Batik clothing market stall

Market visitors, tourists, festival crowds and shoppers looking for something different from chain stores.

Stock is bought wholesale and sold at a markup, with stall fees as your main running cost. Sales are strongest on busy market days and at festivals.

• Friendly selling and chatting to customers
• Setting up an attractive display
• Handling cash and card payments

• Check with each market organiser or your local council about stall permits and fees
• Public liability insurance is often required by markets, so check what they ask for
• Weather and quiet days can affect takings, so keep stock levels modest
• Check clothing labelling and Australian Consumer Law rules for returns and refunds
• Storing and transporting stock needs space and a suitable car or van

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on how much stock you buy and what display gear you need. Keeping stock levels modest at first can help limit your outlay while you learn which pieces sell.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $3,500, depending on how many markets you trade at and the weather. Quiet days happen, so treat these as estimates rather than guarantees, and remember stock and stall costs come out of revenue.

Check with each market organiser or your local council about stall permits and fees. Public liability insurance is often required by markets, so check what they ask for. Also check clothing labelling and Australian Consumer Law rules for returns and refunds.