Markets and trading

Street or taxi rank stall (informal trading)

Sell snacks, sweets, fruit, cold drinks, phone accessories or everyday goods from a small stall where people pass every day, such as a taxi rank, station or busy corner, with the right trading permit.

Some evidenceLast checked 24 Oct 2026

See how this fits you, freeAbout 6 minutes, no sign-up.

Is this for you?

Best for

People who can be at the same spot at the same times every day, like talking to regulars and can handle cash safely.

In South Africa: Strong in townships, towns and city centres.

What you need

  • A phone is enough to start
  • Works on everyday data
  • No camera needed
  • No cold selling
  • At least 15 hours a week · age 18+

The money

What it can earn

  1. Pocket money
  2. A top-up
  3. A second income
  4. Can become a full income

Part time, most people earn a modest top-up from this. Treat bigger numbers you see online with care.

What people charge

No reliable SA figure yet

We found no published South African price list we trust for this, so we do not quote a rand figure. Ask three sellers near you what they charge before you set yours.

Costs to plan for

Start-up
R500 to R4 000
Every month
Stock bought every few days, any site rental the municipality charges, transport to the wholesaler.
Payment fees
Mostly cash; a card machine or QR code (SnapScan, Zapper) helps with bigger sales.
Margin
Thin per item, so volume and buying stock cheaply decide everything.

How it is paid: Small margin on many cheap items, every day. Our viability score for it: 58 out of 100 (how we score).

How to start

  1. Test it cheaply Before you spend

    • Count people passing your spot at your trading times on two days
    • Ask 10 regulars what they buy and wish they could buy there
    • Success signal: you sell out a small first batch of stock in a week

  2. First week Days 1 to 7

    • Find out where to apply for an informal trading permit in your municipality and what documents you need
    • Choose your spot and your times, and count the foot traffic
    • Price your first stock at the wholesaler and work out your margin per item
    • Get a cooler box, umbrella and a lockable cash tin

  3. First month Days 8 to 30

    • Trade every day at the same times so regulars learn your hours
    • Keep a stock book: what sold out, what did not move
    • Start a WhatsApp list for regulars who want to pre-order

  4. By three months Days 31 to 90

    • Drop slow sellers and double the fast ones
    • Join or form a buying group to get better wholesale prices
    • Decide whether a second spot or longer hours would pay

Sales can start on day one once you have a legal spot; getting a permit can take longer. First income usually takes 3 to 45 days. A day-by-day version for your situation is in the full plan.

Step-by-step guide

Street or taxi rank stall (informal trading): your step-by-step start

21 short lessons with scripts, templates and rand prices to copy. R149 once-off, and the first lesson is free.

See what is inside

Customers and demand

Who pays

Commuters, taxi drivers and passengers, school children, workers on lunch break.

Quick, cheap everyday things right where people are, without a trip to the shops.

Is there demand?

Municipalities run formal informal-trading permit systems because trading at ranks and busy streets is common. Johannesburg has an online informal trader application and rolled out a new registration system in October 2025. We found no published figures on what a typical stall earns.

Taxi ranks and train stationsOutside schools and clinicsBusy corners near shopsPay-day weekends near ATMsSports and church events

Getting customers

Location does most of the work. Be there at the same times every day, keep prices clear, and let regulars order on WhatsApp.

Word of mouth and referralsIn-person networkingResponding to enquiries

Risks and rules

Watch out for

  • Trading without a permit can mean your stock is confiscated: apply first
  • Theft and cash safety: keep little cash on you and bank it daily
  • Food goes off in the heat: buy small amounts often

Competition: High at busy ranks. Stand out with what others do not stock and with friendly, reliable service.

Room to grow: Grows with a second spot run by a family member, or a regular order list from nearby workers.

Legal and tax in South Africa

  • You need your municipality's informal trading permit and must trade only in demarcated spots (Johannesburg applies online).
  • Food traders also need a Certificate of Acceptability.
  • Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start street or taxi rank stall in South Africa?

Our research puts start-up costs at about R500 to R4 000. Recurring costs: Stock bought every few days, any site rental the municipality charges, transport to the wholesaler.

How long until the first income?

Typically about 14 days, and between 3 and 45 days. Sales can start on day one once you have a legal spot; getting a permit can take longer.

Can I do it with only a phone?

Yes, a smartphone is enough to start, although a laptop helps as you grow.

What about tax and legal rules?

You need your municipality's informal trading permit and must trade only in demarcated spots (Johannesburg applies online). Food traders also need a Certificate of Acceptability. Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).

Sources (3)

Free tools for this

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Researched by the Earn Path team · editorial policy