Weekend discount goods market stall

Market visitors looking for bargains, families, and shoppers stocking up on everyday items.

You buy stock cheaply in bulk and sell at a markup, with revenue depending on market fees, foot traffic and how well you pick fast-selling goods.

• Spotting good-value products
• Friendly selling and bargaining
• Displaying stock attractively
• Simple record keeping

• Market vendor fees and any permits or business licence your municipality or market operator asks for
• Product safety and labelling rules, especially for children's items and cosmetics, check Health Canada guidance
• Collecting sales tax once you pass the small supplier threshold, check with the Canada Revenue Agency
• Liability insurance, which many markets ask vendors to carry
• Winter and bad weather, consider indoor markets for the colder months

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on how much stock you buy and what display gear, tables and tents you need. It is far cheaper than opening a shop.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $800 to $4,000, depending on the markets you attend, your stock and the season. Bad weather can hurt outdoor sales, so consider indoor markets for the colder months.

Check vendor fees and any permits or business licence your municipality or market operator asks for, Health Canada guidance on product safety and labelling, sales tax once you pass the small supplier threshold, and liability insurance, which many markets ask vendors to carry.