Bazaar market stall

Local shoppers looking for bargains, everyday basics and small gifts.

You buy stock from wholesalers or importers and sell at a margin. Takings depend on pitch fees, footfall and picking items that sell quickly.

• Friendly selling and haggling
• Spotting products that sell
• Basic stock and cash handling

• Check whether your council or the market operator requires a street trading licence or permission for your pitch
• Public liability insurance, which many markets ask for
• Product safety rules for items like electricals, toys and cosmetics; check labelling and Trading Standards guidance
• Avoid counterfeit or branded fakes, which can lead to seizure and penalties
• Imported goods may involve customs duty and VAT, so check the rules
• Weather and quiet days can make takings uneven

Startup costs are estimates, typically around £500 to £3,000, depending on what stock and equipment you buy and where you trade. Your own figure will vary, so plan your first stock order and pitch carefully.

Monthly revenue is an estimate, typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on your products, pitches and how often you trade. You could plan on around 12 hours a week at minimum, and weather and quiet days can make takings uneven.

Check whether your council or the market operator requires a street trading licence or permission for your pitch. Also check public liability insurance, which many markets ask for, and product safety rules for electricals, toys and cosmetics with Trading Standards. Avoid counterfeit items.