Pop-up bookstall for markets and schools

Market visitors, parents and teachers, festival goers and local community groups.

Direct sales of books and gifts at a margin over your buying price. Some schools and groups may also pay for curated book selections or run fundraising sales with you.

• Choosing a good mix of books for each crowd
• Friendly selling and chatting with customers
• Setting up and packing down a display
• Handling cash and card payments

• Stall fees and weather can affect takings, so track what each market earns
• Public liability insurance is often required by market organisers
• Check council or event rules for trading at markets and any permits needed
• Register for an ABN and check GST requirements
• Check if you need a working with children check when selling at school events (rules vary by state)

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your stock, display gear and stall fees. Weather and stall fees can affect takings, so track what each market earns.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many markets and events you attend, your book mix and the crowds. Weather can change takings from one day to the next.

Things to check: public liability insurance, which organisers often require; council or event rules and permits for trading at markets; ABN registration and GST requirements; and whether a working with children check applies at school events in your state.