Rice cake market stall

Shoppers from Asian communities looking for familiar treats, plus curious food fans and gift buyers at markets and festivals.

You buy in at wholesale prices and sell by the pack or box at a higher price. Seasonal festivals and gift boxes can bring in higher-value sales.

• Knowing your products and being able to explain them
• Friendly customer service
• Basic stock and cash handling
• Early starts and carrying stock

• Food business registration with your local council, usually needed before you start trading
• Food hygiene rules, including allergen information and correct labelling of pre-packed food (check the Food Standards Agency guidance)
• Public liability insurance, which many markets require
• Short shelf life of some fresh rice cakes, so plan storage and ordering carefully
• Weather and pitch fees can eat into takings

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £800 to £3,500, depending on your stall equipment, opening stock, insurance and the markets you choose to trade at.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £3,000, depending on how often you trade and which markets you attend. Weather and pitch fees can eat into takings, so factor them in.

Check food business registration with your local council, which is usually needed before you start trading. Also check food hygiene rules, allergen information, labelling of pre-packed food using Food Standards Agency guidance, and the public liability insurance many markets require.