Glassware stall at markets and fairs

Market shoppers, gift buyers, people furnishing a home and visitors to seasonal events.

You sell stock at a markup over what you paid, with pitch fees as your main running cost. Seasonal peaks such as Christmas and wedding season often bring the strongest sales.

• Eye-catching display
• Friendly selling face to face
• Handling cash and card payments
• Lifting and packing a vehicle

• Public liability insurance, which most market organisers ask to see
• Street trading rules vary by council, so check whether you need a licence or permit for a pitch
• Breakage when loading, unloading and from customers handling stock
• Weather, wind and uneven ground, so secure displays well
• A vehicle big enough for your stock and stall

Estimates are typically around £1,000 to £4,500, depending on stock, stall and display equipment, and insurance. You will also need a vehicle big enough for your stock and stall, so factor that in.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £600 to £3,000, depending on how many markets and fairs you attend and what you sell. Weather, wind and uneven ground can affect trading, so secure displays well.

Street trading rules vary by council, so check whether you need a licence or permit for a pitch. Most market organisers ask to see public liability insurance, so check that too, and plan for breakages when loading and unloading.