Start a botanica market stall

Market shoppers, practitioners and followers of folk or spiritual traditions, and people looking for gifts.

Direct sales at a mark-up on your stock. Pitch fees are your main running cost, so choose events with the right audience.

• Friendly, knowledgeable customer service
• Eye-catching display
• Stock planning and cash handling

• Public liability insurance is usually required by market organisers
• Check whether the market or council requires a trading licence or permit for your pitch
• Do not make health claims about herbs. Check herbal product rules with Trading Standards
• Candles and incense need safety labelling, and open flames at events may be restricted, so check with organisers
• Check that any herbs or materials you sell are legal to sell, including protected species
• Outdoor trading depends on weather and footfall, so income can vary

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £1,000 to £4,000, depending on your stall equipment, display, opening stock and the pitch fees at the markets and events you choose.

Market organisers usually require public liability insurance. Check whether the market or council requires a trading licence or permit for your pitch. Also check safety labelling for candles and incense, as open flames at events may be restricted.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue of typically around £600 to £3,000, depending on the markets you attend and your stock. Weather and footfall affect income. The estimates assume at least around 12 hours a week.