Christmas market and craft fair booth business

Holiday market visitors, local families and gift shoppers who like buying something unique at a festive event.

You sell products at retail prices, paying a booth fee for each event. Small, giftable items at a range of price points tend to sell well at markets.

• Eye-catching display
• Friendly selling
• Packing and loading stock
• Handling cash and card payments

• Booth fees and application deadlines, which are often well before the season
• Check state sales tax rules for temporary sellers, since some markets require a seller's permit
• Check general liability insurance, as many events ask vendors to carry it
• Cold weather, long days outdoors and a risk of low-sales events
• Check product safety rules for any lights, candles or children's items you sell

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your stock, display and tent or table setup, and the booth fees at the events you choose. Booth fees and application deadlines often fall well before the season.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on the events you book, your products and your prices. Some events may bring low sales, and cold weather and long days outdoors are part of the job.

Things to check include state sales tax rules for temporary sellers, since some markets require a seller's permit, and general liability insurance, which many events ask vendors to carry. Also check product safety rules for any lights, candles or children's items you sell.