You set up, sell, and move on. The bond stays behind for the buyers.
A permit bond for temporary and traveling sellers
Transient, itinerant, or traveling merchants — sellers who operate temporarily in a place without a permanent location — are frequently required by cities, counties, or states to post a bond before getting a permit. The bond protects local buyers who might otherwise have no recourse after the seller leaves, guaranteeing honest dealing and compliance with local law.
What a transient merchant bond guarantees
The bond protects local buyers and the jurisdiction — guaranteeing honest sales, delivery of goods paid for, honoring of warranties, and compliance with the local transient-merchant ordinance. If the surety pays a valid claim, you reimburse it. It gives consumers recourse against a seller who may not be around later.
How much a transient merchant bond costs
The bond amount is set by the licensing authority. The premium you pay is a small percentage of that amount — typically around 1%–3% for applicants with reasonable credit, more for weaker credit — so a modest bond often costs a few hundred dollars a year. We market it to multiple surety companies to get you the best rate.
Requirements vary by city, county, and state
Transient-merchant bonds are often local — set by the city or county where you'll operate — so amounts and rules vary widely, and you may need a separate bond for each jurisdiction. We confirm the requirement where you plan to sell.
Transient Merchant Bond requirements by state
The required amount and authority differ by state — and sometimes by city or county. We are licensed in all 50 states; request a quote and we will confirm the exact requirement that applies to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a transient merchant bond cover?
It covers buyers' losses from a transient seller's fraud, failure to deliver, or violation of the local ordinance. You reimburse the surety for any claim paid.
Who needs a transient merchant bond?
Temporary, traveling, or door-to-door sellers in jurisdictions that require a transient/itinerant merchant permit and bond — often set at the city or county level.
How much does a transient merchant bond cost?
A premium that's a small percentage of the required amount, based on your credit; many of these bonds are small, so premiums are often modest.
How do I get a transient merchant bond through Cory Washington & Co.?
Request a quote or contact our team. We confirm your exact requirement, market your bond across multiple surety companies that compete for it, and handle the filing. Cory Washington & Co. LLC is licensed in all 50 states.
All surety bond descriptions on this website are provided by Cory Washington & Co. LLC strictly for general informational purposes. They are not intended to be, and should not be relied upon as, legal, financial, or bonding advice. Surety bonds are not insurance. Bond requirements — including amounts, obligees, and bond forms — are set by government authorities and other obligees and change over time; the information presented is general in nature and does not guarantee the availability, terms, conditions, or amount of any bond. Actual bond terms are governed by the bond form issued by the surety and the requirements of the obligee, and any bond remains subject to underwriting approval. Nothing on this website creates or implies an agent-client relationship, binds a surety, or issues a bond. Cory Washington & Co. LLC expressly disclaims any liability for actions taken, or not taken, based on the content provided here. For advice regarding your particular situation, please confirm current requirements with the relevant authority and consult directly with a licensed professional at Cory Washington & Co. LLC.