[1111 enterprises]

I have been curious but totally intimidated by this prospect ever since I first visited the boardwalk years ago. I am thinking about trying to go out there because it seems like a good opportunity to make some cash now that the weather is warming up. It doesn't seem like farmers market craft vendors make any money really, but it seems like one could do well on Venice beach because there are so many tourists there and its got high traffic. Good shows happen too infrequently, and so it would be great to find a place that could be a consistent cash income.
Buts what's the deal with the lottery? I found this info online, which seems wayyyy complicated:
http://www.lacity.org/council/cd11/hottopi...69_04092008.pdf
Are any of you familiar with selling there or interested in joining me in checking it out? You are alotted 20 feet of space so that is more than enough to share!

[myisha]

I definitely want to go and check it out. I read the website a few months ago but I would really like to go over to speak with someone for further clarification. It's not really expensive at all. I think that it's more time than anything.

[jrotem]

It is interesting but not without controversy. The west side of the boardwalk has long been the Free Speech zone and a big part of the Venice beach "personality." Some groups say requiring permits and allowing commercial vendors is part of the commercialization of Venice. Who knows; it's new to me. However, there is quite a lot on the subject if you google "vending Venice Boardwalk."

It could be great to vend there and I would be interested in finding out more, but also I'd hate for the free speech folks to be nudged out -- there are few enough places for them to go.

[twospace]

i was living about a block or two from the boardwalk when that decision went down, and it got rather ugly between the new vendors and the old timers. but it's been a few years and i bet it's calmed down by now. jamila, you should check it out!

[1111 enterprises]

Thanks for the replies! I am going to go down there soon and check it out. From what I gather, its pretty simple to get a 25 dollar permit that is good for a year, and then you can set up in any space not occupied after 12 noon, provided that you move if the person that has the permit for that space shows up, or you can go down any tuesday morning for the drawing and get your own assigned space that is good for 2 weeks. also, the spaces are 25 feet long ( either that or 15 feet..either way..) so that is enough space for like 2 or 3 normal sized vendors to share. I'd love to plan on doing it with other cool vendors , then we can watch out for each other and generally make it more fun! Its heating up out there so i bet the sales are too! Hit me up if you are interested in doing this with me. jamila@eleveneleven.net
Thanks!

[Anne]

I've not been on TSB for a while and just saw this. This sounds like fun.

Says you must be physically present at time of drawing. Imagine the crowd. Does anyone know if it's started already?

I would love to try it with anyone who gets in. Maybe my husband can sing there too. He is pretty entertaining.

[1111 enterprises]

Well, I went there today and got a permit to sell there. Basically it costs 25 dollars and the permit is good until the end of the year. They were very concerned that my product had enough of a "message" to it and was very clearly displayed as having a message...which i found weird because if you look around at who is already vending down there, most are selling kind of generic imported trinkets and jewelry or henna tattoos...not sure the message there but thats cool. I am going to go tuesday morning to get hopefully a good spot in the lottery and that spot is good for either the week or the weekend ( there are 2 drawings)
So, thats the scoop so far. I am interested in sharing the space with someone, but I'll check it out first to see how strict they are about that type of thing...

[Anne]

Jamila, I see that you did the Unique LA show. How was that? Was it good traffic and sales for most vendors? I've not done any shows for maybe a year now. If schedualing permits I'd love to try Venice.

[1111 enterprises]

hi!
Unique was pretty good. I mean, for this time of year. The best part about it was some good store connections I made. There were a decent amount of shoppers, but people just werent buying like they used to...alot of browsers...
I'm not sure how others did..I'd be curious to know!
I'll keep you updated on venice!
x

Anne, on May 11 2009, 07:02 PM, said:

Jamila, I see that you did the Unique LA show. How was that? Was it good traffic and sales for most vendors? I've not done any shows for maybe a year now. If schedualing permits I'd love to try Venice.

[myisha]

Jamila thanks for the info about Venice. I want to go check it out and get a permit, just haven't made time.

[1111 enterprises]

I have been getting a lot of requests for info about this topic because of this thread so I wrote a blog post today that details everything I learned about how to sell on the Venice Boardwalk - Check it out here:
http://blog.eleveneleven.net/selling-on-ve...each-my-advice/

good luck!
xo
Jamila

[Superfly]

1111 enterprises, on Mar 30 2009, 03:22 PM, said:

I have been curious but totally intimidated by this prospect ever since I first visited the boardwalk years ago. I am thinking about trying to go out there because it seems like a good opportunity to make some cash now that the weather is warming up. It doesn't seem like farmers market craft vendors make any money really, but it seems like one could do well on Venice beach because there are so many tourists there and its got high traffic. Good shows happen too infrequently, and so it would be great to find a place that could be a consistent cash income.
Buts what's the deal with the lottery? I found this info online, which seems wayyyy complicated:
http://www.lacity.org/council/cd11/hottopi...69_04092008.pdf
Are any of you familiar with selling there or interested in joining me in checking it out? You are alotted 20 feet of space so that is more than enough to share!

Hello, My name is Rochelle....I am a first time business owner...I have a studio in downtown LA's Fashion District. I have been designing womens clothing....my style is very fun & funky with classic lines....I love fabric so what ever comes to mind, be it clothing, quilting, hand bags, hats, I strive for expression, color, comfort & of course, a unique style....I've also been making T-shirts that carry a message....... The fun in making T-shirts is the expression through the sayings applied to them....I love to express through words...designing T-shirts with morals, values & meaningful text is really inspiring, not only to yourself, but to others reading it....

I wanted to take this time to thank you for all the info that you have put out for others to view...
I was looking for info on selling on the Venice Beach boardwalk...I was getting frustrated because
there was nothing out there that was of much help....until, I came to The Switchboards Forum & found your post...
This is my first time to this forum....& there have been some really great posts....
So, from one business owner to another....THANKS....