How do you handle vender licenses for tent locations?

[buggyman]

I’m looking at setting up my RV in a merchant’s lot on the weekends. The towns that I have looked at have restrictions and basically do not allow any; one has a 30 day limit. Any recommendations would be REALLY appreciated!
Thanks, Paul

[Robin Hood]

Set-up a table inside merchant's store. Park your RV in the lot with your signage. On the RV put up a sign saying "go inside for details". Set-up a windshield and do repairs in the store. You may attract more customers who may be sceptical. When you get someone that needs a repair take your kit and make a repair as if you were called.

Just one idea!

[Bois]

Only 10% of my business/customers come from my home town (Commerce, TX). Major reason is I don't set up a tent here. I go to other communities because Commerce requires all vendors to pay $50, submit a $2,000 surety bond and a letter of property use authorization from the property owner (not manager). The city permit is good for 30 days. Most property owners live in other states or are major corporations - at lease for the good locations. There are some 'not so good' locations here that I could rent for free, but the city's restrictions stop me.

Dale...

[Runner]

What is the precise name of the permit please? Is it specific to windshield repair or a trade permit ? Why only good for 30 days thats so weird! Its not like states give other trades a 30 day limit? Somethings wrong in your ordinances over there. Who works for 30 days and goes kaput ?

Originally Posted by buggyman

I’m looking at setting up my RV in a merchant’s lot on the weekends. The towns that I have looked at have restrictions and basically do not allow any; one has a 30 day limit. Any recommendations would be REALLY appreciated!
Thanks, Paul

[GlassStarz]

Hey some places dont like to see beside the road merchants and make it difficult for them so work elsewhere. Here in Vermont roadside signs are illegal keeps the place beautiful for the touristas some have tried to bypass it by painting the side of a semi trailer and parking it a field by the hiway it took a few weeks to come up with a law that you cant do that either.
my point is if the community doesnt allow beside the road or temp location vendors dont bump heads with them just set up elsewhere you dont have some devine right to set up just anywhere.

[Bois]

Commerce, TX requires a migrant vendor permit. A permit for someone who moves from place to place and solicits. The ordinance was passed to curtail people & organizations from coming into the city to solicit funds, etc. We had problems with so called charities that weren't ligit. The permit is good for 30 days for each location per person.

Dale...

[quality chip man]

Hello
I am new to this business and presently live in south Mexico. I plan to travel to Tucson, Az. and area's. And work for a month or two can anybody help me with finding a good location with a lot of traffic within the state. that would not be a problem for me to work. and is there any restrictions i should know about in the state as well. thank you.

[buggyman]

Thanks Robin Hood GOOD idea! I had thought about trying something like this too, leaving the RV in the parking lot with a sign is a really good idea.

What is the precise name of the permit please? It is just a trade permit for any mobile service or sales. Why only good for 30 days thats so weird! Keep people out except for special holidays.
Everyone enjoy the sun it’s almost summer
Paul

[scratchy]

Find somebody in your town that is doing something similiar to the approach you want to do, buy their wares and then ask how did they get set up.
In my town, like many others, the codes are so wacked (on purpose by the way) that they can bust you for living or dying among everything else. If you go the permit route you can still be busted for something. The city wants all the upper hands to squash the little guy if they feel like it with $500 fines and court dates before the judge.
And if that isn't enough, the code enforcement officers don't understand the codes either! Their job is to get creative and nail people if someone is calling in complaints.
Some businesses actually factor in the fines as a cost of doing business along with time to argue with the judge! Not my cup of tea.

[Clarity Glass]

I have been working out of a tent for 3 years now and have recently been shut down by the deputy fire marshal. My advice is DON'T make this your focus of doing business. The city and county officials will not cooperate with you "the little guy." I've recently invested in a HUGE bottle of migraine medication as we are going through the formal processes to be truly legal. Our case is unique because my property owner contributes roughly 20% percent of the tax revenue to our city and they have been flexing their corporate muscle. Still, we will have to abide by STRICT regulations of traffic flow, fire-resistant tent canopies, and signage. In the meantime we will do business the way we should have started by pounding the pavement and building contacts. Steve.