Start a market stall tea seller business

Market shoppers, gift buyers and regular customers who return for refills.

Direct sales at a mark-up on wholesale cost, with extra income from gift sets at busy seasonal events and from online repeat orders.

• Friendly selling face to face
• Packing and displaying stock neatly
• Planning stock for each event

• Street trading or market pitch rules, and whether you need a permit, so check with your council or the market organiser
• Food business registration and labelling rules, especially if you repack tea or offer samples
• Public liability insurance, which many markets require
• Weather, variable footfall and pitch fees affecting takings
• Safe transport and storage of stock

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £1,000 to £4,000, depending on your stall setup, stock range and packaging. Pitch fees and insurance are further things to budget for as you plan.

Check these points before trading: street trading or market pitch rules and whether you need a permit (ask your council or market organiser), food business registration and labelling if you repack tea or offer samples, and public liability insurance, which many markets require.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue of typically around £400 to £2,500, depending on the events you attend, pitch fees, weather and footfall. Estimates also suggest at least around 8 hours a week.