Belt booth at markets and fairs

Walk-by shoppers, event visitors and gift buyers who want to try on and size a belt before buying.

You sell belts at a markup over wholesale cost, with bundles and buckle add-ons raising the average sale. Income depends on the events you choose and the foot traffic.

• Friendly selling and talking to strangers
• Display and merchandising
• Handling cash and card payments
• Planning stock for different events

• Check whether your city, county or the event requires a business license or temporary vendor permit
• Check your state's sales tax registration and how to collect tax at events
• Get general liability insurance, since many events require proof of coverage
• Weather, slow event days and booth fees can eat into profit, so test events before committing to a season
• Avoid selling counterfeit brand-name belts or buckles

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $5,000, depending on your tent, display racks, mirror, stock and payment setup. These are estimates, so test a few events before committing to a large range of stock.

Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many events you attend, booth fees, your stock and the weather. That is revenue, not profit, so allow for booth fees and slow event days.

Check whether your city, county or the event requires a business license or temporary vendor permit. Also check your state's sales tax registration, how to collect tax at events, and whether events require proof of general liability insurance.