Miniatures booth at shows and conventions

Convention visitors, collectors and hobbyists who like to see and handle pieces before buying.

Profit on items sold at each event, after booth fees and travel. Pre-event online orders and a mailing list can add sales between shows.

• Knowing which items sell to which crowd
• Eye-catching display
• Friendly selling and chatting
• Planning stock and travel

• Check your state's seller's permit and sales tax rules, including temporary event permits
• Booth fees and travel can eat the profit at a slow show, so start with small local events
• General liability insurance, which many events require for vendors
• Breakable stock, so pack and display with care
• Check supplier terms on reselling, and avoid unlicensed copies of branded items

Startup costs are typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on your stock, table display and travel. Booth fees and travel can eat the profit at a slow show, so start with small local events.

Monthly revenue is typically around $400 to $2,000, depending on which shows you attend, your stock and your pricing. The estimate assumes at least about 8 hours a week, often on weekends.

Check your state's seller's permit and sales tax rules, including temporary event permits. Also check general liability insurance, which many events require, and supplier terms on reselling, avoiding unlicensed copies of branded items.