Spice stall at markets and fairs

Market shoppers, keen home cooks and people looking for food gifts.

You sell at a mark-up on bulk costs, with extra margin on blends and gift sets. Regular pitches build repeat customers.

• Talking to customers and giving cooking tips
• Weighing and packing accurately
• Setting up and running a stall
• Basic stock and cash handling

• Food business registration with your local council, plus any market organiser requirements
• Street trading or market pitch permissions, which vary by council, so check locally
• Public and product liability insurance, which many markets require
• Allergen and labelling rules for packed and loose products, so check what applies
• Weighing equipment rules if you sell loose by weight (check Trading Standards guidance)
• Weather, pitch fees and early starts can eat into profit

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on your stall equipment, stock, scales and insurance. Pitch fees at markets will also affect your running costs.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £500 to £3,000, depending on how many markets you trade at, your pitch and prices. The estimates assume a minimum of about 10 hours a week.

Check food business registration with your council and any market organiser requirements. Street trading or pitch permissions vary by council, so check locally. Also check insurance, allergen and labelling rules, and Trading Standards guidance on weighing equipment for loose sales.