What to Charge for Stall Holders and Food Vans

Market Stall & Fete Pricing: What to Charge Stall Holders and Food Vendors

Market stall events and fetes are a great way to bring communities together while offering fantastic fundraising opportunities. But one question looms large for organisers: What should we charge stallholders and food vendors?

We posed this question to our ultimate brains trust—the incredible Fundraising Whisperer VIP Group—and they delivered the goods. The consensus? Pricing varies widely, but the general range falls between $20 – $150, with two key factors influencing the rate:

1. Event Size – The larger the crowd, the higher the stall fee can be.
2. Food vs. Non-Food Stalls – Food vendors are typically charged more due to their higher profit potential and added requirements like power and waste disposal.

Real-World Pricing Examples

Here’s what experienced organisers had to say about their stall pricing:

• $60 – $100 for a standard 3x3m stall (non-food, no power). The majority reported that around $60 is a fair price.
• $50 per stall at school markets.
• $100 for stalls with a BYO gazebo requirement.
• Food vans often donate a percentage instead of paying a fee. Some won’t attend if the donation request is too high, as their margins can be slim.
• $40 for stallholders (BYO gazebo, power, tables, etc.), $80 – $100 for food stalls, with all fees paid upfront.
• Scaled pricing based on school size:
  • Small school (around 160 students): $20 – $40 per stall
  • Larger school (1,000+ students): $50 – $100 for non-food stalls, and $100 – $150 for food vendors.

Pro Tips for Pricing Your Market Stalls

1. Know Your Audience: If you're expecting a small local turnout, keep fees affordable to attract more vendors. If it's a major community event, vendors are willing to pay more.
2. Offer Discounts for Early Bird Bookings: Encourage early commitment and secure stallholders in advance.
3. Charge More for Premium Locations: High-foot-traffic spots near entertainment or entry points can fetch a premium.
4. Consider Power Access Fees: If vendors require power, charge an additional fee to cover electricity costs.
5. Require Upfront Payments: This reduces last-minute dropouts and ensures you don’t lose revenue.
6. Set Expectations Clearly: Communicate setup requirements, bump-in/bump-out times, and refund policies upfront.

Final Thoughts

Finding the sweet spot for stall fees is crucial—too high, and you risk deterring vendors; too low, and you could be missing out on valuable fundraising income. The best approach? Gauge your local market, see what similar events are charging, and don’t be afraid to adjust over time.