Start a wicker and basket market stall

Market visitors, gift shoppers, home decorators and people looking for handmade or imported pieces.

Direct sales at a markup on wholesale or handmade pieces, with higher takings around holidays, spring planting and wedding seasons. Booth fees and travel are your main running costs.

• Friendly selling face to face
• Eye for display
• Handling cash and card payments
• Packing and loading a vehicle

• Check your state's seller's permit and sales tax rules for in-person sales
• Many markets ask for general liability insurance, so check what each organizer requires
• Check whether your city or county needs a vendor or business license
• Weather and slow days affect takings, and stock needs dry storage

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how much stock and display setup you buy. Stock also needs dry storage, so factor that into your plans before you commit to a large first order.

Monthly revenue is typically around $600 to $3,500, depending on which markets you attend and how often. Weather and slow days affect takings, so treat these as estimates rather than guarantees, and remember revenue is not profit.

Check your state's seller's permit and sales tax rules for in-person sales, and whether your city or county needs a vendor or business license. Many markets also ask for general liability insurance, so check what each organizer requires.