Second-hand book market stall

Market visitors, families, holiday readers and collectors looking for bargains.

You sell books at a set price or by category pricing, such as paperbacks at a flat price. Buying whole collections cheaply gives you the stock to sell at a profit.

• Pricing books quickly
• Friendly customer service
• Setting up and packing down a display
• Knowing what readers like

• You need an ABN, and GST registration is required once turnover reaches the threshold
• Check market requirements for public liability insurance, as many markets ask for it
• Check with your local council whether you need a permit for market trading
• Weather can ruin books and cut sales, so plan covers and a wet-day backup
• Books are heavy, so plan transport and manual handling to avoid strain

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $500 to $3,000, depending on how much stock you buy, what display tables and covers you need, and market fees. Treat this as an estimate and price your own setup before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $400 to $2,500, depending on how many markets you trade at, your stock quality and pricing, and the weather. Hours start at about 8 a week. These are estimates, not guarantees.

Check that you have an ABN, and whether GST registration applies once turnover reaches the threshold. Also check each market's public liability insurance requirements and whether your local council requires a permit for market trading.