Pop-Up bead stall at craft fairs

Crafters, jewelry makers and casual shoppers who spot a colorful display and want supplies or a simple kit.

Direct sales at the booth, with markup on beads sold by the strand, bag or kit. Collecting emails can build a customer list for online orders.

• Friendly selling face to face
• Attractive display setup
• Basic cash handling and stock tracking

• Check whether your state requires a seller's permit or sales tax registration for in-person sales
• Some events require proof of general liability insurance, so check each organizer's rules
• Booth fees and weather can make some events unprofitable, so track results
• Heavy loading and setup, so plan how you carry stock

Startup costs are typically around $600 to $3,000, depending on how much stock and display gear you buy. This is a lower-cost way to test demand before committing to a shop.

Monthly revenue is typically around $300 to $2,500, depending on which events you attend and how much stock you sell. Booth fees and weather can make some events unprofitable, so track your results.

Check whether your state requires a seller's permit or sales tax registration for in-person sales. Some events require proof of general liability insurance, so check each organizer's rules. Also plan how you will carry and set up heavy stock.