Sunglasses market stall and pop-up

Market visitors, festival crowds, tourists and impulse buyers looking for an affordable pair.

Retail margin on each pair, plus add-ons like cases and cords. Busy event days can bring in most of your sales.

• Friendly selling and chatting to strangers
• Eye-catching display and pricing
• Basic frame adjustments

• Check each market or event for vendor permits and application deadlines
• Commercial general liability insurance, which many markets require
• Weather and short seasons, so plan for a mostly summer income
• Avoid counterfeit brands and unverified UV claims, and check Health Canada guidance on labelling
• Keep records of sales for GST/HST and any provincial sales tax

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on your stock, display and event fees. Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the events you attend and the season.

Check each market or event for vendor permits and application deadlines, and whether commercial general liability insurance is required. Avoid counterfeit brands and unverified UV claims, check Health Canada labelling guidance, and keep sales records for GST/HST and provincial sales tax.

Weather and short seasons mean income is mostly from summer, so plan accordingly. Estimates suggest at least about 10 hours a week. Skills that help include friendly selling, eye-catching displays and basic frame adjustments.