Seasonal craft fair organizer

Makers and small crafters pay booth fees. Visitors may pay a small admission fee, though many fairs are free to enter and rely on booth fees alone.

Booth fees from each vendor, plus optional door tickets, a raffle or sponsor tables. Profit is what is left after venue rent, insurance, advertising and supplies.

• Organizing and planning
• Clear communication with vendors
• Local marketing and social media
• Staying calm on the day

• Event liability insurance: venues often require a certificate, so check what yours asks for
• Check with your city or county about any special event or temporary use permit
• Vendors usually need their own sales tax permit; check your state's rules on who collects and reports sales tax at markets
• If you offer food vendors, check health department rules for temporary food permits
• Weather and low turnout can lose money, especially at outdoor events, so have a backup plan
• Read the venue contract for deposits, cancellation terms and cleanup duties

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on venue and promotion. Monthly revenue is estimated at around $0 to $4,000, depending on booth fees, turnout and how many events you run.

Check whether your venue requires event liability insurance, and ask your city or county about special event or temporary use permits. Also check your state's sales tax rules for market vendors and health department rules if you allow food vendors.

Organizing and planning, clear communication with vendors, local marketing and staying calm on the day matter most. The idea assumes at least about 6 hours a week, and weather or low turnout can lose money.