Pop-up furniture stand at a shopping centre

Everyday shoppers, renters, students and families who spot a good price while doing the weekly shop.

Mark-up on each item sold, often with delivery or assembly as paid extras. Keeping stock low lets you test what sells before committing to a lease.

• Selling face to face
• Setting up eye-catching displays
• Organising stock and deliveries
• Handling cash and card payments

• Centre rules on display size, trading hours, signage and insurance cover amounts
• Casual licence fees that may eat into thin margins
• Public liability insurance, often required before centres will approve you
• Australian Consumer Law rules on refunds and guarantees also apply to pop-ups
• Somewhere to store stock between bookings
• Bookings may not be renewed, so don't rely on one spot

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $5,000 to $20,000, depending on your display setup, the stock you buy, licence fees and insurance. Casual licence fees can eat into thin margins, so check them before you commit.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the spot, how long you trade and your range. Bookings may not be renewed, so don't rely on one location. The estimate assumes at least about 15 hours a week.

Check the centre's rules on display size, trading hours, signage and insurance cover amounts. Public liability insurance is often required before approval. Also check Australian Consumer Law rules on refunds and guarantees, and where you'll store stock between bookings.