Knife stall at markets and fairs

Market shoppers, home cooks, foodies and holiday gift buyers.

Retail margin on knives and accessories, plus a per-knife sharpening fee.

• Friendly selling and demonstrating products
• Knowledge of knives and care
• Packing, setting up and managing stock

• Vendor fees, sales tax permits and insurance, which many markets require, so ask each organizer
• Rules on displaying and selling blades at some venues, so check before applying
• Theft and safe display of sharp products, so keep stock secured and supervised
• Weather and seasonal swings in event attendance, so plan for slow months
• Sharpening safety, so learn proper technique before offering it to the public

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your stock, display and sharpening equipment, and event fees. These are estimates, so check each organizer's fees and requirements before you book.

Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many events you attend, your range, sharpening service and the season. This is an estimate of revenue, not profit, and slow months should be planned for.

Ask each organizer about vendor fees, sales tax permits and insurance requirements. Check rules on displaying and selling blades at venues, keep sharp stock secured and supervised, and learn proper technique before offering sharpening to the public.