Can You Sell Things on the Street in Chicago?

Shopping for Deals and Second-Hand Fashion in Chicago

If you’re looking for the best deals on clothes in Chicago, head over to the second-hand shops. Chicago is home to a wide variety of consignment stores and thrift shops that offer affordable clothing. Whether you’re looking for designer labels or just some everyday basics, you can find great prices. Shopping second-hand is a more sustainable way to build your closet. Outlet malls in the city and nearby suburbs, like Gurnee Mills, also offer deals.

From Gucci shoes to Louis Vuitton purses, The RealReal sells luxury merchandise. Most products sell within 30 days and you can earn up to 85% of the sale price. Buffalo Exchange buys, sells, and trades fashionable vintage and used clothing for both men and women. Make sure your clothes are freshly washed and arrive on time if you set up a selling appointment.

Selling Books and Street Vending Licensing

Selling on the street in Chicago requires a peddlers license. You may apply for a license at the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection office in City Hall. Unless protected by the First Amendment, selling in public space without a license is a crime. There is a chance you will be arrested and merchandise confiscated.

Myopic Books offers great deals if selling old textbooks and rare books in Chicago. Since 1972, Half Price Books has focused on quality service. Many used bookstores and college bookstores also accept books. Online platforms allow convenient and profitable book selling.

Requirements and Fees for Street Vendors in Chicago

Street Vendor Licensing

What do I need to be a street vendor in Chicago? To apply for a business license, you may APPLY ONLINE, or meet in-person with one of our Business Consultants at the Small Business Center. Appointments are recommended for in-person license applicants and may be made by calling 312-74-GOBIZ (744-6249).

How much is a vendor’s license in Chicago Illinois? License application fee: $100.00 per MPFV non-motorized cart. Fee is based on a two-year term. If a Shared Kitchen User license is required, the license fee of $330.00 will be waived when attached to a MPV license application.

How do street vendors get their merchandise? A street vendor sells merchandise from a cart or station located near an area where pedestrians walk by. A vendor’s main objective is to make money by selling items that people need or want. Often these items are food-related, as those are the easiest permits to obtain.

What are the disadvantages of street vendors? Besides unfair competition, other disadvantages identified in the study include: increased traffic and pedestrian congestion, reduced property values, and reduced quality of life through pollution of public spaces.

How do I get my street food vendors license? Obtain and complete a food vendor’s license application from your local health department. You’ll need the name of your establishment, an address for a permanent kitchen facility, and the owner’s personal information.

Food Truck Regulations

Where Can I Park My Food Truck in Chicago? Aside from the basic supplies required to start a business, the most important equipment to start a food truck is an oven, grill, or fryer.

The Chicago Park District operates with a different licensing program. Aspiring park vendors must apply for a Park Concession license that costs between $75 and $125. Can I sell food from my home in Chicago? What is the Cottage Food Operation law? Major changes took effect January 1, 2022, due to the passage of the Home-to-Market Act (Public Act 102-0633 amending 410 ILCS 625/4).

To apply, contact the Business Assistance Center at 312-744-6249. There is a $275 for this license.

What does it take for a food truck to get licensed in Chicago? The application fee is $700, and the license term is 2 years. A mobile food vehicle in which food is prepared on- board, and then served. The application fee is $1,000, and the license term is 2 years. More information available at www.cityofchicago.org > Business Licenses > Mobile Food Vendor Licenses.

Penalties for not maintaining a Chicago business license can include a fine or a closure order issued to the business owner. Further, per Chapter 4 of the Municipal Code, unlicensed businesses are the liability of the property owner and fines will escalate with each subsequent violation.

The first is a Public Place of Amusement (PPA) license. According to the City of Chicago’s Small Business Center (SBC), a PPA license is required when a business seeks to “produce, present, or conduct any type of amusement.” This would include all venues charging an admission fee or requiring a minimum purchase to participate.

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