Artist selling at markets and craft fairs

Shoppers browsing markets and fairs, including locals, tourists and holiday gift buyers.

Direct sales at a mix of price points, from low-cost cards and prints to higher-priced originals. Fair season, especially the pre-holiday months, often brings the most sales.

• Creating a consistent, recognizable body of work
• Friendly selling and chatting with customers
• Displaying and packing work neatly

• Check market fees and whether fairs are juried, as some have application deadlines months ahead
• Check whether you need a vendor permit or business licence from your municipality
• Collect and remit sales tax correctly, and check GST/HST and provincial sales tax rules for your province
• Outdoor markets depend on weather and winter slows the season, so plan indoor events
• Consider commercial general liability insurance, as some markets ask for proof

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on your stock of work, display setup and market fees. Check market fees and whether fairs are juried, as some have application deadlines months ahead.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $300 to $3,000, depending on how many events you attend and what you sell. Outdoor markets depend on weather and winter slows the season, so plan indoor events.

Check whether you need a vendor permit or business licence from your municipality, and how GST/HST and provincial sales tax apply in your province. Also consider commercial general liability insurance, as some markets ask for proof.