64 Chapter 3 Nonstore Retail Operations Street Vendors A vendor is a person or business that sells something. Street vendors are people who set up portable stores outdoors on sidewalks, in parking lots, or in open-air markets. The vendors sell products that are easy to move, such as jewelry, scarves, food, and souvenirs. Larger cities often have many street vendors. Most cities require street vendors to have a license in order to do business. Food Trucks Food trucks are mobile kitchens that prepare and sell different foods. There is usually a sales counter on the side of the truck. Customers walk up to the counter to order and pick up their food. The fi rst food trucks were the popular ice cream trucks that came though neighborhoods during the summer months. Food trucks have come a long way since then. They now sell everything from sandwiches to gourmet crepes to Asian delicacies. Food truck owners need licenses to do business and often rent specifi c spaces from a city or a private business. Vending Machines Vending machines are coin, bill, or credit card machines used to sell small products. They are probably one of the most common and convenient forms of retail sales. Vending machines can be used to sell a wide variety of products, such as food, snacks, drinks, personal care items, and toys. Some vending machines provide more expensive items, such as cameras and software. Vending machines are relatively inexpensive to own and operate. One advantage is that personnel are not required to make each sale, only to refi ll the machine and collect the money. Also, vending machines can be located in high-traffi c areas to produce high sales volumes. Street vendors sell everything from food and beverages to souvenirs and fl owers. Their “stores” are portable so they can move along the streets or sidewalks and encounter as many customers as possible. Elena Rostunova/Shutterstock.com