Homeware market stall

Market visitors looking for gifts and affordable homewares, plus locals who like buying from small independent sellers.

You sell stock at a markup on trading days. Stall fees and travel reduce your margin, so choosing the right markets matters.

• Choosing products that appeal to shoppers
• Friendly selling and chatting to customers
• Display and setting up a stall
• Handling cash and card payments

• Public liability insurance, which many markets require, so check with each organiser
• Check whether your state or council requires a trader permit for markets
• Weather can cut a trading day short, especially at outdoor markets
• Lifting and loading stock is physical work, so plan your setup
• Check GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on how much stock, display gear and insurance you need. Your own costs will vary, so build a budget from your chosen products and the markets you plan to trade at.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $600 to $3,000, depending on the markets you attend, your products and how many hours you trade. That is revenue, not profit, so stock and other costs need to come out of it.

Things to check: many markets require public liability insurance, so ask each organiser. Also check whether your state or council requires a trader permit for markets, and check GST registration once your turnover reaches the threshold.