Fabric and haberdashery market stall

Market visitors, local sewers and crafters who like to browse and buy on the spot, plus bargain hunters after remnants and bundles.

Retail margin on fabric and notions, with extra from pre-cut bundles and remnants, and from building a repeat customer list.

• Friendly selling and chatting to customers
• Display and merchandising
• Cutting and measuring accurately
• Handling cash and card payments

• Stall fees and any requirement from market organisers or councils for a permit or insurance, so check each one
• Public liability insurance, which many markets ask to see
• Weather damage to stock, so use covers and plastic tubs
• Lifting and carrying, plus a vehicle big enough for bolts and a stall
• Variable income, as takings depend on the market and the season

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on your stock, stall setup and vehicle needs. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at $600 to $3,500, and takings can vary with the market and the season.

Check stall fees and whether market organisers or councils require a permit or insurance, as each one may differ. Many markets ask to see public liability insurance. Also plan for weather damage to stock and a vehicle big enough for bolts and a stall.

The estimate is at least around 8 hours a week. Useful skills include friendly selling, display and merchandising, accurate cutting and measuring, and handling cash and card payments. Expect some lifting and carrying.