Willow basket maker selling at markets

Shoppers at craft markets and seasonal fairs, gardeners, gift buyers, and small local shops or garden centres that stock handmade goods.

Price per basket, with small gift baskets at a lower price and large or custom pieces at a higher one. Busy seasons like spring planting and the run-up to Christmas tend to bring the most sales.

• Basketry weaving technique
• Patience and steady hands
• Friendly selling at a market stall
• Basic pricing and record keeping

• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence
• Market stalls often need liability insurance, check what each market requires
• Willow needs soaking and drying, so check you have space and avoid mould in damp storage
• Register for GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold, and check provincial sales tax rules
• Income is seasonal and weaving is slow, so work out your hourly return before you set prices

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $300 to $1,500, depending on the willow, tools, market stall equipment and any fees you pay. Check what each market requires before you buy, as these figures are estimates only.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $200 to $1,500, depending on how many baskets you make and sell. Income is seasonal and weaving is slow, so work out your hourly return before setting prices.

Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence, and what liability insurance each market asks for. Also check you have space to soak and dry willow without mould, and GST/HST and provincial sales tax rules once revenue passes the small supplier threshold.