Street Vendor

Your Fit

Income

$35K

Preparation

Minimal

Growth

-15.9%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Street Vendor?

A Street Vendor is a professional who sells goods or food directly to customers in public places, such as streets, sidewalks, or markets. They operate stalls or mobile carts, offering quick services and convenience to their customers.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Street Vendor.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Street Vendor earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$22K per year	$30K per year	$35K per year	$46K per year	$62K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $13K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Street Vendor do?

Work environment

Street Vendors typically work outdoors in various environments, including busy urban sidewalks, tourist areas, or near public events. The work can be weather-dependent and may require standing for long periods. Some Street Vendors travel to different locations, while others maintain a regular spot.

Quick task list

Sets up and operates a vending stall or cart.
Sells goods, such as food, beverages, or merchandise, to the public.
Maintains inventory and restocks supplies.
Ensures compliance with health and safety regulations.
Handles cash transactions and maintains financial records.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Food Vendor: Specializing in selling prepared foods or beverages.
Crafts and Merchandise Vendor: Offering handmade crafts, artwork, or merchandise.
Farmers Market Vendor: Selling fresh produce, often directly from the grower.
Event Vendor: Operating at festivals, fairs, or special events.
Street Performer Vendor: Providing entertainment or artistic performances, often combined with the sale of related merchandise.

Description

Being a Street Vendor offers the opportunity to run a small, independent business with relatively low start-up costs. It requires entrepreneurial skills, as vendors must source their products, manage their finances, and market their offerings effectively. Vendors need to be adaptable, dealing with varying customer volumes and changing weather conditions.

Good communication and customer service skills are essential, as the job involves constant interaction with the public. Vendors should be knowledgeable about their products and able to engage customers effectively. Depending on the type of vending, they may also need specific skills, such as food preparation or artistic talents.

This occupation offers flexibility in terms of hours and location, which can be appealing. However, it also comes with challenges, such as physical demands, exposure to the elements, and fluctuating income. For those with an entrepreneurial spirit and a love for interacting with people, it can be a rewarding career choice.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Independence and the ability to be one's own boss.
Interaction with a diverse range of people.
Flexibility in work hours and location.

You might make a good Street Vendor if you are...

Comfortable working outdoors and standing for long periods.
Entrepreneurial and self-motivated.
Good at interacting with people and providing customer service.
Able to handle cash and manage basic financial records.
Creative and enjoy selling products directly to customers.

Pros:

Independence in running your own business.
Direct interaction with customers.
Flexibility in choosing products to sell and work hours.

Cons:

Vulnerability to weather conditions and seasonality.
Physical demands of setting up and operating a stall or cart.
Potential for irregular income.

How to become a Street Vendor

Typical education

There is no formal education requirement for street vendors. Skills are often learned on the job, and some localities may require vendors to obtain a license or permit to operate.

High school preparation

Courses:

Business Studies for basic entrepreneurship skills.
Mathematics for handling financial transactions.
Home Economics or Culinary Arts if interested in food vending.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participation in school fairs or markets.
Entrepreneurship clubs or small business workshops.
Volunteering at community events to gain experience in customer service.

Preparation after high school

Gaining experience through part-time work in retail or customer service.
Attending workshops or courses in small business management.
Obtaining necessary permits or licenses for vending in your area.

More resources

Street Vendor Project - Offers resources and advocacy for street vendors.
National Association of Street Vendors of India (NASVI) - Provides support and resources for street vendors in India.
Food Vendor License Guide by the U.S. Small Business Administration - Information on obtaining licenses and permits for food vending.
International Street Vendor Resource Program - Provides information and resources for street vendors globally.
Entrepreneur Magazine - Offers insights and tips for small business owners, including street vendors.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.