Pop-Up gear table at dojos and tournaments
Set up a gear table at local schools, tournaments and seminars so students can try on and buy equipment.
- $1k-5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
What it is
A small mobile supply business that brings uniforms, belts, gloves, pads and other gear to dojos, gyms, tournaments and belt test days, so people can try sizes before buying.
Your first three steps
- Contact two or three local schools and ask when they hold belt tests, tournaments or open days
- Buy a starter stock of popular sizes from a wholesale supplier and get a card reader and folding table
- Register your business, get a sales tax permit if required, and offer to give each host school a small share of sales
Who pays
Students and parents at local schools and events, plus school owners who want a convenient gear supplier for their members.
How it makes money
Retail margin on gear sold at events, plus pre-orders from schools. Some owners also add an agreement to give the school a small share of sales.
Skills that help
- Knowing martial arts gear and fit
- Friendly selling face to face
- Organizing stock and payments
Watch out for
- Check with your state about a seller's permit and sales tax on in-person sales
- Some cities and event venues require a vendor permit or fee, so check before you set up
- General liability insurance, and ask whether event organizers require proof of cover
- Unsold stock in odd sizes can tie up cash, so start with a small range
- Check supplier terms on resale and branded products
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: pop-up gear table at dojos and tournaments
Researched with live web search for United States: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a martial arts gear pop-up?
Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how much stock you carry and the display and payment equipment you buy. Starting with a small range helps avoid cash tied up in odd sizes.
How much can a martial arts gear pop-up earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on how many schools and events you visit, your product range and how well you build relationships with school owners. Hours can start around 6 a week.
Do I need permits to sell martial arts gear at events?
Check with your state about a seller's permit and sales tax on in-person sales. Also check whether cities or event venues require a vendor permit or fee, whether organizers want proof of insurance, and supplier terms on resale.
Other ways to run this business
Online martial arts supply store
Sell uniforms, belts, sparring gear and training equipment online to students, parents and local schools.
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Martial arts supply storefront
Open a small shop where students can try on uniforms and gear, with online sales and school orders alongside.
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- Full-time
- Own premises
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