How to sell at local fairs?

To sell successfully at local fairs in 2026, research events early via local councils or community centers, and ensure you have necessary permits and insurance. Create an inviting stall with vertical displays, clear pricing, and a mix of high-margin items and small, impulse-buy products. Use card readers (e.g., Zettle or Square), promote on social media, and engage customers with a friendly, professional approach.

How do I sell at local craft fairs?

How to Start Selling at Craft Fairs: A Beginner's Guide

1. Just start! If you're waiting until you know you have a good product, you've found your target audience, and you've figured out the exact right pricing, don't. ...
2. Research Potential Craft Fairs or Markets. ...
3. Choose the Right Equipment. ...
4. Make Payments Easy.

Do I need a license to sell at Craft fairs UK?

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.

What sells well at Craft fairs UK?

What sells the most at craft fairs generally depends on the particular event, however, some top sellers include items such as:

• Jewellery.
• Candles.
• Pottery.
• Woodwork items.
• Food and drinks.
• Unique artwork.
• Garden accessories.
• Health and beauty products.

What sells the most at a craft fair?

What sells the most at a summer craft fair?

• Summer scented candles.
• Seasonal cosmetics.
• Garden pottery.
• Food and drink.
• Flower crafts.
• Jewellery.
• Pet Crafts.
• Summer clothing and accessories.

SUCCESSFUL Craft Fair Tips + Advice for a Vendor Market Beginner / Craft Show FAQs

Do I need a licence to run a market stall?

To operate a market stall, you will need a street trading licence.

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 public liability insurance to sell at craft fairs?

Public liability insurance is not a legal requirement, however, some craft fair organisers will want to see evidence of the craft sellers' insurance. This is because during the craft fair, you will be interacting heavily with the public.

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.

Is it worth doing craft fairs?

Craft fairs are a brilliant way to grow your business, meet your audience, and feel part of a creative community. With a bit of planning and a great display, you're well on your way to a successful event.

Can I sell handmade items with logos on them?

Selling things that have been licensed by the rights holders is fine, but not if the seller has created them without permission. Creative works like photos, images, characters, and logos are protected by combinations of copyright, trademark, and personality rights.

How 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. Setup is free, takes minutes, and works with or without Wi-Fi.

What not to sell at a flea market?

First off, here's a short list of what you can NOT sell at the Flea Market at Menge: food items intended for immediate consumption (without prior market manager's approval) tires. used upholstered furniture or mattresses.

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.

Can you sell crafts as a hobby?

This is a very popular misconception - the reality is that any online or offline selling activity in which the main motive is to make a profit is deemed by the IRS to be a business - this applies no matter how much you are making in revenue.

What is the easiest craft to sell?

Keychains

With endless possibilities for personalization, keychains are a fun and easy craft item to produce and sell.

What crafts will be trending in 2025?

The 2025 craft trends emphasize laser cutting and engraving, with items like wooden lampshades and door signs gaining popularity. Niche crafts, especially those catering to festive themes, are also in demand.

What's the easiest thing to sell to make money?

The easiest things to sell are often small, everyday items with broad appeal. Think custom mugs, t-shirts, or stationery. These products can be easily personalized via platforms like Gelato, making them low-risk and high-reward, perfect for quickly starting up a small business and turning a profit.

What are some common market stall mistakes?

7 of the most common mistakes businesses make at markets

• Not finding the right market to sell at. ...
• Being unprepared with your stock. ...
• Not collecting customer data. ...
• Not setting targets. ...
• Failing to optimise your stall set-up. ...
• Not telling your customers. ...
• Not networking!

Can I cook food at home and sell it in the UK?

While you may not define yourself as a business, if you are providing food on a regular and organised basis, you are a food business under food law. Once you have registered as a food business, local authority officers will make arrangements to visit your home to conduct a food hygiene inspection.

What products sell best at market stalls?

Here's a look at some of the most sought-after wild and specialty items that can transform your market stall into a destination for culinary adventurers:

• Selling Mushrooms. ...
• Selling Wasabi Root. ...
• Selling Ramps. ...
• Selling Fiddleheads. ...
• Selling Huckleberries. ...
• Selling Truffles. ...
• Selling Caviar.