Do I need public liability insurance to sell at craft fairs?

Yes, you almost always need public liability insurance (PLI) for craft fairs, as most organizers require it, and it protects you if someone gets injured or their property is damaged by you or your products, covering legal costs and compensation, even if it's not a legal requirement in the UK. While some organizers might not explicitly ask, it's essential to have, and you'll need both public and product liability, plus employers' liability if you have staff.

Do I need public liability insurance for craft fairs?

Protect members of the public

They are not legal requirements, but some craft fairs will ask you to have them.

Do I need insurance to sell homemade crafts?

Craft insurance protects your small business against extensive legal costs, repairs for damage and replacement of goods. No matter how big your business is, you need to be protected from any unexpected costs or claims. You may also be required to show proof of your insurance in order to sell at craft fairs or events.

Do I need to register as a business to sell at craft fairs?

No fair will allow you to participate without it. Hello, to start selling online or craft fairs you need: Register first as self employed and get a UTR number, keep this save because is what you always will need to do your tax return.

What is public liability insurance for small craft business?

You will need public liability insurance if your business requires you to come into contact with members of the public. This can include crafters who own shops, or visit customers' homes, as it covers the cost of compensation claims made against you for injury, or damage to someone's property.

What insurance do I need for a craft fair or farmers market?

Do Etsy sellers need insurance?

“Do I need insurance to sell on Etsy?” It's a common question for small business owners and makers. The answer is that you don't have to necessarily get insurance to sell or operate on the site. However, Etsy business insurance is recommended to help protect you from product liability claims.

What do I need to sell handmade items?

What else do I need to know when starting a craft business? </h2

1. Hallmarking.
2. Fire safety regulations.
3. Toy safety regulations and CE marking.
4. Gas and Safety regulations depending on your equipment usage.
5. Dealing with tax (Folksy have a great article on dealing with tax if you sell online)

Do I have to pay tax on selling crafts?

If you craft items to sell or buy goods just to resell, you're likely trading. You can earn up to £1,000 without paying tax, but earn above this and you'll usually need to tell HMRC by doing a self-assessment tax return.

What is the hottest selling craft right now?

The most popular crafts right now include the booming revival of crochet (especially granny squares), trending fiber arts like punch needle/rug tufting, personalized techniques such as wood burning, and digital/resin crafts like creating 3D printed items, epoxy resin art, and laser-engraved goods, alongside popular paper crafts like handmade stationery and invitations. These crafts appeal due to their potential for personalization, profitability, and alignment with vintage/nostalgic aesthetics. 

Do I need a licence to sell crafts?

FACT SHEET - STREET TRADING ART AND CRAFT EXHIBITIONS DO I NEED A LICENCE? With few exceptions, any form of selling of goods or the provision of services which takes place either in the street, or on the public footway, or up to 7 metres from any street, requires a licence.

What is the best way to take payments at a craft fair?

Quick Answer: To accept credit card payments at craft shows, sign up with a mobile payment processor like Square, download its app to your phone or tablet, connect a card reader, and enable chip, swipe, or tap payments.

Do I need to register my craft business with HMRC?

Yes, you do need to register your craft business with HMRC for tax purposes. Even if you earn less than the minimum income of £1,000, you'll have to be registered.

What happens if you have no public liability insurance?

In the event of an accident, a company will not only be prosecuted for having no public liability insurance, it will remain liable to the injured party and have to pay all the compensation, its own legal costs and the claimant's costs out of its own funds however in many cases this would result in the company ceasing ...

What insurance do I need to sell crafts?

If you run a crafts shop or an art supplies store, public liability insurance can help to cover you against potential costs if someone suffers an injury or sustains property damage because of your business activities. For example, if a member of the public trips over a display of paint brushes in your shop.

What homemade craft makes the most money?

Most profitable crafts to make and sell

1. Handmade jewelry. Customizable and always in demand, jewelry can be made with various materials to cater to different price points. ...
2. Candles. ...
3. Art prints. ...
4. Handcrafted soap. ...
5. Upcycled goods.
6. Personalized items. ...
7. Personalized home decor. ...
8. Eco-friendly products.

What is the most profitable craft to sell 2025?

Jewelry remains one of the most profitable crafts to make and sell in 2025. Its charm lies in perceived value. A small piece can feel luxurious, even if the material cost is low. Simple, meaningful designs often sell for higher prices.

How much can you earn from a hobby without paying taxes?

What is the tax free trading allowance? HMRC introduced it as a tax free allowance to cover “self-starters” with small, hobby-based businesses. It means that you can earn a total of £1,000 from self-employment in a tax year, before you even need to report it to HMRC or pay tax on the income.

What are common side hustle mistakes to avoid?

5 common side hustle mistakes and how to fix them

• Your audience is too broad. If you're saying “this is for everyone,” it's actually for no one. ...
• You're skipping the quick wins. ...
• You're not setting small challenges. ...
• You're working in isolation. ...
• You're afraid to start small.

Who is Etsy's biggest competitor?

Etsy's biggest competitors include Amazon Handmade, for its massive audience and fulfillment options, and Shopify, for sellers wanting a customizable, independent store. Other key rivals depend on the product, with eBay offering broad reach, Redbubble for artists, and platforms like Goimagine focusing specifically on handmade goods.
 

What is the easiest product to sell to make money?

Jewellery, sunglasses, belts, and handbags are some of the easiest things to sell online to make money because they're lightweight and cheap to post. Handmade or unique vintage jewellery can fetch even higher prices, particularly if you know how to market them well on platforms like Etsy or Depop.

Do I need a licence to sell at a craft fair?

If you plan to sell your crafts at local markets or fairs, you may need: A market stall licence or street trading permit, depending on the local council's requirements.