Garden statue market stall

Market visitors, homeowners at garden and home shows, and gift buyers.

Retail mark-up on each piece sold, with higher-value pieces ordered for later delivery or pick-up.

• Selling face to face
• Display and merchandising
• Organizing stock and event dates

• Check whether each market needs a vendor permit, and whether your municipality requires a business licence
• Commercial general liability insurance, which many markets ask for
• Weather and short seasons in much of Canada, so plan for months with few events
• Heavy stock is hard on your back and vehicle, so check safe lifting and load limits
• Check GST/HST registration and any provincial sales tax rules

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on stock, display gear and transport. Monthly revenue is estimated at about $800 to $4,000, depending on how many events you attend and the season.

Check whether each market needs a vendor permit, and whether your municipality requires a business licence. Many markets ask for commercial general liability insurance. Also check GST/HST registration and any provincial sales tax rules that apply to you.

Plan on at least about 10 hours a week as an estimate. Weather and short seasons in much of Canada mean some months have few events. Heavy stock is hard on your back and vehicle, so check safe lifting and load limits.