Vending Push Carts Key Terms

Know the vernacular of a push carts vending business

Vending push carts are popular in larger cities where a substantial portion of people work in crowded inner cities. Here, street vending abounds from food carts to newsstands to other goods that people need to get through a workday. Start a push cart vending business by learning the terms associated with the business. Once you acquaint yourself with the language, you can buy proper equipment to outfit your business. Follow the rules of your local government by getting the required permits or licenses. Get in on the money-making adventure of push cart vending.

 

Commissary

The commissary is the place where the vending cart operator prepares the food and washes the cart. The laws regarding the commissary vary from state to state and county to county.
Try: The Free Library offers information on how to find out commissary requirements and additional information about the commissary.

Street vending

Street vending refers to the practice of selling goods, wares and food on city streets from vending carts instead of from a storefront.
Try: The Vending Yellow Pages offers street vending carts for sale, including hot dog carts.

Condiments

Condiments are the toppings put on the food that is sold from the vending push carts. Examples of condiments are mustard, ketchup or mayonnaise.
Try: Food Service Direct offers many condiments for sale to businesses. 

Storage compartment

Storage compartments in a vending cart are the area where the vendor can store extra supplies to get through the day. Storage compartments are small, so organize supplies wisely.
Try: Mobile Catering and Carts sells vending carts with storage compartments.

Holding tanks

Holding tanks contain fresh water with which to wash hands and other related activities. Most local governments mandate that a fresh water supply be on board the vending cart, and most cart manufacturers build these into the cart.
Try: California Hot Dog Carts has a section on hand washing that deals with holding tanks. 

Permits

Permits are the local government-issued licenses that say you may engage in business. Since local levels of government issue the permits for push vending carts, one must find out what they need in their own municipality.
Try: Project for Public Spaces has an informative article about obtaining permits and necessary items to start a vending push cart business.

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