Seasonal decorations and gifts market stall

Local shoppers, families and gift buyers looking for festive items, plus people buying for schools, offices and community events.

You buy stock wholesale or make some items yourself, then sell at a markup. Sales peak in the weeks before each occasion, so you plan stock around the calendar.

• Choosing products that sell
• Display and merchandising
• Cash handling and customer service
• Planning stock around the calendar

• Public liability insurance, which many markets ask to see before booking you
• Market and council permit rules, which vary by council, so check before you book
• Unsold stock after the season ends, so buy small and plan storage
• Product safety rules for items such as children's toys and candles, check with the ACCC
• An ABN is needed, and GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your stock, stall setup and display. Buying small and planning storage helps you avoid being stuck with unsold stock after the season ends.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $4,000, depending on which markets you trade at, what you sell and the time of year. That is revenue, not profit, so stock and site costs come out of it.

Things to check: many markets ask to see public liability insurance, and market and council permit rules vary, so check before booking. Also check product safety rules for items like toys and candles with the ACCC, and that you have an ABN, with GST once turnover reaches the threshold.