Sewing notions market stall

Market visitors, local crafters, quilters, knitters and people repairing or making clothes and gifts.

Direct sales at the stall, with a markup on wholesale stock. Pre-made kits and mending packs work well as impulse buys, and you can collect emails for online orders.

• Friendly selling face to face
• Attractive display
• Knowing which supplies suit which projects
• Basic cash and card handling

• Vendor fees and insurance requirements set by each market, many want commercial general liability cover
• Collecting and remitting sales tax correctly, check GST/HST and provincial rules
• Weather and winter, outdoor markets slow down, so plan for indoor events
• Whether your municipality requires a business licence for selling at events
• Storage and transport of stock, a vehicle may be needed

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $4,000 CAD, depending on how much stock you carry and how you set up your display. Transport and storage of stock may also affect your total.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around $600 to $3,000 CAD, depending on which markets you attend and how often. That is revenue, not profit, and the estimate assumes at least about 10 hours a week.

Check each market's vendor fees and insurance requirements, as many want commercial general liability cover. Also check GST/HST and provincial sales tax rules, whether your municipality requires a business licence, and plan for slower winter months.