Gift stall at markets and seasonal pop-ups

Market visitors, tourists and holiday shoppers looking for something unique to give as a present.

You sell stock at a markup and pay a table or pitch fee per event. Holiday markets can bring the busiest sales of the year.

• Eye-catching display setup
• Friendly selling face to face
• Handling cash and card payments
• Planning stock for each event

• Check each market's rules, application deadlines and whether you need a vendor permit or municipal licence
• Commercial general liability insurance, which many markets ask to see
• Collect and remit GST/HST or provincial sales tax where required, and check your province's rules
• Outdoor weather and winter conditions: plan for cold, rain and wind
• Storing and transporting stock, which may need a vehicle

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your stall setup, display and opening stock. Monthly revenue is estimated at roughly $600 to $3,000, depending on how many markets you attend.

Check each market's rules, application deadlines and whether you need a vendor permit or municipal licence. Also check commercial general liability insurance, which many markets ask to see, and GST/HST or provincial sales tax rules in your province.

Estimates suggest at least about 8 hours a week. Plan for outdoor weather and winter conditions, including cold, rain and wind, and for storing and transporting stock, which may need a vehicle.