Homeware market stall

Market visitors, gift shoppers and locals looking for something different from big chain stores.

Retail margin on each item sold. Busy weekends and the pre-holiday season usually bring the biggest sales days.

• Friendly selling and chatting to customers
• Eye for display and styling
• Handling cash, card payments and stock counts

• Check market organizers' insurance requirements, as many ask for commercial general liability cover
• Check whether your municipality or province requires a vendor permit or business licence
• Winter and wet weather can cut outdoor sales, so plan indoor events and a backup income stream
• Collect and remit GST/HST or provincial sales tax as required once registered

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your stall setup and how much stock you buy. A tight range of products helps keep the initial outlay down.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $400 to $3,000, depending on the markets you attend and your products. Winter and wet weather can cut outdoor sales, so plan indoor events and a backup income stream.

Check whether your municipality or province requires a vendor permit or business licence. Also check market organizers' insurance requirements, as many ask for commercial general liability cover, and how to collect and remit GST/HST or provincial sales tax.