Mobile Stall Setup and Takedown Crew
Put up and take down market stalls, booths and display stands for event organizers and retailers.
- C$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
You travel to markets, fairs, festivals, shopping centres and exhibition halls with your own tools and vehicle. There you assemble stalls, booths, tables, canopies and display fittings, then take them down after the event.
Your first three steps
- Contact local market organizers, event companies and exhibition venues to ask who handles their setup and what they pay
- Get a reliable vehicle or trailer and a basic kit of tools, ladders, straps and fixings
- Offer a trial setup at a discount to one organizer and ask for a written reference or referral
Who pays
Event organizers, market managers, trade show exhibitors, retailers running pop-up shops and small businesses that sell at events.
How it makes money
A fixed price per job or an hourly crew rate, often with extra charges for early starts, evenings and weekends. Repeat contracts with organizers who run events all year give the steadiest income.
Skills that help
- Practical building and tool skills
- Reading layout plans and instructions
- Reliable timekeeping on tight setup windows
- Safe lifting and teamwork
Watch out for
- Commercial general liability insurance, which many venues and organizers ask to see before they hire you
- Large convention centres may restrict who can install booths, including union labour agreements, so check each venue's rules
- Outdoor events depend on the season and weather, so plan for a quiet winter or look for indoor work
- Check with your provincial workers' compensation board (WCB or WSIB) about coverage once you hire help
- Working at height and heavy lifting carry injury risk, so check safety training requirements in your province
🔒 Full research report for Canada
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a stall setup and takedown business?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your vehicle, tools and insurance. Costs vary with the kind of events you target, so price out your kit before committing.
What should I check before starting a stall setup crew in Canada?
Things to check: commercial general liability insurance, which many venues ask to see; each venue's rules, including union labour agreements at large convention centres; WCB or WSIB coverage if you hire help; and safety training for working at height and heavy lifting.
How much can a stall setup crew earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on how many events you book and your pricing. The estimate assumes at least about 10 hours a week. Outdoor work can be seasonal, so plan for a quiet winter.
Other ways to run this business
Similar events ideas
Wedding and event photographer
Capture weddings, parties and corporate events, starting as a second shooter to build your portfolio.
- C$3k-10k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Wedding and event florist
Create bridal bouquets, ceremony flowers and table arrangements for weddings and events in your region.
- C$2k-10k
- Part-time
- From home
Corporate event management service
Run conferences, product launches and staff events for local businesses, from first brief to final pack-down.
- C$2k-10k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Karaoke for weddings and corporate events
Offer a polished karaoke host and pro sound for weddings, staff parties and team events.
- C$3k-10k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Seasonal craft market series
Run a recurring holiday or summer maker market with a loyal base of stallholders and visitors.
- C$2k-10k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Karaoke hire with delivery and setup
Deliver, set up and collect full karaoke systems for parties, offices and community events.
- C$3k-10k
- Part-time
- Out and about