In Mzansi and some parts of the world, street vendors play an important part in the economy. From selling fruits and vegetables at the taxi rank to offering cooked, tasty food at busy intersections or having a small table with clothes and accessories, street vending is a popular way to earn money.
But does it come with good results? The answer is yes, it can be. However, like any other side hustle, it comes with its challenges and rewards.
Here is what you need to consider to get started as a street vendor and make a good side hustle.
Why Being a Street Vendor is a Good Hustle
Low Start-up Cost
The biggest benefit of being a street vendor is that you don’t need a lot of money to start. Most vendors begin with a small stock of goods and a table or trolley. You don’t have to rent a store, pay electricity bills, or buy expensive equipment. Therefore, it makes it perfect for people who want to start small and scale over time.
Flexible Hours
For someone who is working or studying, street vending can be done during their free time. For example, you can sell in the mornings before going to work, or in the evening after work, which makes it easier to fit around other responsibilities.
Cash Income
Street vendors mostly use cash. This ensures that you immediately receive your money, and that you can use it for daily needs or reinvest it into your business. Unlike other jobs where you wait for the month-end, with street vending, you can see the results of your business fast.
High Demand
People are always on the go, using a taxi to go to work or going to shopping malls. They also like to purchase fast and cheap products on the streets; it can be a snack, a phone charger, or a cold drink. You can always sell and get passive income provided you choose the right place and sell what people require.
What to Sell as a Street Vendor
There are various product options you can sell, depending on the demand, interests, and where you live. Some popular options are:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Food that has been cooked, such as Amagwinga, boerwors rolls or fried chips
- Soda, candy and snacks
- Accessories and clothes
- Household goods or toiletries
- Mobile phone accessories or airtime
You can choose something that has good profit margins and is in demand in your area. Ask other vendors what sells and observe what customers are looking for or want to buy.
What to Consider When Starting Out
Location
A perfect spot is everything; look for places with lots of foot traffic, such as taxi ranks, near schools, shopping malls, or offices. Make sure you are allowed to trade there; some municipalities or areas require a permit or licence.
Weather Conditions and Safety
Street vending means working outdoors. Bad weather can affect your business, especially if you are not under shelter. Think about your safety.
Competition
You might not be there only person selling in that area. Take time to understand your competitors and think about how you can stand out, maybe by offering low prices, better customer service, or unique products.
Profit Margin
Always calculate how much profit you make after buying stock. It’s easy to think you are making money, but if your costs are too high, your profits may be small. Always keep records so that you know how your side hustle is doing.
Tips to Become a Successful Street Vendor
- Start small and grow as you learn.
- Be friendly and build relationships with regular customers.
- Stay consistent, show up at the same place and time so customers know where to find you.
- Keep your area clean and presentable; first impression always counts.
- Use mobile payments options like SnapScan, Yoco, if possible, not everyone carries cash.
- Adapt and learn. If something doesn’t sell, try something else.
It is not always easy to be a street vendor. It involves long working hours, weather, and even competition. However, to most individuals, it is a good and lucrative side business. It allows you to earn extra income, test business ideas, and even grow into something bigger.
Street vending is not always just a side hustle; it can be the way to full-time business success, especially when you are hardworking, when you want to learn, and when you have a good product to sell.
