Start a variety market stall

Market-goers, local families and bargain hunters looking for useful items at low prices.

You buy stock cheaply in bulk and sell at a markup, paying a stall fee per market day instead of shop rent.

• Choosing popular low-cost lines
• Friendly selling and chatting to customers
• Setting up and packing down a stall
• Handling cash and card payments

• Public liability insurance, which many markets require
• Council or market organiser rules for stallholders, check before booking
• Product safety standards for toys and electrical items, check ACCC guidance
• Weather, which can cut sales and damage stock
• Needing a ute or van to carry stock and the stall

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $6,000, depending on how much stock you buy, what stall equipment you need and your insurance. These are estimates, so price your own stock and gear before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on which markets you attend, the lines you choose and the weather. These are estimates only. The business typically needs at least about 8 hours a week.

Check whether the markets you want to attend require public liability insurance, and read council or market organiser rules before booking. Check ACCC guidance on product safety for toys and electrical items. Also plan for a ute or van to carry stock.