Pen stall at markets and pop-ups

Market shoppers, gift buyers, stationery lovers and collectors who like to try before they buy.

Retail sales on the day, with the margin between your wholesale cost and the selling price. Many stallholders also take orders and sell online.

• Friendly, informed selling
• Display and merchandising
• Handling cash and card payments
• Basic stock tracking

• Market organisers often ask for public liability insurance, check what they require
• Some councils or markets need a trading permit, check with your local council
• Stall fees and travel costs can eat into thin margins
• Weather, quiet market days and pen stock being damaged or lost
• Register for GST once turnover reaches the threshold

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your opening stock, display setup and stall fees. These are estimates, so check what fees and insurance the markets you want to trade at require.

Monthly revenue is typically around $600 to $3,000, depending on how many markets you attend, the stock you carry and your stall fees and travel costs. This is an estimate of revenue before costs, not profit.

Check what public liability insurance market organisers require. Check with your local council whether you need a trading permit, and check when GST registration applies once your turnover reaches the threshold.