There seems to be a real lack of info on the internet about this topic because I get a few emails a month asking for advice about it. Apparently when you Google the words Venice + Beach + Selling a thread from this amazing site called The Switchboards comes up in which I asked folks for advice about selling there..I ended up going and getting a permit and trying it a few times last spring + summer. It was an interesting experience but I wouldnt say it was super profitable for me. There fore I don’t do it at all anymore. Be aware that a lot of the stuff sold there these days is mass produced cheap crap and/or totally unoriginal and that brings down the perceived value of everything else sold around it. It just wasn’t the right place for what we do- but maybe it will work for you. It’s certainly nice to work on your own terms and right next to the beach- so it may be worth a try. Read on and decide for yourself.
1. First you have to get a permit from the Venice Beach Recreation Office, which is located behind the main police station right on the beach/ boardwalk at 1800 Ocean Front Walk. The cross street is Windward and the phone number is (310) 396-6764. Here is a downloadable PDF which explains in a complicated way what I am trying to explain here ..its the official scoop but it was definitely written by a lawyer and therefore pretty unreadable. This also a good link with instruction on applying.
2. When we went there the first time the lady at the office was not so nice and actually totally discouraging..she gave us the paper work though and we decided to come back the next day with examples of our work. The deal is that they want your items that you’ll be selling to have a message of some kind – which would be cool if they enforced that at all. They seem to give you a hard time about what you will be selling but then you look around and mainly what you see is imported crap and henna tattoo stands. So- be prepared to show them something handmade or with a message of some kind- have an angle prepared already so when you go you don’t have to come back twice, or get turned away.
3. We did get the permit – it’s officially called the “Venice Beach Boardwalk Public Expression Permit” - it costs 25 bucks and is valid for one year. The deal is that you have to get your permit into the lottery which is held once a week right in front of the Police station on Tuesday morning. I think at 9 am. Double check that when you go..but the basic idea is that you go and put your permit card ( with your picture on it) and then wait around to see if they call your name. Its totally normal to go for weeks every Tuesday and not even get picked. Keep this in mind if you live far away. I talked to alot of people that had this happen to them, but still they tried because if you do get it, and you have a good day selling it can be very worth it (that’s what I’ve been told anyway)… oh ya- there are 2 drawings that happen on Tuesday- first the weekend drawing- then the week day drawing, both good for the upcoming and following weekend and week. Keep that in mind.
4. If you do get picked then you get to pick out your spot on the boardwalk. Some spots are way better than others. If you have the time it would be good to walk the boardwalk and look at the space numbers painted on the cement. Then you will know what to request when you get picked. Have a few in mind because unless your one of the first you may not get your first choices. Also be aware that if you are selling stuff that you will be getting a I zone permit which is good for only I zone spots. There is also an P zone which is specifially for entertainment acts and donation based ventures. That’s a seperate lottery held on the same day.
5.I was kind of intimidated by the scene at first but I found everyone selling down there to be really friendly and helpful. Don’t be shy when you are down there to ask for help and advice from the old timers. Be aware of the cop situation however. They seem to stroll the scene pretty often looking for reasons to give tickets. Always have your permit on you and be sure to set up within the assigned area. I’ve heard of people getting bothered for not having “messages” on their products but I never had a problem with that.
6. If you don’t win the lottery one week you can still go and set up in a I zoned spot- as long as its after 12 noon. If the person shows up with the ticket for the spot though you have to move immediately though…so if you have a big set up that could be really annoying. Also- if you are going to do that- go at 11 am at least and scope out the empty spot you want and sit just next to it- but not on it at all- or you could get a ticket. There are many more vendors than spots, especially in the warmer months, so there is definatly competition. So if you are going to squat- get there early for sure.
7. Some things to think about-I strongly suggest investing in a cart of some kind with wheels. Chances are you are going to be having to walk a ways to your car and wheeling your set up is way easier than carrying it. You can also figure out the cross street nearest your spot and drop off your stuff – then go park your car. Still though- get a cart. And remember to bring a tent or umbrella- and sunscreen! Also the food situtation on the boardwalk is pretty lame, and unless you have a friend helping you wont be able to go very far from your booth to get food- so bring good snacks and lots of water to hydrate!
Well, that’s about all I can tell you. I think it could be a pretty good situation for certain folks and certain products. There certainly is a huge crowd down there on the weekends when it’s warm out. Only you can know if it would possibly be a good match for you. If you think it might be then give it a try! I wish you luck.
Hi Jamila you are great.what a pleasure surprise to get your replay.i really like to do selling on markets in the Los Angeles area and your advise about selling on venice beach was vwry helpfull.i understand that you do
sell on markets,so can you give me name of some good markets out of your expiriance? some tips?
any way i for my self find you a great lady to tpost this
helpfull blog regarding the venice beach market.
i thank you also in the name of others who read your blog.
very very truethfully yours.
Haim Elghanayan
thanks for this info. it’s the best out there on this subject.
[...] Selling on Venice Beach- My Advice [...]
Hi Jamila,
Thank you so much for this valuable information. I’m totally into your website and am using it as a great source of research. My the universe bless you with abundance for sharing your knowledge and story with others. You are on the right path.
Thank you so much! Your comments really mean a lot to me and are very encouraging – i look fwd to writing alot more in the coming months!
Hi Jamila, Thank you so much for taking time out of your life you share this imformation. I was having trouble understanding all the rules and regulations until I found your site. It really made things very clear and helped me a lot! Good luck to you as well!
you are so welcome!!!! thank you!
What exactly is this “message” that you keep referring to? My products that I would like to vend there do not have anything written on them.
You’re just as confused as I was. Its a retarded rule because most vendors don’t have a “message”. What they want though is literally a political/ social/ personal self expression through whatever you are selling. Make up something- its a formality that has no bearing in the reality of what is actually sold down there.
Hi Jamila,
I want to sell my art work, do you think venice beach board walk would be a good place?
Thanks for the quick reply -
Can the message simply be a placard that is sitting on my table – or printed on the boxes I offer with the item inside?
Hi Pipe Mike- I think thats a great solution. I can’t speak for them down there but I bet that would work fine–
Good Luck!
J
Thanks for the great info and for sharing it. I have a question and am wondering if you or someone else has some insight. I want to make different types of sweet bread and walk around and sell them from a basket. Do you think I will get ticketed?
Hi Jamila,
you post is really informative, thanks for that. Every time I see the vendors I wonder how to get a spot. When I am in Venice I see a lot of street artists and musicians selling their music, I want to go down and promote my web site and the product with flyers and stuff, maybe sell few samples. I do not need a spot, just walking around and chillin, do you think I would need a permit for that too?
I have seen other people sell baked goods just kind of standing around and i think it can work…i would say try it, but talk to the other friendly vendors and kind of get a feel for the scene and what/ who to look out for. I think offically you would need some kind of document but i wouldn’t let that stop you…
I think for sure you should try — alot of people are out walking around promoting their project/ band etc and i dont think thats regulated at all. if you sell a sample or two while your at it i dont think anyone would care. good luck!!!
I like what you are doing with your website. I am not sure what you are wanting to sell on venice however. It can be a good place for some things.. give me more info on what you want to sell and maybe i can be more helpful!
How’s that for Free Market. BOO to Permits.Free The Market.I travel from state to state , 18 this year doing markets and this type sucks the life out of you.I’m sick of Markets Not letting the free Market work.If I have a product and I travel Let me sell.I come across markets that you must be Local or Sell Hand made with a point…..Lottery…I travel and sell Original Art and Minerals.I Sometimes am only in a town for few days.What kind of market only lets ….. sell (A control Slave Market).I’m Free Thinker with a Free Speech Zone an one finger up.The Country needs a town with a Free market Year around.So people can profit without the Man/Woman in this case breathing down their shoulder.Every Market needs new products and where do they want you to buy them.Buy from China or Travelers to markets that aren’t allowed? Free the Market and the Slaves…..Dean
I would like to sell just water bottles for a $1 do i need a business licence and a permit, just want to sell on the weekends. how does this work please
thank you for your time nad help,
Eve
Hi Eve,
I’m not sure. i would go down there and ask around. I think this could be something you can get away with if you are moving around, not so much if you set up shop somewhere stationary.
hope that helps,
Jamila
Thank you for taking your time for giving us all these details I sell handmade jewelry at etsy.com it’s somewhat like ebay but the difference is that etsy only sells handmade jewelry and since i just started not long ago im selling very few since im not a known shop at etsy yet i know it can get well later on but meanwhile i had been wanting to sell in person but didnt know where and i started thinking maybe venice beach im still iffy about it! is there many spots who sell jewelry and if you do you know if they sell good? i think i carry nice jewelry if you would like to check out my shop your very welcomed:
TresBelleByNM.Etsy.Com
Thanks again for all the details
Thanks for your comment, Nancy. Quite a few people sell jewelry on Venice Beach, but that doesnt mean you can’t! i would recommend going down there first and checking it out for yourself. Talk to vendors and see what they have to say.
I have a receipt for a product purchased at Venice Beach and is defective. It has a name, phone# and I used a debit card. When I called the number he said it was not him, except the name he gave me and accent it was obvious it was him. He obviously has a permit and I would like to know who I could repotr this to as the receipt says returnable and it seems like a scam!
Hi Bev, Sorry to hear about that. What about calling your debit card provider, maybe they can file a complaint or even reverse the charges. You can also try calling the LA dept of parks and rec number that is linked off my blog post. Maybe they could help you. Good luck!
I’m planning on doing body art out there as well as sell my pet portraits. Do you think my work would sell to the crowds that are out there? Please look at my website under gallery and view the pet portraits and body art. Let me know your thoughts, any feedback would be great, as I’m moving from Arizona to Calfornia in a month or so to do this!
Thank you,
Dayna
hi Dayna
Yes i think your stuff will go over well on venice. especially if you offer “on the spot” portraits at a good price. the body art will be popular too. i see much success for you in LA! Good Luck
J