Homeware market stall

Local shoppers and visitors looking for gifts, small upgrades and unusual items for their homes.

You sell at a markup on what you buy or make. Income depends on stall fees, which markets you attend and how many days you trade.

• Eye for attractive displays
• Talking to customers
• Handling cash and card payments
• Packing and unpacking stock

• Public liability insurance, which many markets ask for
• Street trading rules and whether you need a licence or consent, check with your council
• Product safety rules for items you sell, check what applies
• Weather, quiet days and the cost of pitch fees
• Transport and storage of stock and equipment

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £600 to £3,000, depending on your stock, stall equipment and pitch fees. A market stall can be a low-cost way to test products before taking on a shop.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £400 to £2,500, depending on the markets you attend, the weather, your products and your prices. This is revenue, not profit, so pitch fees and stock costs come out of it.

Check street trading rules and whether you need a licence or consent from your council. Many markets also ask for public liability insurance, and you should check product safety rules for the items you sell.