Retail business ideas you can run out and about
119 ideas
If you would rather sell from a van, a stall or a delivery round than a shop unit, this page brings together 119 retail ideas that take the business to your customers. Options range from a clothes market stall or a mobile tack and feed shop in a van to a newspaper and magazine delivery round.
Mobile trade tools and supplies van
Drive a stocked van to building sites and trade yards selling tools, fixings and consumables.
- £8k-30k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Fitted wardrobe and kitchen design-and-supply service
Design and sell fitted wardrobes, kitchens and storage from home, using trade suppliers and local fitters.
- £1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Hair extensions supplier to salons
Supply hairdressers and extension specialists with bulk hair, bonds and tools, delivered or sold on visits.
- £2k-8k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Greeting card market stall
Sell cards and wrapping from a stall at local markets and fairs, with no shop lease to pay.
- £500-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile flooring sales with samples
Take flooring samples to customers' homes, measure up and order direct from suppliers, with no shop rent.
- £3k-12k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Haberdashery market stall
Sell sewing notions and trims from a stall at local markets and craft fairs.
- £600-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Bangle stall at markets, weddings and festivals
Take a bangle stall to markets, mela days, wedding fairs and festivals, where shoppers like to try before they buy.
- £600-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Phone accessories market stall or kiosk
Sell cases, chargers and screen protectors from a market stall or small kiosk, with screen protector fitting as an add-on.
- £1k-5k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Gemstone dealer at fairs and shows
Take a stock of loose stones to gem, mineral and jewellery fairs and sell to collectors and makers face to face.
- £2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Costume jewellery market stall
Sell fashion jewellery from a stall at local markets, fairs and events without paying for a shop.
- £500-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Leather goods supplier to independent shops
Carry a sample range of leather goods and supply gift shops, boutiques and visitor attractions in your region.
- £2k-8k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Local cleaning supplies delivery round
Buy cleaning products in bulk and deliver them to local cleaners, B&Bs, shops and offices.
- £3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Book stall and pop-up bookshop
Sell books at markets, fairs and school events with a stall, as a low-risk way to start a bookshop.
- £500-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Commercial seating supply and fit
Supply and install seating for halls, clubs, churches, schools and small venues, working from a van.
- £3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Chocolate market stall and pop-up
Sell chocolates and gifts from a market stall or seasonal pop-up before committing to a shop.
- £1k-5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Bag stall at markets and fairs
Sell bags and accessories from a stall at local markets, craft fairs and events.
- £600-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile gold and jewellery buyer
Visit homes or host buying days to test, weigh and buy unwanted gold, silver and jewellery.
- £3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobility equipment hire and delivery service
Hire out wheelchairs, mobility scooters and care beds locally, delivered and collected by you.
- £15k-60k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile carpet and flooring sales
Bring sample books to customers' homes, measure up and quote, with no shop rent to pay.
- £1k-6k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Van-based trade flower supplier
Buy flowers in bulk and deliver them fresh to local florists, event planners and cafes on a regular round.
- £5k-20k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile workwear supplier to local sites
Visit building sites, farms and workshops with a van of workwear and safety kit, and take repeat orders.
- £2k-10k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Local beauty supplies delivery round
Stock the everyday essentials salons run out of and deliver them in person on a regular route around your area.
- £3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Screen supplier with local fitting
Measure up, supply and fit window and door screens at customers' homes and small businesses in your area.
- £1.5k-6k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Clothes market stall
Sell new or second-hand clothes from a pitch at local markets and car boot sales.
- £500-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
About these ideas
They suit people who enjoy meeting customers, don't mind early starts or time outdoors, and want to keep overheads lower than a high-street lease. Before you choose, think about where your customers actually are, how you will store and transport stock, and whether you need a pitch, permission or a vehicle. Check what insurance and local council requirements might apply, and try a small test run before committing.
More ideas
- Retro games stall at markets and fairs
- Personal grocery shopper and delivery
- Local grocery delivery from home base
- Mobile supportive shoe fitting service
- Mobile hi-fi advice and home setup
- Handmade crafts wholesaler with trade fairs
- Mobile tool van for tradespeople
- Local copier paper and toner delivery
- Online mobility aids store with home demos
- Short-term wheelchair and mobility aid hire
- Weekend magazine and sundries stall
- Newspaper and magazine delivery round
- Jewellery wholesaler with a sample range
- Mobile beauty supplies round for salons
- Online reconditioned washers and dryers
- Artificial plants for offices, hotels and shops
- Mobile piano tuning and repair
- Shoe stall at local markets
- Jewellery stall and online shop
- Monthly flea and craft market in a hired hall
- Crystal and spiritual goods market stall
- Bazaar market stall
- Baby clothes market stall and pop-up
- Coat and jacket market stall
- Baseball kit stall at clubs and tournaments
- Seasonal pop-up and market stall
- Accessories market stall or pop-up
- Dairy and cheese market stall
- Vintage clothes market stall
- Safe supply and fitting service
- Market stall selling and sharpening knives
- Batik clothing market stall
- Hawaiian goods market stall
- Mobile tackle stall at lakes and events
- Dancewear pop-up and fitting service
- Belt stall at markets and fairs
- Souvenir stall at markets and events
- Children's market stall and pop-up shop
- Dried flower market stall
- Office furniture supply and installation
- Sunglasses market stall
- Typewriter stall at markets and fairs
- Gas cylinder delivery and exchange service
- Mobile tack and feed shop in a van
- Western wear stall at shows and events
- Mobile hot tub servicing and sales
- Stamp dealer at fairs and collectors' markets
- Luggage market stall and pop-up
- Hockey kit pop-up at clubs and tournaments
- Detecting kit stall at rallies and shows
- Flamenco kit stall at classes and festivals
- Second-hand CD market stall
- Irish goods market stall
- Table tennis stall at clubs and tournaments
- Asian gifts and homeware market stall
- Discount goods market stall
- Cricket kit pop-up at clubs and nets
- Craft fair and market stall
- Yarn stall at markets and craft fairs
- Botanica market stall
- Local shop fit-out equipment supplier
- Online mattress store with local delivery
- Novelty gift market stall
- Variety stall at local markets
- Candle stall at markets and fairs
- Gift stall at markets and fairs
- Crockery and tableware market stall
- Musical box market stall
- Electronics accessories vending machine
- Electronics vending machine route
- Homeware market stall
- Mobile mower servicing and resale
- Native American crafts market stall
- Smokeless fuel and log delivery round
- Kitchenware market stall
- Furniture pop-up stand in a supermarket or centre
- Pound-style market stall
- Small vending machine route
- Plant stall at markets and fairs
- Skin care vending machine in a gym or venue
- Skin care vending machine route
- Glassware stall at markets and fairs
- Kimono stall at markets and Japan events
- Bargain stall at markets and car boots
- Swimwear market stall or pop-up
- Rugby kit pop-up at clubs
- Pop-up kiosk stall for markets and events
- Mobile blinds, curtains and shutters service
- Mobile supplier to clinics and care providers
- Beauty vending machine in local venues
- Wicker stall at markets and fairs
- Appointment-only stove and fireplace supplier
- Local shop fittings supply and fit
- Full-time vending operator
- Mobile e-bike servicing and repair
Questions
Do I need a licence to trade from a market stall or van in the UK?
It depends on what you sell and where you trade. Check with the local council about street trading consents, market pitch rules and any food or product requirements. Event organisers and landowners may also set their own conditions, so ask early.
What insurance should I check for a mobile retail business?
Things to look at include public liability, stock cover, and the right vehicle insurance if you trade from a van. Cover for stock in transit or left overnight may differ, so ask insurers to explain exactly what is and isn't included.
How do I choose between a stall, a van and a vending round?
Compare start-up costs, how much stock you need to carry, and how much time you can commit. Stalls suit testing demand cheaply, vans allow wider coverage, and vending or delivery rounds can fit routines. Check pitch availability and competition locally first.