Seasonal plant stall at markets

Market shoppers, home gardeners, condo and balcony growers and people buying plants as gifts.

Direct retail sales per plant or bundle, with higher volume at spring plant sales and Mother's Day weekend. You pay stall fees but no shop rent.

• Plant care knowledge
• Friendly selling
• Displaying and transporting plants
• Basic bookkeeping

• Markets only run for part of the year, so this is a seasonal income
• Bad weather can wipe out a sale day and damage plants
• Check market rules, any vendor permits and whether you need a municipal business licence
• Check provincial or CFIA rules on selling nursery stock and restricted or invasive plants
• Commercial general liability insurance, which many markets require
• GST/HST registration once you pass the small supplier threshold

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on stock, display gear and transport. Monthly revenue is estimated at about $1,500 to $7,000, depending on the markets you attend and the weather.

Check market rules, any vendor permits and whether you need a municipal business licence. Also check provincial or CFIA rules on selling nursery stock and restricted or invasive plants, insurance requirements (many markets require liability cover), and GST/HST registration once you pass the small supplier threshold.

Estimates suggest at least about 10 hours a week, depending on how many markets you attend. Markets only run for part of the year, so income is seasonal. Useful skills include plant care knowledge, friendly selling, displaying and transporting plants, and basic bookkeeping.