Retro games stall at markets and fairs

Collectors, nostalgic adults, families and casual gamers who like to browse and haggle in person.

Margin on each item sold, plus extra from accessories, cables and bundles. Pitch fees and travel are your main running costs.

• Knowing game values and what is collectable
• Friendly selling and haggling
• Testing and cleaning stock
• Setting up a tidy display

• Public liability insurance, which many market and fair organisers ask for
• Check whether the market or council requires a trading licence or permission for your pitch
• Counterfeit or reproduction games and the rules on selling 18-rated titles
• Keep records of what you buy and from whom, to reduce the risk of buying stolen goods
• Weather, quiet days and the cost of getting stock to and from events

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on your opening stock, the display and tables you buy and the pitch fees at events. Transport of stock to and from events is also worth budgeting for.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £2,500, depending on how many events you attend, the stock you sell and your pricing. Weather and quiet days can affect takings, and this figure is before costs.

Check whether the market or council requires a trading licence or permission for your pitch, and whether organisers expect public liability insurance. Also avoid counterfeit games, check the rules on 18-rated titles, and keep records of what you buy and from whom.