Market Trader

What is the work like?

A market trader sells goods or services on a market stall. Goods can be perishable, such as fresh fruit, vegetables, fish and meat, or they can be non-perishable, such as jewellery, cards, toys and clothes. Services can include shoe repairs, key cutting and computer repairs.

Market stalls include small independent retailers such as butchers, bakers and grocers. There are various different types of markets, including:

• retail
• farmers' - selling locally grown and reared fresh products
• flea - selling new or second-hand clothes and bric-a-brac
• specialist - selling, for example, computers or antiques.

Market traders are involved in a wide variety of tasks, including:

• attending wholesale markets, typically early in the morning before their market opens, to buy produce
• ordering stock from manufacturers, sales representatives, agents and importers
• erecting and dismantling their stall
• selling to and engaging with customers
• employing and managing staff
• monitoring stock levels and product performance
• marketing stock, including devising special offers and promotions
• ensuring that trading standards and health and safety regulations are met
• keeping abreast of market competition
• bookkeeping.

Hours and environment

Market traders work long hours, including weekends. Depending on their trade, a trader's working day may start very early in the morning so they can attend wholesale markets. Working from 5.00am until 6.00pm on market days is not unusual. Part-time work is common.

Markets can be indoors or outside, permanent or temporary, and usually return to the same location every week. Some markets run every day, others once a week or only at weekends, and others on a monthly or seasonal basis. They vary in size, and are usually busy and noisy environments in which to work. Traders may work at more than one location.

The work can be physically demanding as it involves lifting and carrying of stock, and long periods of standing and serving behind a stall.

A driving licence is very useful.

Salary and other benefits

These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.

• A market stall employee is likely to start on the minimum wage.
• Most experienced traders working full time would make about £350 a week.
• Some can make in excess of £500 per week, especially if they are selling within a niche market.

Skills and personal qualities

A market trader should:

• have strong communication and interpersonal skills
• be commercially minded with good negotiation skills
• have excellent customer service skills
• have numeracy skills for dealing with money
• have energy and enthusiasm
• be sales-focused and able to promote their stall creatively
• be quick thinking
• be physically fit.

Interests

Market traders should:

• enjoy working in an interactive environment
• take pride in providing a high standard of customer care.

Getting in

There are over 1,100 markets and nearly 50,000 market traders throughout the UK. Local authorities manage the majority of market sites, while others are run by private companies, charities or market trader co-operatives.

Usually, market traders start as 'casuals', which means they turn up in the morning of the market and queue to be allocated a pitch. If they miss a day they lose their place in the queue. Eventually, a market trader will be able to rent the same pitch on a regular basis. Further information can be obtained from the National Market Traders' Federation.

Employment opportunities can often be found through word of mouth, by talking to other market traders.

Entry routes

There are no set academic entry requirements to become a market trader. Quick and accurate arithmetic skills are important for dealing with money. The majority of local authorities require market traders to be at least 16 years of age.

Working as an employee in a retail outlet or on a market stall is a useful way of gaining relevant experience. It may be possible to find casual work helping traders to erect and dismantle stalls.

Adult entry is typical. Life experience, confidence and customer care skills are important qualities to have. Useful work experience may be gained from managing or working for a business.

Market traders need to be able to finance starting up and running a stall. This can include the cost of buying their stock, paying the rent for their pitch and covering running costs, such as public liability or vehicle insurance.

Local authorities usually employ a markets officer who can provide guidance about renting a stall.

Training

As they are self-employed, market traders are responsible for identifying their own training opportunities, although most training is on the job. They should aim to develop their business and skills as they gain in experience.

Courses in VAT and bookkeeping are available through local colleges throughout the UK.

It is possible to join the National Market Traders' Federation, which provides guidance and support for its members.

Getting on

Market traders need to focus on sales and building up a good reputation in order to grow and develop their business. As they progress, they may be able to:

• employ additional staff
• open up a retail outlet or sell their products over the internet.

Further information

National Market Traders' Federation, Hampton House, Hawshaw Lane, Hoyland, Barnsley S74 0HA. 01226 749021. Website: www.nmtf.co.uk

Skillsmart Retail, 93 Newman Street, London W1T 3EZ. 020 7462 5060. Website: www.skillsmartretail.com

Further reading

Be a Trader - National Market Traders' Federation (online start up guide)

Real Life Guides: Retail - Trotman

Working for Yourself - Trotman

Working in Retail & Customer Services - VT Lifeskills

Magazines/journals

NMFT Federation News - National Market Traders' Federation (online newsletter)

The Trader - www.thetrader.co.uk

(Some may be priced)

February 2009

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