Hello, you have probably got this info by now. We started as market traders recently selling British Cheese (the good prize winning stuff). We did lots of research beforehand including viewing local markets etc. Visit the local Mairie just to let them know what you're up to.We registered with the chambre de commerce, have ready a list of all the items you want to sell and any certificates you would like them to know of (for us food hygeine and such.) Very important to take your marriage certificate (less than 3 months old), obtain this from your registrar.We needed to arrange and have in place transport and storage facilities and to know whether export licences were needed. The CCI will then inform all those offices who will proceed to charge you for cotisations. They will also register you for health care. They will also inform or make available to all and sundry that you are starting a business and you will be inundated with people wishing to sell you complimentary health and retirement top ups. (research these yourself first) You will be given a date that you can start your business and a paper saying so, then after about a month you will receive your social security number, you take this and your paperwork from the CCI to the Prefecture or sous-prefecture with a couple of bills to prove residency, your passport and 2 passport photographs. They will issue you with your card (marchand ambulant). As to which markets, always write or telephone the Mairie of your chosen village or town, They will tell you if you need a letter giving permission or to see the placier. We are selling cheese and enjoying it. And as the french say to us at least twice a day Bon Courage!!
