A car book sale is an excellent starter business

A car book sale is an excellent starter business. But, there is of course a limit to the amount of cash you can earn. If you want a truly large income then you should look to a regular market stall or stalls. These can still be part time - at weekends, the odd day off, or a 'housewife' type business. But, they also form the basis of a sound full time business venture - one where you can work and earn each and every day if you wish!

Market trading may look like a very basic venture. And, in some ways, it is. But, it can also be a very big business with considerable takings - so don't underestimate it. A little capital is required to start, though this is really a very moderate amount.

Two types of market can be identified as being ideal for the would be trader. The very best types are the regular markets run by local councils on a daily or weekly basis. These operate on purpose made sites - or in a busy town centre street and sell a wide variety of goods. You could also consider privately organised markets. A good example of these is the Sunday markets that are held in many towns and cities, often indoors. Choose either, or both, depending on what sort of business you require. And, very importantly, the time you have available to trade.

Your first step as a market trader is to look for a venue with good potential. Don't just decide to start and then turn up with goods at your nearest market! Most towns and cities have a variety of public markets and you need to choose the most suitable. Ensure the one you select is 'brisk but not too busy'. Anywhere within a 15 mile radius of your home is a desirable proposition.

After a little 'market research' contact the market for your intended sites well in advance. This is usually the local council - or sometimes a commercial organising firm. Ask one of the existing traders if unsure. Get full details of all conditions of obtaining a stall - and details of the rents which might be in the region of 10+ per day for a single stall unit. Many markets will have a waiting list - so apply to several in good time so you can start at the very earliest opportunity. The organisers will probably want to know what sort of goods you intend to sell - and expect you to stick to that trade. This is important since if there are already enough traders in that particular trade you may need to rethink before you will be accepted.

Gather information on your chances of obtaining a stall in your area - and what to sell. You will then be able to make serious enquiries with regard to obtaining stock for your venture. The best way of doing this is to sell the types of things that are already successfully sold at markets. These proven items are invariably best. It doesn't pay to be too different or original. Find your own range of suitable products within one of the existing market trades.

Foods, household goods, clothes, second hand items, seconds, fabrics, shoes, pottery, books, toys, jewellery, sweets, spare parts, small electrical items and curios are just some of the many things that are popular market sellers.

The choice is so wide it should not be that difficult to find a trade. Whatever it is do ensure it is a single trade - rarely can you successfully mix different types of goods on a single stall.

Buying from a wholesaler is the usual and most convenient way of obtaining stock. A range of wholesalers can be found in 'Yellow Pages' in all areas. They all tend to specialise in particular lines, so you may use several. Some will trade by mail order which makes things very convenient. Arrange to visit several to get an idea of how When market day arrives do ensure you are at the site, with your stock, quite early. In many cases stalls are allocated on a 'first come first served' basis. This will allow you to pick the optimum selling positions - near the front of the market but not too exposed - the weather is one of the few problems! Most market organisers will provide you with some sort of stall structure. So it is rarely necessary to go to the trouble of buying one - or any other sort of equipment.

For best sales results a market stall of any kind should be smartly presented. Arrange the counter area to make best use of the space - and arrange stock at different levels. Use a clean and tidy covering cloth. Make use of the space at the sides of the stall - and hang things over the top. Never allow stock to creep onto someone elses area - or allow theirs to do the same to you! Move goods around to form an interesting and ever changing effect. Keep a special place for money and valuable stock lines.

Most stalls should clearly price all the goods they have onoffer. Rarely should you accept offers for anything as it is 'not done' today. However the advantage of a market stall business is that you can change prices to suit demand and be competitive. Many other businesses could never hope to do this!

It is no longer necessary to 'call out your wares', unless you want to, as used to be very popular at one time. A good set of products well presented will sell themselves. Always strive to give a good service and good value and you will be able to establish a lucrative and continuing business.

One tip is to make a point of getting to know your fellow traders. They are an important source of help and advice - as you will be to them. Listen to suggestions for new product lines or new wholesale sources. In particular try to get their opinions of other markets in your area. You may well find a market where your stall can do even better than the one you are at.

Apart from these basics there is little else you will not learn in the running of your stall. Despite humble origins there is certainly nothing humble about a market stall takings. Some market stalls are run by very serious business people who take many thousands of pounds weekly from a circuit of stalls in the area. You may also want to develop a lucrative 'circuit'.