Japanese sweets market stall

Market visitors, families, teens and fans at conventions and festivals.

Margin on individual items and mix-and-match bags, with extra sales from gift sets and event-themed bundles.

• Eye-catching display and pricing
• Chatting with customers
• Planning stock for each event

• Check with your local public health unit and the market organizer about permits or registration for selling prepackaged food, as requirements vary by province and municipality
• Check CFIA labelling rules (English and French) for imported products
• Commercial general liability insurance, often required by markets
• Seasonality: outdoor markets are limited in winter, so plan indoor events
• Heat and weather damage to stock, and lifting and setting up gear

Startup costs are typically estimated around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on your stall gear, display, insurance and opening stock. It is a lower-cost way to test demand before renting a shop.

Check with your local public health unit and the market organizer about permits or registration for prepackaged food, as requirements vary by province and municipality. Check CFIA labelling rules for imports, and commercial general liability insurance, often required by markets.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many events you attend and what you sell. Outdoor markets are limited in winter, so plan indoor events.