Candy stall at markets and events

Market shoppers, families at events, tourists and gift buyers.

You sell packs, bags and gift boxes at a markup on wholesale cost. Event days and holiday markets tend to be your strongest sales.

• Friendly selling face to face
• Attractive display setup
• Planning stock for each event

• Check with your local public health unit whether pre-packaged candy needs a permit or whether open candy needs more
• Market organizers may require liability insurance, so check their terms
• Chocolate melts in summer heat, so plan cool storage
• Winter outdoor markets mean cold days, so check your stall setup and pitch costs
• Check municipal vending or business licence rules and GST/HST registration

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on your stall setup, stock and the events you choose. Pitch costs and cool storage for chocolate in summer heat can also affect where you land in that range.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many markets and events you attend and the time of year. Plan on at least about 8 hours a week, and remember revenue is not the same as profit.

Things to check: ask your local public health unit whether pre-packaged candy needs a permit, and whether open candy needs more. Also check municipal vending or business licence rules, GST/HST registration, and whether market organizers require liability insurance.