Linen market stall and pop-up shop

Market shoppers, gift buyers, and locals looking for something nicer than big-box store textiles.

Retail sales of goods bought wholesale or from makers, with bundles and holiday gift sets raising the average sale. Repeat customers can be moved to an online order list.

• Friendly selling face to face
• Display and merchandising
• Organizing stock, loading and setup

• Check whether you need a seller's permit and how to collect sales tax at markets in your state
• Some markets and cities require a vendor permit or temporary license, so check with the organizer and your city or county
• General liability insurance is often required by market organizers
• Weather and seasonality, so protect fabric from rain and dirt
• Storage space for stock at home

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your stock, stall setup, display gear and transport. These are estimates, and a compact range can help you keep early spending lower.

Monthly revenue is typically around $600 to $3,000, depending on which markets you attend, how often, your pricing and your range. This is an estimate of revenue, not profit, so account for stall fees and stock costs.

Check whether you need a seller's permit and how to collect sales tax at markets in your state. Ask organizers and your city or county about vendor permits, check insurance requirements, and plan to protect fabric from weather.