The Work

Market stall traders sell goods to the public. At their stall they are dealing directly with their customers - giving advice and encouraging people to buy, as well as selling and taking money. Some traders put on a 'show' where they demonstrate a product to encourage sales.

Most market stall traders buy their goods from a wholesaler or manufacturer, but some sell their own products, particularly small scale organic farmers and crafts artists. They rent a market stall or space and present the goods to attract customers. Sometimes traders have to provide and set up their own stalls. Some markets provide stockrooms for stallholders to keep their surplus stock.

Most markets have regulations that traders have to follow, usually about the range of goods being sold. Traders should also have insurance cover.

Casual traders may travel from market to market on different days, either locally or nationally. They are usually allocated stalls on a first come first served basis. Winters can be very cold and warm clothing is needed.

Further Information

• Market Stall Trader - from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

A Market Stall Trader is typically self-employed and learns on the job. They do not necessarily require a specific background or qualification. However, they need knowledge related to sourcing products and they need to keep accurate documents and up-to-date bookkeeping. Verbal Communication skills, literacy & numeracy will be required. 

Depending on the location of the market, traders may need a street trading licence issued by local authorities, or an occasional trading permit from the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation.

A market stall trader needs a good understanding of running a business and Local Enterprise Offices, MAST, IOMST offer support, advice and training to develop business plans and necessary skills, regulation, insurance. 

Training & Development

Employers require any staff handling, storing or serving food to have: 

HACCP/Food safety training completed. HACCP stands for Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point

Manual Handling

These courses may be available at low or no cost in FET centres nationwide. You can search for these key skills certs, just add the key word via Search our FET Coursefinder.

You may expand and employ staff to work in their stalls or start trading at other, or bigger markets. Other market stall traders may use markets and events as a testing ground with a plan to set up a permanent shop, to become wholesalers, or distribution sales via social media & online.

It is also possible to use the transferrable sales skills (such as dealing with the public and handling cash) in other careers within the Sales & Retail sector.

Last Updated: October, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €17k - €30k

Market Stall Traders are self-employed and income can vary greatly.

Data Source(s):
Indeed/ Glassdoor/ DEASP

Last Updated: February, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Despite a below average growth rate, employment for sales assistants grew by 8,700 persons between 2021 and 2022 in line with the recovery in the wholesale and retail sector. However, recent job hires far exceeded any growth in employment pointing to significant job churn for this occupation.

This is likely to be related to the young profile of workers in this occupation (44% were aged 15-24 years) and the majority (58%) being in part-time roles. There was a large volume of vacancies advertised through DSP Jobs Ireland and OVATE. Job opportunities are likely to continue to arise for this occupation given its large size and the volume of turnover.

• Irish Organisation of Market and Street Traders

  • 101 Phibsborough Road, Dublin 7
  • (01) 836 0952
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Food Safety Authority of Ireland

  • https://fsai.ie/
  • 1890 33 66 77
  • Click Here

• Irish Village Markets

  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Markets Alive Support Team Ltd.

  • [email protected]
  • Click Here