Weekend magazine and sundries market stall

Market shoppers, families and regular visitors looking for a magazine, a card or a small treat.

A margin on each item sold, with extras like cards, puzzle books and sweets often making up much of the takings. Takings depend on the market and the weather.

• Friendly customer service
• Eye for what sells locally
• Setting up and packing down a stall

• Public liability insurance, which most market organisers ask to see
• Check whether you need a street trading licence or consent, as this can depend on the market and council
• Selling sweets or other food may need registration with your council
• Unsold magazines may be hard to return, so check terms with your supplier
• Bad weather and quiet days can hit takings

Estimated startup costs are typically around £500 to £3,000, depending on your stall equipment, stock and pitch fees. Public liability insurance is worth budgeting for, as most market organisers ask to see it.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £400 to £2,000, depending on the markets you attend, the weather and what you stock. Bad weather and quiet days can hit takings, so test a few pitches first.

Check whether you need a street trading licence or consent, as this can depend on the market and council. Most organisers expect public liability insurance, and selling sweets or other food may need registration with your council.