Stamp dealer at fairs and collectors' markets

Keen collectors who like to browse in person, dealers swapping stock, and members of the public bringing in inherited collections to sell.

You sell at a mark-up on the day and build repeat customers who look out for you at each event. Buying collections from the public gives you fresh stock. Costs include table fees and travel.

• Good knowledge of stamps and fair pricing
• Friendly, chatty customer service
• Organising stock for travel and display
• Confidence valuing and negotiating

• Public liability insurance, which many organisers ask for, and cover for stock in transit
• Buying collections from the public: be careful about provenance and ask sellers questions to avoid stolen or mis-described items
• Forgeries and misdescribed items, which can damage your reputation quickly
• Table fees and travel costs, which can outweigh sales at quiet events
• Whether any council or venue permission is needed if you trade at markets, check with the organiser and your local council

Startup costs are estimates, typically around £800 to £3,500, depending on the stock you buy, your display equipment and travel. Table fees and travel can outweigh sales at quiet events, so check the costs of each fair before you book.

Monthly revenue is an estimate, typically around £400 to £3,000, depending on how many events you attend, your stock and your pricing. Revenue is not profit, as table fees and travel costs come out of it.

Check provenance and ask sellers questions to avoid stolen or mis-described items. Also watch for forgeries and misdescribed stock, which can damage your reputation quickly, and ask organisers about public liability insurance and any council or venue permission.