Irish goods market stall

Market shoppers, festival visitors, tourists and people with Irish interests looking for gifts.

Retail sales on market days, with a higher mark-up than online and extra pre-orders taken for St. Patrick's Day and Christmas.

• Friendly selling face to face
• Attractive display and merchandising
• Handling cash and card payments
• Planning stock for events

• Selling packaged food at markets may need approval from your local public health unit, so check before you buy stock
• Many markets require commercial general liability insurance, so ask organizers what they need
• Check municipal vending rules and whether you need a business licence for each city
• Outdoor markets are weather and season dependent, especially through the Canadian winter
• Collect and remit GST/HST and provincial sales tax once you are registered, so check rules in your province

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your stall setup, how much stock you buy and which markets you choose. Treat this as an estimate and price your own display and stock before committing.

Selling packaged food at markets may need approval from your local public health unit, so check before you buy stock. Also ask organizers about commercial general liability insurance, and check municipal vending rules and whether each city needs a business licence.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $600 to $3,500, depending on the markets you attend, the season and your stock. Outdoor markets depend on weather and season, especially through the Canadian winter, so plan for quieter periods.