Market stall traders primarily need Public Liability insurance (often required by event organisers) to cover injury or property damage to third parties. Additionally, Product Liability insurance is crucial if your goods cause harm. If you employ anyone, Employers’ Liability insurance is a legal requirement.
Most retail businesses will consider getting Public Liability Insurance (also known as General and Products Liability Insurance). This is designed to cover claims of injury or damage to others (including injury caused by your products), as well as legal costs in the event of a dispute.
Do market stall holders need insurance? Yes, market stall holders generally need insurance. Market management or event organisers might insist you have insurance. Market stall insurance can protect against claims for injury or damage caused by your stall or activities.
As touched on above, you do not legally require public and product liability insurance to sell at a craft stall. However, it is a good idea. If, for example, a member of the public trips over your stall and becomes injured, this cover will protect you.
How much is liability insurance for a market stall?
Low-risk sole traders can secure policies from around $39 a month, while high-risk operators—think scaffolding or large events—may face premiums well above $20,000. The figure on your quote hinges on industry risk, turnover, cover limit, location and any past claims. Price, though, is only half the story.
When it comes to crafting, there are very few areas in which a licence is essential. If you are working with and selling alcohol, food or have a business premise that isn't your home, you may need a licence. Otherwise, it is mostly acceptable for a small business to simply register with HMRC and begin trading.
Do I need business insurance to sell on Etsy? Put plainly, no. You are not legally required to take out any form of insurance before selling your handmade crafts on Etsy. That being said, it is generally a good idea to at least consider purchasing online retailer insurance before selling on this platform.
To operate a market stall, you will need a street trading licence. We operate two types of street trading licences: temporary and permanent. You may be able to apply for a temporary licence and trade on a casual basis until you qualify for a permanent licence.
Food stalls are traditionally the most popular and will raise a lot of money for you. Ensure your food is well priced. If it is overpriced, you will be left with food at the end of the day.
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.
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.
Public liability insurance is designed to protect you and your stall against personal injury or property damage to third parties arising from your market stall holder activities.
Public liability insurance can help protect your business in case of third-party injury or damage, maybe caused by a trip or slip over your stall, or injury caused by one of your products.
Employers' liability cover is a legal requirement for most businesses with staff, public liability insurance is important if you're in contact with members of the public, and professional indemnity insurance is useful if your business offers advice.
Comprehensive insurance is generally better for overall protection, covering damage to your car and others, plus theft/fire, while third-party only (TPO) only covers damage/injury you cause to others, leaving you to pay for your own car repairs, but comprehensive can sometimes be cheaper for high-risk drivers, flipping the old assumption that TPO is always cheapest. Choose comprehensive for full peace of mind; choose TPO only if you drive an older, low-value car and want the absolute minimum legal cover.
