Pop-Up pen stall at markets and events

Market shoppers, gift buyers, hobbyists and collectors at pen and stationery events.

Retail margin on each sale, with higher earnings during holiday seasons and at dedicated pen shows. You can also collect emails to sell online later.

• Friendly selling and demonstrating products
• Product knowledge
• Display setup and packing
• Handling card payments

• Sales tax permit rules, some states or events require a temporary or seasonal permit, check with your state tax agency
• Booth fees and slow days that can eat into profit, track results per event
• Event rules on insurance, many ask for general liability coverage naming them
• Local vendor or business license requirements, check with your city or county
• Weather exposure for outdoor events and for your stock

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your stock, display setup and payment equipment. Booth fees at events are an ongoing cost, so track your results for each event.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $400 to $2,500, depending on how many events you book, the booth fees and how busy each one is. These are revenue figures, not profit, and the estimates assume about 8 hours a week at minimum.

Check sales tax permit rules with your state tax agency, since some states or events require a temporary or seasonal permit. Check local vendor or business license requirements with your city or county, and event rules on insurance such as general liability coverage.