Musical box market stall

Browsing shoppers, tourists, gift buyers and collectors at markets and fairs.

You sell stock at a mark-up on each trading day, after paying pitch fees. Busy seasonal events can bring in much of your income.

• Friendly selling face to face
• Attractive stall display
• Handling cash and card payments
• Planning stock for each event

• Public liability insurance, which many markets ask for
• Street trading consent or a licence may be needed for some pitches, check with the council
• Weather, quiet days and pitch fees eating into profit
• Product safety rules if selling items aimed at children, check the current UK rules
• Fragile stock, so pack and carry it carefully
• Transport and storage for stock and display gear

Startup costs are typically around £600 to £3,000, depending on how much stock you buy and the stall and display gear you need. These are estimates, so also allow for transport and pitch fees.

Monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £2,500, depending on the events you attend, your pitch and your stock. These are estimates, and weather, quiet days and pitch fees can eat into profit.

Check whether street trading consent or a licence is needed for some pitches by asking the council. Many markets ask for public liability insurance, and you should check current UK product safety rules for items aimed at children.