Dollar-style market stall

Market visitors, local families and bargain hunters looking for small everyday items.

You buy in bulk from wholesalers and sell at low fixed prices or bundle deals. Revenue depends on the number of market days and the foot traffic at each.

• Spotting products that sell at low prices
• Simple display and signage
• Friendly selling
• Handling cash and card payments

• Check if the market or your municipality requires a vendor permit or business licence
• Check GST/HST and any provincial sales tax registration rules as your sales grow
• Check Canadian product safety and labelling rules, particularly for children's items and imported goods
• Outdoor markets depend on weather, and many slow down or close in winter
• Consider commercial general liability insurance, as some markets require proof of cover
• Unsold stock ties up your cash, so start with small orders

Startup is typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your opening stock, display gear and stall setup. These are estimates, and starting with small orders helps keep unsold stock from tying up your cash.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on which markets you attend and what you sell. Outdoor markets depend on weather, and many slow down or close in winter. The estimate assumes about 10 hours a week.

Check whether the market or your municipality requires a vendor permit or business licence. Also check GST/HST and provincial sales tax registration as sales grow, product safety and labelling rules, and whether markets require proof of liability insurance.