Bargain stall at markets and car boots

Market and boot sale shoppers looking for low prices on everyday goods.

You buy job lots of surplus stock and sell items individually or in bundles. Because pitch fees are low, you can adjust stock quickly to what sells.

• Friendly selling and haggling
• Choosing stock that sells fast
• Setting up and packing down quickly
• Handling cash and card payments

• Street trading or market pitches may need a council licence or permission, so check with your local council
• Public liability insurance is often required by market organisers
• Check product safety and labelling rules for what you sell, especially toys and electricals
• Weather and quiet days can hit takings, so plan for uneven income
• Register as a sole trader with HMRC once you start trading

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £3,000, depending on how much stock you buy and what stall equipment you need. These are estimates, so start with a small range of fast-selling goods and test what sells before spending more.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £600 to £3,000, depending on your stock, your pitches and how many days you trade. Weather and quiet days can hit takings, so it is sensible to plan for uneven income.

Check with your local council, as street trading or market pitches may need a licence or permission. Market organisers often ask for public liability insurance. Also check product safety and labelling rules, and register as a sole trader with HMRC.