Folk costume stall at festivals and markets

Festival visitors, performers and dance groups, families from the communities you serve, and collectors.

Margin on items sold at the stall. Some sellers add pre-orders for later pick-up, costume hire, or sales to groups they meet at events.

• Knowledge of the dress you sell
• Friendly face-to-face selling
• Packing, setting up and organising stock
• Handling card and cash payments

• Public liability insurance, which many events require before you can trade
• Check with each event organiser and local council about stallholder permits or trading approvals
• Register an ABN and check when you need to register for GST
• Event takings depend on weather and crowds, so keep costs low until you know which events pay off
• Check import and biosecurity rules if bringing in stock from overseas, and be respectful of cultural dress and designs
• You need a vehicle to carry stock and equipment

Startup costs are typically around $2,500 to $10,000, depending on your stock, stall set-up and insurance. Event takings depend on weather and crowds, so keeping costs low until you know which events pay off makes sense.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $2,500, depending on how many events you attend, stall fees and the crowds. Takings can vary from event to event, so track which ones are worth your time.

Check public liability insurance, which many events require, and stallholder permits or trading approvals with each organiser and council. Also check ABN and GST registration, import and biosecurity rules for overseas stock, and respect for cultural dress and designs.