Weekly night market with a venue partner

Stallholders pay stall fees. A venue, business association or council may also pay you a fee or share of takings to bring people to the area.

Weekly stall fees from a steady group of regular traders, plus possible management fees from the venue, sponsors or food and drink partners. As a rough guide, 15 to 30 stalls paying $40 to $80 a night across four or five nights a month gives the revenue range shown, before costs such as insurance, lighting, toilets and marketing.

• Negotiating with venues and councils
• Managing a roster of traders
• Marketing and social media
• Reliable and organised

• Public liability insurance and a clear written agreement with the venue about who is responsible for what
• Council approvals for markets and temporary events, which vary by council, so check before you promote
• Food stall registration with the local council and any liquor licensing if alcohol is sold, check your state's rules
• Trader turnover, as weak early crowds can cause stallholders to drop out
• A weekly commitment is demanding, so check you can cover wet weather and your own absence

As an estimate, startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the venue, insurance, equipment and promotion. Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on stall fees, trader numbers and any venue payments.

Check public liability insurance and a clear written agreement with the venue about who is responsible for what. Also check council approvals for markets and temporary events, food stall registration, and liquor licensing if alcohol is sold under your state's rules.

Estimates suggest at least around 15 hours a week, depending on trader numbers and promotion. A weekly commitment is demanding, so check you can cover wet weather and your own absence, and plan for traders dropping out if early crowds are weak.