Mobile Retail Airstream Store - Regulations?

[Fayettechill]

Hello! I have registered on these forums to ask the expert knowledge I believe some of you possess on all things airstream - specifically airstream mobile retail endeavors. I have tried searching for my question out of proper forum etiquette, but to no avail. So, here I go:

I work for Fayettechill clothing company, an apparel company based in the Ozark mountains that perpetuates a laid-back, adventurous and outdoor lifestyle that our beautiful area provides. We want to start a mobile tour to bring that mindset to other areas that we know embody the same culture.

However, I am hitting a few hiccups when it comes to necessary registration for both vehicle and trailer. I have found the majority of transient vendor permits, but the Department of Transportation is what is really boggling my mind.

So: Do we need to apply for a DOT number? Are you aware of any other permits or registrations we may possibly need?

Any feedback is appreciated, and I look forward to the support of the community! Thank you so much!

-if this is posted in the wrong forum, please let me know (or admins feel free to move it)

[dkrug]

I am not sure what you are trying to do. My husband and I used to have a natural fiber business. We sold fiber, yarn, spinning wheels, books and lots of other things all across the U.S.. We paid for a booth at an event and sold stuff. We frequently had to purchase a state sales license that was good for x number of days. We never had any DOT permits. We towed our stuff in a 16' aluminum stock trailer.

[Foiled Again]

Can't answer any of your questions re DOT... but If you're looking for a trailer configured for showroom use and reasonably priced - here you go!

Colonial Airstream NJ - 2009 Airstream Panamerica 34' Victorinox, Mobile Store Edition

No bathroom or kitchen - but it's a showroom. And they've been sitting on it for a long time. Make a DEAL.

Paula

[Aage]

Paul, you sure about no kitchen? What's all this for then:

Galley Décor
Stainless Steel Single Bowl 18" Round Sink w/Cover - Corian Counter Tops - Faucet w/ Pullout - Recessed Bi-Fold Range Cover - Aluminum Refrigerator Inserts w/ Accent Panel - Galley Overhead w/Radius Doors - Tables (2) With Tapered Legs - Lounge Reading Lights (2) - Pantry Storage.

Appliances
15,000 BTU Air Conditioner w/Heat Pump & Electronic Controls - 34,000 BTU Furnace w/Electronic Ignition - 3 Burner Cooktop With Regular Oven Below - Convection Microwave Oven - Fantastic Roof Vent in Front Bedroom & Utility Room - 7 Cu. Foot 2 Way Automatic Refrigerator - LPG, Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors - Fire Extinguisher - Probeless Tank Monitoring System w/Display Panel - 6 Gallon Water Heater (Gas/Electric) - XT Series - Equivalent Output of a 9 Gallon Water Heater - Range Hood w/Vent - Comfort Control Center (CCC).

[vswingfield]

I just saw this yesterday, maybe you could talk to some of these people.

Originally Posted by vswingfield

Here's a story I was completely unaware of till I got today's email from Arkansas Business magazine:

Fayetteville's 'Yacht Club' Trailers: Low Rent, High Traffic Small-Business Incubators



and: Mobile Vendors at Fayetteville's 'Yacht Club' Draw Criticism

[Foiled Again]

Originally Posted by Aage

Paula, you sure about no kitchen? What's all this for then:

OK, but no bathroom - right?

[Aage]

Check Wonder why no bathroom?? You can eat, but no ____ing? (fill in appropriate letters here)

It jes' don't make no sense at all, Wild Bill!

[Colonial Airstream]

Our Victorinox in action

[Colonial Airstream]

[Colonial Airstream]

[Fayettechill]

Thanks for the replies, everyone!

We have an airstream that we are renovating, so no need for the victorinox airstream, although that thing is pristine. Very cool.

Neatairstream - did you guys only showroom out of that? Did you happen to travel between states with the showroom? any DOT registration necessary?

And vswingfield - we are actually in Fayetteville as well, the yacht club is a cool place. I was going to just run over there and talk to them, but they're all stationary trailers, I need info on the travelling aspect. Appreciate the help though!

[Fayettechill]

Update: I'm going to just apply for the DOT number, it seems unavoidable. Good news, is it's FREE! However, I'm also going to need a UCR (Unified Carrier Registration), but it's only a $39 fee, so not too bad. Hopefully we sell a few items to cover that initial cost :P