sometimes see fruit-sellers do, or have my jewelry spread out on a blanket in one of the small parks here, is any of that kosher?

I mean, I think everyone should be able to do their thing, but then again I don't need to get hassled either. Rednecks I can handle, Brother Bacon I prefer not to have altercations with.

I'm going to Xpost this in the "hippies" forum to see if anyone has experience doing this, but if anyone'd like to reply here that would just be stellar.

peace out xxoo
miss oshinn

 

As far as a business permit is concerned, you'd have to research that where you live. At the very least, I know you'll likely need a vender's permit... even folks in farmer's markets need at the very least that.

And as far as whether or not it's possible, well anything is to a degree, right? Why not give it a try for a while? If you're doing it in some parking lot or whatever, you'd have to get permission to sell there from the store/plaza that the lot belongs to. As far as other locations, you'd have to look into the bylaws of where you live, see what the regulations are to avoid a hassle.

I think, though, the image/idea of hippies making a living of selling crafts off of their blankets and out the back of their buses is quite a marketed image. It's not something you can do for a living, unless, of course, you live in an area where you don't have to compete with your fellow walmart & other big store chains, which is nowhere! But it's a great way to hock your wares in addition to other selling routes, ie ebay or etsy, festivals, etc.

 

really depends on where you are as to the laws...here you dont need any kind of permit to sell things on the downtown streets, as long as your wares are handmade. some towns require a $50ish permit, and some wont let you vend at all short of having a storefront...i would suggest at least getting the permission of the property owner if you're not gonna be on public property...
in my experience though, competition with big stores isnt a problem...those places dont sell anything created with love, and there will always be folks that recognize the difference

 

I also think it has a lot to do with size and the amount of money you pull in. If it's under $300/year (depends on the state/area), you are okay. If you go any more than that - then you have to worry about taxes and regulations.

I do that occasionally, though not in the back of my car - but though my friends at school. That way it's private and no worries.

Good luck!

 

are there any farmer's markets in your area? There's one in every town in my county, and alot of crafts vendors sell alongside the farmers. I don't know if they need a permit or not though.

 

I actually sell at my local farmer's market every Saturday. I live in a very small town as well, and the market is a great place if you can talk to people. A lot of times, in smaller markets, people are there just for the fresh goods and they have to be drawn into looking at other things. I only pay $4 per Saturday, and I can make from 70 to $150. Of course, I make chainmaille jewelry, so I sell a lot of inexpensive pieces, and a couple of more expensive ones. It's a great way to get exposure and I can get at least one or two special orders per week. As for the rest of the questions... I have no idea at all. I know when I was in Eugene, SELLING was not allowed at the "park" we were at, but bartering was allowed. Meaning, you can sell things, just don't have a price tag on them... Good luck!

 

It's not as likely to get big results, but if you have a hard time figuring out the legalities, there's quieter ways to sell. If someone compliments you on something you've made, mention that you've got a nice assortment of other things you've made in your vehicle outside, would they like to see? It's worked for me, mostly with vintage stuff and collector-type toys, though I've sold crocheted hats right off my head a couple times. If there's a concert hall within reasonable distance from your locale, try heading over there when there's a good show and get there early, you'll need a good parking place near where the line to get in will form, it might not be legal, but I've seen it done many many times without anyone being haulled away.