Outdoor weekend flea market in a lot or field

Sellers pay for a pitch or stall space, and some bring their own tables or tents. Shoppers usually enter free, though some markets charge for parking or entry.

Pitch fees per market day, minus site rent, insurance, advertising, signage and basic facilities. A strong season with regular sellers and steady visitors helps cover the quiet winter months.

• Organizing layouts and traffic flow
• Dealing with sellers and neighbours
• Promotion through social media and local signs
• Handling weather changes calmly

• Event or commercial general liability insurance, and whether the site owner requires to be named on your policy
• Municipal zoning, market or special event permits, which differ widely, so check with your municipality early
• Washrooms, waste, noise and parking rules that neighbours or the municipality may expect you to handle
• Food sellers will likely need a permit from your local public health unit
• Weather risk: rain, heat and early or late season cold can cut turnout, so the season is short in many provinces
• Sellers are usually responsible for their own sales tax. Check with the CRA and your province whether your pitch fees need GST/HST or PST
• Check Health Canada rules for second-hand items that can be restricted, such as cribs and child car seats

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the site you rent, insurance, signage and promotion. Weather can cut turnout, and the season is short in many provinces.

Check municipal zoning and any market or special event permits early, plus insurance and whether the site owner must be named on your policy. Also check washroom, waste, noise and parking expectations, food seller permits, GST/HST or PST on pitch fees, and Health Canada rules for second-hand items.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many sellers rent pitches, your pitch fees and how many weekends you run. Rain, heat and early or late season cold can affect turnout.