Start a native American crafts market stall

Visitors, tourists and local shoppers who enjoy browsing handmade items, plus gift buyers at seasonal events.

You sell stock bought at trade or artist prices at a mark-up, paying pitch fees per event. Busy seasonal events bring the most sales, so plan your calendar around them.

• Friendly, knowledgeable selling face to face
• Attractive display and stall setting up
• Respectful knowledge of the makers and cultures behind your stock
• Handling cash and card payments

• Never describe items as Native American-made without proof from your supplier; check UK consumer law on misleading descriptions, and ask Trading Standards if unsure
• Check whether your council requires a street trading licence or consent, or whether the event organiser covers it
• Public liability insurance, which many events require, plus stock cover
• Items with feathers, bone, shell or animal parts may be restricted under wildlife trade rules (CITES) and need permits to import or sell, so check before ordering
• Import duty and VAT on stock from the US or Canada, and costs of events that turn out to be quiet

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £5,000, depending on your stock, display equipment and the events you book. These are estimates, so test a few events with a modest range before buying more.

Monthly revenue is typically around £400 to £2,000, depending on which fairs and markets you attend and what you sell. This is revenue before stock, pitch fees, travel and other costs, and quiet events can pull it down.

Check you have proof from suppliers before calling items Native American-made, whether your council requires street trading consent or the organiser covers it, insurance, wildlife trade rules (CITES) for feathers, bone or shell, and import duty and VAT on stock.