Japanese deli market stall

Market shoppers, festival visitors, office workers at lunchtime markets and regulars who order ahead.

Sales of prepared food and packaged goods per market day, with extra income from pre-orders and catering enquiries.

• Cooking Japanese dishes well
• Food safety
• Customer service
• Planning prep and stock

• Food handler certification and a permit for food sold at markets or events, check with your local public health unit
• Home kitchens are often not allowed for selling prepared food, check your province's rules before using one
• Market stall fees and event permits, which vary by municipality
• Weather and winter seasonality, many outdoor markets are seasonal
• Commercial general liability insurance, often required by market organizers
• Allergen labelling such as soy, wheat, fish and sesame

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $20,000, depending on your stall setup and stock. Market stall fees and event permits vary by municipality, and you will also need a licensed commercial or shared kitchen to prepare food.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $9,000, depending on how many markets and events you attend and what you sell. Many outdoor markets are seasonal, so winter can look very different from summer.

Check food handler certification and the permit needed for food sold at markets or events with your local public health unit. Home kitchens are often not allowed for prepared food, so check your province's rules. Also check allergen labelling and insurance, which market organizers often require.