Pre-Loved and vintage clothing stall
Sell sourced second-hand and vintage clothes from a stall at weekend markets near you.
- A$500-2.5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A small stall at weekend or monthly markets selling second-hand, vintage or retro clothing you have sourced, cleaned and priced. You choose a style, such as streetwear, 90s denim or kids' clothes, so shoppers know what to expect.
Your first three steps
- Visit a few local markets to see which have clothing stalls, what they charge and what they pay for pitches
- Source your first 100 to 200 items, then wash, repair and price them in a consistent style
- Book a casual pitch at one market, bring a clothes rail, mirror and card reader, and take photos to start an Instagram page
Who pays
Market shoppers, students and bargain hunters, plus people looking for sustainable or unique fashion.
How it makes money
You buy stock cheaply from op shops, garage sales, clothing bundles and wholesalers, then sell each piece at a higher price. Profit depends on good sourcing, pricing and your stall fee per market day.
Skills that help
- An eye for style and what sells
- Friendly selling and haggling
- Organising stock and a neat stall display
Watch out for
- Check you need an ABN and when you must register for GST once turnover grows
- Many market operators require public liability insurance, so check with the organiser
- Check whether your council or state requires a permit or approval to trade at the market
- Avoid selling fake or counterfeit branded items, which can breach trade mark and consumer law
- Weather and quiet days can change takings a lot, so don't rely on one market
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: pre-loved and vintage clothing stall
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a second-hand clothing stall?
Startup costs are typically around $500 to $2,500, depending on how much stock you buy, and on your racks, display and stall gear. These are estimates, so start small and see what sells.
What should I check before selling pre-loved clothes at markets?
Check whether you need an ABN and when to register for GST as turnover grows. Also check whether the market organiser requires public liability insurance, whether a council or state permit is needed, and avoid counterfeit branded items.
How much can a pre-loved clothing stall earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $600 to $3,500, depending on the markets you attend, your stock and the weather. Estimates suggest at least about 8 hours a week. Quiet days can change takings a lot, so don't rely on one market.
Other ways to run this business
Similar retail ideas
Online second-hand furniture seller
Collect, tidy up and resell pre-owned furniture through online marketplaces, with pickup from your place.
- A$300-2.5k
- Side hustle
- From home
Online software and licence reseller
Sell genuine software and licences to local small businesses and households through a simple online shop.
- A$500-2.5k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online sports card seller
Buy, sort and sell AFL, NRL, NBA and other sports cards online from home.
- A$500-2.5k
- Side hustle
- From home
Second-hand bike reseller from home
Buy tired bikes cheaply, fix them up in your garage and sell them online to budget-minded riders.
- A$500-2.5k
- Side hustle
- From home
Handmade goods: online shop and markets
Sell handmade decorative and useful items online and at local markets, made by you or by other local makers.
- A$500-3k
- Side hustle
- From home
Online second-hand book seller
Source pre-owned books and sell them online to readers and collectors from home.
- A$300-2k
- Side hustle
- Online