Sell your art at fairs and markets

Visitors to markets and festivals, tourists, collectors and people buying gifts or decor.

Direct sales of originals, prints, cards and small affordable items. Some buyers leave with a commission request or sign up for your email list.

• Making work in a range of price points
• Friendly selling and display skills
• Organizing stock, transport and cash handling

• Check if your state requires a seller's permit or sales tax registration for in-person sales
• Check event rules on insurance, as many fairs ask vendors for general liability coverage
• Booth fees, travel and weather can eat into profit, so track costs per event
• Some juried shows need an application fee with no guarantee of acceptance

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on your booth setup, display materials, stock and transport. Booth fees, travel and weather can eat into profit, so it helps to track costs for each event you do.

Monthly revenue is typically around $300 to $3,000, depending on your price points, how many events you attend and the work you sell. Estimates assume at least about 10 hours a week, and results vary by event.

Check whether your state requires a seller's permit or sales tax registration for in-person sales. Also check each event's rules on insurance, as many fairs ask vendors for general liability coverage, and whether juried shows charge application fees.