Pop-Up gift stall at markets and fairs

Market visitors, tourists and holiday shoppers looking for small gifts, cards and homeware they can buy on the spot.

You buy stock wholesale or from makers and sell at retail prices at each event, after paying stall fees. Holiday markets often bring the best sales.

• Displaying products attractively
• Friendly selling face to face
• Stock and cash handling
• Planning event schedules

• Check whether your state or city requires a seller's permit and sales tax collection at events
• Some markets require proof of general liability insurance, check each organizer's rules
• Check local rules on temporary vendor permits
• Weather can cancel or ruin an outdoor event day
• Stall fees and a slow day can wipe out profit, so track results per event
• Check whether handmade or imported goods have any labeling rules

Startup costs are typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on your stock, stall display and equipment. These are estimates, so your own figure will depend on how much you buy upfront and what you already own.

Monthly revenue is typically around $400 to $3,000, depending on the events you attend, your stall fees and your products. These are estimates only. Weather or a slow day can hurt results, so track each event.

Check whether your state or city requires a seller's permit and sales tax collection at events, and look into local temporary vendor permits. Some markets require proof of general liability insurance, so check each organizer's rules, plus any labeling rules for handmade or imported goods.