Coming from the Midwest, selling my art for a day or two, meant selling at an Outdoor Art Festival. This is a big deal. There is a jury process, you have to apply months in advance and the entry fee is usually $100. or upward. Once you have been accepted and made this investment and commitment, 'no show' is not an option. Rain, heat, wind are not factors. The upside is that these Festival's draw huge crowds and the public is ready to buy.
This is my second summer in NY and I assumed the same rules applied here, yet it did seem odd that the street vendors were everywhere, selling anything. After doing some investigating, I have learned the unique system that NYC has.
Any artist with the desire can set up a table and start to sell, for free. No obligation.
There are a few rules, but I feel safe by joining other artists at busy locations. They tell me what I need to know, like: don't tack any signs to a tree (stuff like that) Hmmmm
First and foremost, you must get a Temporary certificate of authority. (sell tax license) It is free but allow 4 to 6 weeks to get it. This certificate MUST be with you when you are selling.
The BEST part?
When it is 94 degrees with 100% humidity you can stay home! Now what city would ever have THAT kind of weather for 21 days in a row? I'm just sayin........
