Hobby pop-up at markets and conventions

Market visitors, families, hobbyists and convention attendees looking for supplies, gifts and hard-to-find items.

Direct sales at events, with a markup on wholesale stock. Mailing list sign-ups and pre-orders can bring repeat sales.

• Friendly selling face to face
• Attractive table display
• Basic cash handling and stock tracking

• Vendor fees and weather can eat into profit at outdoor events
• Sales tax permit and any temporary seller's permit, check your state and the event rules
• General liability insurance, which many events require
• Licensed characters and brands, check that products are genuine and not counterfeit
• Storing and carrying stock safely in your vehicle

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your stock, table display and how you carry it all. Monthly revenue is typically around $400 to $2,500, depending on which events you attend and the weather.

Check for a sales tax permit and any temporary seller's permit under your state and event rules. Also check general liability insurance, which many events require, vendor fees, and that licensed character products are genuine and not counterfeit.

You need friendly face-to-face selling, an attractive table display, and basic cash handling and stock tracking. Plan on at least around 8 hours a week, as an estimate, plus safe storage of stock in your vehicle.