Start a seasonal pop-up stall at markets and fairs

Market visitors, local families and gift shoppers buying on impulse during festive events.

You pay a booth fee per event and sell items at a markup. Busy weekends before big holidays bring most of the sales.

• Friendly, confident selling
• Eye-catching display setup
• Handling card payments and cash

• Check whether you need a vendor permit or local business license from your city or county
• Check your state's sales tax registration rules for selling at events
• Many markets require general liability insurance, so ask organizers
• Bad weather and slow days can wipe out a booth fee
• You will need a vehicle to carry stock and display gear

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your display gear, your stock and the vehicle you use to carry it. These are estimates, and booth fees are a cost to plan for.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $800 to $4,000, depending on which markets you book, your stock and the weather. Bad weather and slow days can wipe out a booth fee, so plan accordingly.

Check whether you need a vendor permit or local business license from your city or county, and your state's sales tax registration rules for selling at events. Many markets also require general liability insurance, so ask organizers.