Children's market stall and pop-up shop

Parents and families browsing at local markets and events, plus gift buyers.

Direct sales at a mark-up on stock, with pitch fees as your main running cost. Repeat pitches in busy spots can build regular customers.

• Eye-catching display
• Friendly selling face to face
• Handling cash and card payments
• Packing and loading stock

• Street trading or market pitch permissions, check with the market organiser and your local council
• Public liability insurance, which many markets ask to see
• Toy and children's clothing safety and labelling rules for items you sell
• Weather and quiet days affecting takings
• Registering as a sole trader with HMRC

Startup costs are typically around £400 to £2,500, depending on how much stock you buy and what display equipment you need. These are estimates only. A stall lets you test products and build a following without paying for a permanent shop.

Monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £1,500, depending on the events you attend, your stock and your pricing. This is sales before costs, and the figures are estimates. Weather and quiet days can affect takings. Plan on around 8 hours a week or more.

Check street trading or pitch permissions with the market organiser and your local council. Also check public liability insurance, which many markets ask to see, toy and children's clothing safety and labelling rules, and registering as a sole trader with HMRC.