Market traders, also known as stall-holders, sell goods from stalls in open air, indoor or covered markets. The goods could be anything from meat and fish to books and antiques. They could be new or second hand.

Traders start work early in the morning. They may drive to a wholesale market to buy fresh produce, or a warehouse to pick up supplies. On arrival at the market, they unload the van and set up the stall. The day is likely to include standing behind the stall and chatting to customers, giving them advice and encouraging them to buy. Traders take payment for goods and give change. At the end of the day the stall and goods are packed up. Part of the evening may involve stocktaking and deciding what replacement goods are needed for the stall.

Traders devote some time each week to buying goods, finding suitable suppliers and negotiating prices with them. They must keep records of the goods bought and sold, including VAT details. Traders also need to keep up-to-date with and adhere to the market’s regulations and the latest laws on trading and employment.

Traders selling their own handmade crafts also spend a great deal of time buying materials, and designing and making items for sale. They also travel frequently to specialist markets such as craft markets and fairs. Other traders sell services, such as body-piercing or key-cutting.

Hours and Environment

Hours are variable. Starts between 5am and 7am are usual. Market traders normally work until 5.30pm or 6pm. Weekend work is common.

Some traders work at only one market, others work at different markets on different days. There are opportunities to work on market stalls on a part-time basis.

Some time is spent travelling - to buy and collect goods, and to and from the market.

Physical fitness is required as the work involves a lot of standing, lifting and bending. Market traders may have to work outside in all weathers.

Skills and Interests

To work as a market trader you will need:

• confidence, a friendly and pleasant personality, a sense of humour and the ability to relate to all kinds of people
• enthusiasm for selling goods
• the ability to negotiate and persuade
• presentation skills for creating an attractive stall
• business skills for the competitive pricing and sale of goods
• to be fit and active
• the ability to understand and keep up-to-date with trading law and regulations
• numeracy skills for handling money and keeping accounts.

IT skills are useful to manage stock and keep track of income and expenditure.

Entry

Personality and ability as a salesperson are more important than qualifications. People enter this work from a wide variety of backgrounds. No educational qualifications are needed to become a market trader, although basic maths and English are useful.

Authorities often set a minimum age of 17 or 18. A driving licence is essential, as is the capital to buy stock and a vehicle, usually a small van.

Some people enter this area of work as a career change or when they are financially secure. There are opportunities to gain experience by working part-time helping out on a stall.

Market stalls are usually rented from the market operator, often overseen by the local authority. It is difficult to get a regular stall on an established market. Initially, it is normal to attend as a ‘casual’, which involves arriving at the market early in the morning and queuing for an available stall. This may lead to securing a regular stall.

Many market operators insist that traders carry public liability insurance. The National Market Traders' Federation provide the required insurance to all of their members, they also have a database on their website of markets accross the country (see Futher Information for website and contact details). Contact your local authority to find out how they let their market stalls.

Training

Most of the training takes place informally on the job with experienced traders sharing their knowledge.

There are some relevant short courses available, provided mainly by market or local authorities.

Courses in running a small business may also be useful. These are often available at local colleges.

It may be advisable for those running their own stall to take a short course in accountancy or book-keeping, alternatively they could employ an accountant to handle the accounts, tax and VAT.

Opportunities

Markets are located in towns and cities throughout the UK.

Local authorities often run large outdoor or covered markets, town square and high street markets, and indoor markets with permanent units. Other market venues include privately run markets that operate only at weekends, Sunday markets, special bank holiday fairs and tourist markets.

Prospects for entering market trading depend on the type of goods being sold. Chances of securing a permanent pitch are increased if a less common line of goods is being sold. It is important to be aware of the kinds of markets where goods are most likely to sell.

Competition for stalls can be quite strong, and it can take a long time to secure a permanent pitch.

Generally, market trading is becoming an increasingly competitive area, with rising costs for stalls and an increase in shops selling cut-price goods.

Some traders are employees and earn a wage, but the majority of people working on markets are self-employed. There may be opportunities to expand by taking on staff and starting up stalls in nearby markets. Some market traders work, or expand their business, abroad.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

A trader working a small stall for just a couple of days a week is likely to earn less than £5,500 a year.
Average earnings from a stall operating several days a week can be £15,000 to £22,000 a year.
Traders selling specialist goods can earn more.

Market traders must pay for the rent of their stall, their stock and the running of their vehicle out of the income they earn.

Further information

40 Duke Street
London
W1A 1AB
Tel: 0800 093 5001 Hampton House
Hawshaw Lane
Hoyland
Barnsley
South Yorkshire
S74 OHA
Tel: 01226 749021