Weekend clothing market stall

Market shoppers looking for bargains, unique finds or everyday clothes, plus families buying kids' wear.

You buy stock cheaply (thrift bulk lots, estate sales, wholesalers or your own sourcing) and sell at a markup, paying a stall fee per market day.

• Spotting good-quality, sellable clothing
• Friendly selling and haggling
• Display and merchandising
• Basic bookkeeping and stock tracking

• Check if your municipality or the market organizer requires a vendor licence or business licence
• Check GST/HST registration rules once your sales go past the small supplier threshold, and how provincial sales tax applies in your province
• Commercial general liability insurance is often required by market organizers, so ask before applying
• Outdoor markets depend on weather and season, and winter is quiet in many areas, so plan for slower months
• If selling new branded clothing, avoid counterfeit goods and check wholesaler legitimacy; check labelling rules for new textiles

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $500 to $3,000, depending on whether you sell second-hand or new stock, how much you buy to begin with, and the display equipment you need for your stall.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $600 to $3,000, depending on the markets you attend, your stock and the season. Outdoor markets depend on weather, and winter is quiet in many areas, so plan for slower months.

Check whether your municipality or the market organizer requires a vendor or business licence, and GST/HST registration rules once sales pass the small supplier threshold. Organizers often require commercial general liability insurance, so ask before applying.