Handbag stall at markets and pop-ups

Shoppers browsing markets and fairs, including gift buyers around the holidays.

You sell bags at retail prices above your wholesale or handmade cost, paying a stall fee per event. Busy seasonal events can bring most of the sales.

• Friendly selling face to face
• Display and merchandising
• Cash handling and stock tracking

• Check market rules, stall fees and whether the organizer requires insurance
• Commercial general liability insurance is often requested by event organizers
• Collect and remit GST/HST or provincial sales tax as required once registered, and check what applies in your province
• Outdoor markets depend on weather and are quieter in winter, so plan for seasonal indoor events

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your stock, display setup and stall fees. Check each market's rules and fees, and whether the organizer requires insurance, before you commit.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $400 to $3,000, depending on how many events you attend, your prices and the season. Outdoor markets depend on weather and are quieter in winter, so consider seasonal indoor events.

Check market rules, stall fees and whether organizers require insurance, since commercial general liability cover is often requested. Also check how to collect and remit GST/HST or provincial sales tax once registered, and what applies in your province.