Retail business ideas you can run out and about
148 ideas
These 150 retail ideas take you to your customers instead of tying you to a shopfront. You might run a Haberdashery market stall, fit out a mobile workwear van for worksites, or build an electronics vending route across your city.
Folk costume stall at festivals and markets
Take a stall of traditional dress and accessories to multicultural festivals, community events and markets.
- A$2.5k-10k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Farmers' market cheese and dairy stall
Sell cheese, eggs, butter and milk from local producers at weekend markets.
- A$5k-20k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Bangle stall at markets and festivals
Sell bangles from a stall at weekend markets, cultural festivals and wedding expos.
- A$1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile gold and jewellery buyer
Test, weigh and buy unwanted gold, silver and jewellery at people's homes or local pop-up events.
- A$5k-20k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Home-based hot tub dealer and servicing
Sell hot tubs online and by appointment, deliver them, and service local spas from a ute or van, with no shopfront.
- A$15k-50k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Boutique market stall and pop-ups
Sell a curated clothing and accessories range from a rack at weekend markets and pop-up events.
- A$2k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Crystal and spiritual goods market stall
Sell crystals, incense and tarot decks at weekend markets and festivals without paying shop rent.
- A$1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Toy stall at markets and fairs
Sell toys and games from a stall at weekend markets, school fairs and community events.
- A$1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile flooring sales with samples
Sell flooring without a shop: visit customers with sample kits, quote on site and order to suit.
- A$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Souvenir market stall
Sell local-themed gifts and keepsakes from a stall at tourist markets and weekend events.
- A$1.5k-7k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Market stall knife sales and sharpening
Sharpen knives on the spot at markets and sell a small range of kitchen knives and accessories.
- A$1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Phone accessory market stall
Run a stall or shopping centre kiosk selling cases, chargers and screen protectors, with fitting on the spot.
- A$1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Herb and herbal tea market stall
Sell dried herbs and herbal products from a stall at weekend farmers' and community markets.
- A$2k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Handbag market stall
Sell handbags and purses at weekend markets and pop-ups to shoppers who like to see and touch.
- A$2k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Kids' market stall and pop-up shop
Sell children's clothing, toys and gifts at weekend markets and school fairs without paying for a shopfront.
- A$1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile carpet sample and quote service
Bring carpet and rug samples to customers' homes, measure up and arrange supply and fitting without a shop.
- A$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile shower screen supply and install
Measure, quote and fit glass shower screens in homes, rentals and renovations, with no shopfront.
- A$4k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Gas bottle delivery service
Deliver and swap LPG bottles for homes, caravan parks and small businesses from a ute or van, without a full shop.
- A$8k-40k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Baby clothes market stall and pop-up
Sell baby and toddler clothes at weekend markets and pop-ups, with no shop lease.
- A$1.5k-5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Baseball gear stall at clubs and games
Take a pop-up gear stall to club days, tournaments and training nights so players can try before they buy.
- A$3k-10k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Seasonal decorations and gifts market stall
Sell Christmas, Easter and festive decorations, cards and gifts at local markets and short-term pop-ups.
- A$1k-5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Artificial plant and flower market stall
Sell artificial plants and flower arrangements at weekend markets and pop-ups with low overheads.
- A$1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Trade flower supplier with a delivery run
Buy fresh flowers at the markets or direct from growers and deliver to florists, cafes and event stylists on a regular route.
- A$5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile tool supply van for building sites
Drive a stocked van to building sites and tradie yards, selling consumables and small tools so crews don't leave the job.
- A$15k-50k
- Part-time
- Out and about
About these ideas
They suit people who enjoy being on the move, are comfortable talking to strangers and want to test demand before signing a lease. Start by thinking about where your customers actually gather, how much stock and vehicle space you need, and what the weekly routine would look like in all weather. Check market stall fees, council permits, parking rules and insurance for your area, and work out whether you can store stock safely between trading days.
More ideas
- Fashion jewellery market stall
- Stamp dealer at fairs and collectors' markets
- Online safe seller with install service
- Weekend bazaar market stall
- Mobile mower servicing and refurbished sales
- Beachwear market stall or pop-up
- Kayak demo trailer sales
- Seasonal beach toy stall and hire
- Dried flower market stall
- Pop-up sheet music stall at music events
- Hobby and craft market stall
- Metal detector stall and demo days
- Hat stall at markets and events
- Lolly and chocolate market stall
- Dancewear pop-up fitting service
- Bag stall at markets
- Vintage clothing market stall
- Craft supplies market stall
- Mobile surf hire and secondhand boards
- Feng shui market stall
- Pen stall at markets and pop-ups
- Figurine market stall and pop-ups
- Mobile workwear supplier for worksites
- Seating supply and installation service
- Hawaiian goods market stall
- Hockey gear pop-up at clubs and tournaments
- Gemstone stall at gem fairs and markets
- Mobile scrap metal collector
- Belt stall at local markets
- Office furniture supply and install
- Mexican goods market stall
- Mobile fixings and hardware supply van
- Pop-up bookstall for markets and schools
- Yarn market stall and pop-up workshops
- Built-in wardrobe and storage supplier
- Western wear pop-up stall at events
- Sunglasses market stall
- Mobile tack trailer
- Mobile tack shop for events and stables
- Batik clothing market stall
- Collectables market stall
- Fabric and haberdashery market stall
- Typewriter market stall and repair service
- Hair extensions supplier to salons
- Card and stationery market stall
- Record stall at markets and fairs
- Mobile glasses repair and adjustment
- Magazine and sundries market stall
- Pop-up flamenco shop at classes and festivals
- Pre-loved and vintage clothing stall
- New clothing stall at regular markets
- Second-hand book market stall
- Novelty gift market stall
- Pottery market stall
- In-home audio advice, supply and setup
- Irish goods market stall
- Mobile workwear van for worksites
- Mobile barber supply rep
- Local supplier to physio clinics and care providers
- Herb and tea market stall
- Small vending machine route
- Full-time vending route business
- Mobile novelty wholesale sales round
- Mobile e-bike servicing and repairs
- Weekend bargain stall at local markets
- Children's clothes market stall
- Mobile blinds and curtains consultant
- Local personal grocery shopper
- Community grocery run for offices and groups
- Park home sales broker (no stock)
- Linen and towel market stall
- Beauty vending machines in local venues
- Premium beauty vending in shopping centres
- Weekend market snack and drink stall
- Judaica pop-up stall for festivals and events
- Coffee bean market stall
- Solid fuel delivery: firewood, briquettes and coal
- Pop-up flea market at a brewery, cafe or shopping centre
- Letterbox supply and install service
- Van-based wholesale supplier to local shops
- Table tennis gear stall at clubs and events
- Mobility aid hire with home delivery
- Skin care vending machines in gyms and venues
- Swimwear market stall and pop-ups
- African goods market stall
- Artificial greenery supplier for businesses
- Botanica market stall
- Mobile made-to-measure screen service
- Weekend surplus gear market stall
- Shop fit-out supply and install service
- Sports card show and market stall
- Asian homewares market stall
- Poster stall at markets and events
- Pop-up gear stall at clubs and tournaments
- Variety market stall
- Mobile mower servicing and repairs
- Doll and collectibles market stall
- Outdoor gear market stall and pop-up
- Gift stall at weekend and seasonal markets
- Cosmetics market stall
- Underwear and sleepwear market stall
- Asian gifts and homeware market stall
- Discount goods market stall
- Homeware market stall
- Candle stall at local markets
- Second-hand market stall
- Crockery and tableware market stall
- Phone accessory vending machines, small route
- Electronics vending route across your city
- Magic stall at markets and events
- Second-hand CD market stall
- Wicker and basket market stall
- Mobile beauty supplier visiting salons
- Mobile supportive shoe fitting service
- Christmas market stall
- Glassware market stall
- Football gear pop-up for clubs and match days
- Footwear market stall
- Local appliance rental with delivery
- Clothing stall at markets and pop-ups
- Retro games market stall
- Organic goods market stall
- Local shop fit-out supplier and installer
- Rugby gear pop-up for clubs and schools
Questions
Do I need a permit to trade out and about in Australia?
Often you will, but it depends on what you sell and where. Check with your local council about street trading, market and shopping centre requirements, plus food or vehicle rules. Also ask market organisers what they require before you book a stall.
What should I check before buying a van or stall equipment?
Work out what you really need to carry, how you will load and unload, and whether the vehicle suits your licence. Compare hiring or buying second-hand first. Also check insurance, storage space, signage rules and ongoing running costs before committing.
How can I test a mobile retail idea cheaply?
Try a few casual market days or a short trial route with a small range of stock. Track what sells, stall fees, travel time and customer questions. Check whether you need an ABN, insurance or registration before you start trading.