Students capitalize on inauguration crowds

University of Maryland University College student Jameel Spriggs woke up at 9 a.m. Tuesday, hours after most people had already arrived at the National Mall to witness the inauguration of Barack Obama as president. But unlike the hundreds of thousands who hoped to catch a glimpse of history, Jameel was there to work.
In anticipation of his long day outside in temperatures that, according to weather reports, could feel a frigid 17 degrees, Jameel layered his clothing and stuffed his pockets with hand-warmers provided by his employer, Red Bow Photos. Red Bow Photos’ business is posting photographers at large events and tourist attractions to take a well-framed, high-quality picture that is available online for purchase.
“I’m just trying to make a little money,” said Spriggs.

Jameel wasn’t the only student hoping to make money off the massive influx of people — and money — into Washington, D.C., for the inauguration of the first African-American president. Entrepreneurs of all ages were hoping to supplement their regular incomes by capitalizing on the four days in which the city’s population tripled.

Some, like Matthew Williams, 20, of Virginia, sold crudely made t-shirts, braving the bustling Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro stop. Williams, dressed in denim jeans with holes in the knees and a stained sweatshirt, designed his shirts to say “Obama,” “hope” and “change” on the green background of a Marijuana leaf.

“These [the shirts] are something I thought would sell, so I made them up and came out here,” he said. Pickup next quote here.
“I don’t do this very often,” the dreadlocked Williams said, “but occasionally, if the crowds are big enough, I can make some money.”

Others had come from as far away as Harlem in New York City to sell their wares. Bought at wholesalers for cheap, these vendors mark up the price and turn a hefty profit. “Barack said he was going to stimulate small businesses and how much smaller can you get than selling t-shirts?” said a man who only identified himself as a “New York entrepreneur.” “[I] am trying to get a stimulus package from this inauguration, a bailout. Things are very difficult right now."

But some resisted the lure of quick money for fear of legal ramifications. Matt Kohen, a sophomore in the School of Public Affairs at American University, had hoped to make a few hundred dollars by selling buttons through an unlicensed vendor advertising on the Web site Craiglist.com. The vendor would supply Kohen with an unlimited supply of buttons and other memorabilia, and in return for his salesmanship, he could keep 15 percent of profits – as much as $200-$300.

But after the vendor warned Kohen to steer clear of police, he opted out of the scheme.

“It was rather illegitimate,” said Kohen. “They didn’t provide us with a vendor’s license and told us to avoid the police…That combined with the hassle of the weather and getting up early just made it not worth it.”

For some, the crowds were exactly what they were hoping for.

Spriggs, a three-month veteran at the perfectly legal Red Bow Photos, was satisfied with his profits.

“It was worth it.” It was great to see the event,” he said before smiling broadly and adding, “I made good money, too.”