Market stall and wholesale baker

Market shoppers, event visitors, and cafes, delis and farm shops buying wholesale.

Direct sales at the stall, plus regular wholesale orders. Weekend markets can give a reliable base and wholesale adds volume.

• Baking in batches
• Selling face to face
• Planning production and stock
• Basic bookkeeping

• Food business registration, hygiene rules and allergen labelling for packaged and loose items
• Market and event pitch fees, and whether you need a street trading licence or consent, so check with the council
• Public liability insurance, which markets often ask to see
• Weather, quiet market days and unsold stock
• Transport and storage for kit, such as a van or reliable car

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on your kit, whether you rent a kitchen, and how you get to markets. Treat this as an estimate and price up your own equipment, ingredients and pitch fees.

Monthly revenue is typically around £800 to £4,500, depending on how many markets you do, your pitch fees and whether you supply cafes or delis. That is revenue, not profit, so deduct ingredients, fees and travel.

Check food business registration, hygiene rules and allergen labelling for packaged and loose items. Also check pitch fees, whether you need a street trading licence or consent from the council, and public liability insurance, which markets often ask to see.