Anyone got a market stall?

[Glaucus]

Wondering does anyone have a market stall. I would love to turn my food hobby into something more.

Was wondering if anyones ever been a market seller and how you found it. Is it expensive. Do you need any food hygiene training. So on and so forth.

[Knipples]

*current jobless bum looking for work waves her hand*

[Pheebs]

Ermmm had a market stall a couple of times but for cards not foodage so don't know much on the food side...

Buuut...

Depending on where you are and what market/event you're at really varies the prices of stalls. In good ole Exeter, I managed to get me a spot in the local weekly summer market for £45. They provided me with a table and canopy area. Electricity was an extra tenner on top I think if I wanted it (which I didn't!)

You will need Market Trading Insurance/Public Liability cover too (I canny remember how much mine was exactly... something like £50 a year maybe less).

However... it's not always this cheap. To get to the Devon and Cornwall Show... well that would have set me back £150 + a day.... not something I could afford when flogging cards! You can get deals a lot of the time though - buy into a weeks worth of a stall and get 10% off. It's always negotiable, never accept the first price offered

Best thing for you to do is have a looksy here:

http://www.nmtf.co.uk/

They're really decent peoples and very helpful to talk to To find out prices of your local market it's probably best to call up your council and find out who the co-ordinator is. They'll be able to tell you more about the whole set up too

Good luck! It's fun!

Oooh just to add... it's only worth it if you have the right location and right days/times. I can understand now why Marketeers are always calling out and dragging in the customers etc as it's each for their own and very competitive. If you think you'd hide behind the stall not knowing what to say it wouldn't be worth it. Gift of the gab, blaggability and joviality is what it's all about! (hire knips She'd not let anyone escape without buying something!)

[Glaucus]

Very interesting.
The obvious place would be Bristol farmers market. But I expect that is extremely expensive and I would only be able to do it as and when I can around work.
There's potishead which it says is available to the casual seller and I expect there prices are cheap. Although no idea what the market is like. Will have to go down on Friday and take a look.
Must be loads of these things up around Stroud way. they like there fresh, local produce and have the money for it.

Would love to do a pie stall. Sweet and savoury. That way can have stuff to eat at the market. Or family sized stuff to take home.

how about 50% of the profits knip

[Pheebs]

Give them a call Find out prices and things - you may be pleasantly surprised!

*wants pie*

If I'm kicking around in Brizzle I will come say boo and drag in a few peoples for you

[Glaucus]

will also have to head over to Cheltenham farmers market and see what's that like. friday or Saturdays would be the best.
£30 for a pre-erected stall and £5 for elec.

Is there massive waiting lists for stalls in most places?
And any idea how I would find out about food hygiene regulations.

[Glaucus]

ii. Making high risk items such as meat, dairy and fish products
These foods are much higher risk because they support the growth of harmful bacteria and are often sold ready to eat without further cooking. A mistake in their preparation and handling can have serious consequences for public health. As a result, many of these products, which include hams, pates, ice-cream, cheeses, yoghurts and prepared foods such as meat pies, lasagne, shepherds pies etc. require approval of the production premises and process under specific legislation. It can be very difficult, and sometimes impossible, to obtain approval for a domestic premises to manufacture these kind of products, even on a small scale. As a result, you will need to plan your operation carefully.

In addition, attractive traditional recipes, which may be perfectly safe for immediate consumption, do not always lend themselves to a production process, packaging or an easily assessable shelf life for prolonged storage.

Although this can sound quite daunting, with a little dedication it is perfectly possible to set up a business to produce these kinds of products and many operate successfully from small units. Before starting out, contact your local Environmental and Trading Standards department for advice

Wonder how hard it is to get.

[Pheebs]

I know that a number of places here (post office etc) buy from Domestic Premises food wise (cakeywakes and things!)

If you reaaaaaaally want to do it, it's doable!

Maybe, if you believe your pies are supreme, you can try contacting someone like Sainsburys. Speak to them about your product and recipe idea (don't tell them it though!) and then see whether you can find a local bakers who might be able to do it for you if they were interested and take it from there! Might be able to produce for them!

Or!

You could always dragon den it! Like Mister Jerky Sauce dude!

Sorry, always thinking big Canny help it

[Glaucus]

Not looking at anything that big.
Could do just sweet pies. But even a lot of them contain eggs, so I suppose that would still come under the legislation requiring "production premises"
How is there any people producing stuff. I suppose it's all farms that have out buildings and so can fit them out.

[Pheebs]

Give these people a buzz...

http://www.food.gov.uk/foodindustry/

Tell them what your ideas are and ask how hard would it be to achieve They'll sort you out in no time I'm sure