How to get a market stall in New Zealand

1. Decide what and where you'll sell

Choose products that suit market customers (fresh food, prepared food, crafts, vintage, plants, or services). Consider size, fragility and transport needs. Some markets specialise — farmers' markets focus on fresh and local food, craft markets on handmade goods, and night markets on ready-to-eat food and street food.

Find local markets: check community Facebook groups, local council event pages, market directories, and visit markets in person. Note stall fees, opening hours, typical customer numbers, and how many stalls sell similar items.

• Match product type to market theme.
• Visit a few markets before applying to see the customer flow and competition.
• Ask stallholders about foot traffic and sales patterns (time of day, busy weekends).

2. Apply for a stall

Most markets require an application form and photos of your stall and products. Some accept phone or email enquiries, others use an online system. Applications often close early for popular markets, so apply well in advance.

Expect to give: contact details, product list, photos, any food-safety certificates (if selling food), preference for stall size/location, and payment of a booking or bond fee.

• Read the market's terms: cancellation policy, setup/packdown times, and vehicle access.
• Have clear product photos and a short description ready.
• Pay attention to stall size (m2) and whether you need to bring shelter/sidewalls.

3. Permits, registration and tax (New Zealand specifics)

Business registration: you can trade as an individual (sole trader) or register a company. You don't need a company to run a stall, but keep clear records for tax.

GST: register for GST if your annual turnover (all taxable supplies in NZ) is or will be NZD 60,000 or more in a 12-month period. If below that threshold you can choose to register voluntarily, but it's optional.

Food and health rules: if you sell food, check local council rules and food-safety requirements. Food stall operators often need to register with the council or meet a food-safety plan, especially for ready-to-eat food. For primary products, check MPI or council guidance.

• Decide your business structure and keep sales records.
• Register for GST once you hit the NZD 60,000 turnover threshold.
• Check local council or market organiser requirements if selling food or alcohol.

4. Insurance and health & safety

Public liability insurance is commonly recommended or required by market organisers. It protects you if a customer is injured or property is damaged because of your stall.

Prepare a simple health & safety plan: safe set-up and pack-down procedures, a tidy stall layout, safe food handling (if applicable), and a plan for bad weather or wind. Market organisers often ask for these when you apply.

• Ask the market organiser if insurance is mandatory and what level is required.
• Keep a basic first-aid kit and clear access around your stall.
• Follow food-safety practises: handwashing, temperature control, and coverings for display items.

5. Stall equipment and layout

Bring a robust table, weatherproof shelter or gazebo, signage, price labels, packaging, and a secure place for cash. Lighting is useful for indoor or night markets. Make sure your stall looks tidy and inviting from the front.

Think through transport, set-up time and packing. Use packing lists and store-away crates to speed setup. Have a backup plan for a power source if you need it (some markets provide power, many do not).

• Essential kit: shelter, table, chair, weights for your gazebo legs, clear signage and a tidy display.
• Bring sturdy packaging, bags, and pricing labels.
• Have power and lighting plans if you need refrigeration or card devices.

6. Market stall payments

Prepare to accept both cash and cashless payments. Many buyers now prefer contactless card or mobile payments. Typical choices: cash, portable EFTPOS terminals from banks or providers, phone-based ‘tap to pay’ solutions, and QR code or payment links.

If you don't want a traditional EFTPOS machine you can use a mobile payment link or QR-code solution. These let a customer pay with their card by scanning or tapping their phone, or you send a payment link by SMS/email. Carry clear signage showing accepted payment methods and any minimum card payment amount.

• Offer at least one cashless option to capture more sales.
• Check fees and connectivity: portable EFTPOS often needs a SIM or Bluetooth to your phone; link/QR options need mobile data.
• Display payment options clearly and train anyone helping you how to process a sale.