Since 16th-century Europe, peddlers have been trying to make a living by selling merchandise on the street. Defined as a traveling vendor of goods, a peddler does not have to run an undercover operation in today's society if the merchandise being sold is legal and legitimate.
Instructions
Peddle
1. Inquire about certificates. Depending on the laws of your local government, you may need a vendor's license. Call your local city clerk to find out the proper paperwork needed to be a vendor in your area. The city clerk will also tell you if you need to register your business with the state in order to collect and pay sales tax.
2. Decide on the merchandise. To be able to travel efficiently with your goods, the items will need to be small enough to be portable. Items such as jewelry, fashion accessories, handmade crafts and candles are items that can easily be packed away and toted from one location to the next.
3. Buy in bulk. No matter if you decide to make your merchandise or sell manufactured items, buying in bulk is a way to make a profit and build up a stock.
4. Gain customers. Instead of standing on the street, hoping for someone to buy your merchandise, bring the merchandise to the customers. Visit small offices and other places of business which contain employees that might express interest in buying your merchandise.
5. File taxes. To keep your peddling business legal, if you make a profit of over $600 in a year, you need to pay self-employment taxes. Speak to a tax preparer about filing the proper paperwork.