Hat stall at markets and events

Market and event visitors buying sun hats, felt and straw hats, or something to wear to a race day.

You sell hats at a markup over wholesale cost. Event fees are your main running cost, and busy event days can bring in most of a month's sales.

• Friendly face-to-face selling
• Fitting and styling advice
• Planning stock and event calendars

• Public liability insurance, which most markets ask to see
• Stall fees and weather can hit profit, so check costs before committing
• Some councils and event organisers have trader permit rules, so check with them
• Register for GST once turnover reaches the threshold, and check with the ATO

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on how much stock, stand equipment and insurance you buy. Stall fees and weather can affect profit, so check costs before committing to events.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on the events you attend, your stock and the season. That is revenue, not profit, so stall fees and stock costs come out of it. Plan on at least 8 hours a week.

Things to check: public liability insurance, which most markets ask to see; trader permit rules with your council and event organisers; and GST registration once your turnover reaches the threshold, which you can confirm with the ATO.