A peddler, in British English pedlar, also known as a chapman, packman, cheapjack, hawker, higler, huckster, (coster)monger, colporteur or solicitor, is a door-to-door and/or travelling vendor of goods. In 19th-century America the word "drummer" was often used to refer to a peddler or traveling salesman; as exemplified in the popular play Sam'l of Posen; or, The Commercial Drummer by George H. Jessop.
A Peking fruit seller, c. 1869
Peddler in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Three East Karelian "laukkuryssä" peddlers from Kestenga, Russia in Lohja, Finland in the late 19th century.
Ribbon seller at the entrance to the Butter Market, engraving by J.J. Eeckhout, 1884
A hawker is a vendor of merchandise that can be easily transported; the term is roughly synonymous with costermonger or peddler. In most places where the term is used, a hawker sells inexpensive goods, handicrafts, or food items. Whether stationary or mobile, hawkers often advertise by loud street cries or chants, and conduct banter with customers, to attract attention and enhance sales.
Street hawkers selling bags and sunglasses in central Rome, Italy
Fresco from the House of Julia Felix, Pompeii depicting scenes of various hawkers and traders at the Forum
Musical hawkers from the house of Dioskourides of Samos, Pompeii
A vendor in Dar es Salaam selling fruit.
