Hi all I have been very busy lately, as usual, working to become a street vendor in Saint Louis!
I wanted to share with you my experience from A to Z on getting set up!
First, you have to apply for a Federal Employer ID, which grants you a social security number, but for your business.
You can do this easily at https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online - Being a sole proprietor of my stand, you just choose sole proprietor, and your Doing Business As name - mine is What's Up Dawg!
Then, you register for your State Sales Tax ID, it varies state by state, but you need it to apply for a vendors license.
After that, there is one more step you can take before applying for the license, and that is to register your Fictitious Name, your "Doing Business As" name (if your a sole proprietor), if you would rather, you can create an LLC or LLP, to reduce personal liabilities should you owe money to creditors for your business, etc, in which case you do not need a fictitious name, your LLC or LLP would have a name that you would use.
Once you get your state sales tax ID, you can then apply to become a vendor with the city. This is done at the city hall or licensing office, and for my state of Missouri, costs only 200.00, but also requires a professional "Passport Photo" that you can have done at Walgreens.
You will then need to assure your taxes are in order because in my state, if they aren't, you have to get them in order before you are approved.
Finally, if all goes well, and you plan on selling food that you prepare (such as hot dogs, burgers, etc), then you need a health permit. In Missouri, this is $160.00, and will require ensuring all health code regulations are followed by your business.
And then, your all set! You can set up your stand wherever vending is permitted, although some districts require additional permits per district. We set up shop and here is our first day's stand!
