Start trading at Winslow market

General market: Wednesdays

Our markets have a reputation for being fair and friendly, with a long history of serving local people.

Winslow is a small ancient market town of immense charm and character and the market is located in its heart.

The market respects its historical heritage whilst embracing a modern, lively and social environment.

Market traders are knowledgeable and helpful offering a range of unique and traditional products.

Selling the right goods is the key to your success. Think about what is already on sale. Take a good look in the market(s) and in the shops nearby. You may be able to a fill a gap for the people who go there. Judge carefully what to stock, and how to sell it so your customers will be happy to keep coming back.

Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC) closely monitors VAT. If your annual sales total under £85,000 (the 2021-2022 threshold), you do not need to register for VAT with HMRC. With sales of £85,000 per year or more, you must register.

See HMRC’s ‘Getting started with VAT’ leaflet or go online.

If your prices include VAT, you have to manage your cash flow so you can pay HMRC on time.

Insurance could save you from a major loss, or worse. Something may go seriously wrong or an accident may happen in your dealings with the public. In order to trade with us you are required to have a minimum of £5 million Public Liability insurance. Once you know what you will be selling, you could approach the following to get insurance cover:

• a commercial insurance broker
• your present home or car insurance company

You could also contact the National Market Traders Federation (NMTF) :

Hampton House
Hawshaw Lane
Hoyland
Barnsley
S74 0HA

tel: 01226 749021

email: [email protected]

web site: NMTF website

You will need to comply with UK laws on food hygiene. All food businesses in Buckinghamshire must register their premises 28 days before they start operating.

Registration is free and allows food safety and hygiene checks to take place.

Find out how to register a food business.

Before you start, you will also need to have the right hygiene training for the food you produce and/or sell.

Book a food safety course.

For more guidance visit: Food Standards Agency

Any portable electrical appliances that you use on the market must be Portable Appliance Tested (“given a PAT test”). It isn’t very costly and you will know your equipment is safe. Please note you will be asked to provide the certificate to us.

If you are using gas a current Gas Safe certificate must be provided.

The Trade Descriptions Act 1968 makes it a crime to describe goods incorrectly or sell counterfeit goods. Compliance is fairly straightforward and helps protect your reputation.

You must comply with the Sale of Goods Act 1979. This law obliges you to put things right when a customer returns an item that is faulty or not fit for the purpose for which it was sold. Remember it is your customer who chooses how you put things right. This can be by credit note, exchange of goods, or a full cash refund.

Customers will sometimes bring goods back that they do not want or may not fit. You have no obligation to solve their problem. If you do, it may help you gain a reputation for being a generous and fair trader and this in turn could increase your sales.

If you are thinking of special pricing deals and free offers, you should consider how to conform to the Consumer Protection Act 1987.

All prices must be clearly displayed.

You will need to provide your own gazebo, sides and weights along with any tables and chairs. Make sure they are easily portable and stable.