Trader FAQ's

Q: I would like to become a fashion market trader. What should I do?

A: If you are interested in obtaining a stall on the Manchester Fashion Market please send your contact details and some photographs (non returnable) of your work to Manchester Specialist Markets, New Smithfield Market, Whitworth Street East, Openshaw, Manchester, M11 2WJ.

Your details will be added to our database and we will contact you when we have a suitable stall available. To qualify for a stall on this market you must design all the clothing you intend to sell.

Q: How do I become a trader at New Smithfield Wholesale Market?

A: If you would like to bring your business onto our wholesale market then you should contact the market management team directly. They will be able to discuss the process with you and help you make the right decision in terms of space, location and utilities.

Once you have agreed on this information, a licence or lease will be agreed with you that will form the basis of your occupancy on our site. Please contact the market management team at the contact details below for more information.

Q: Do I need to book to get a space at New Smithfield car boot sale?

A: If you want to trade on the Sunday Market and Car Boot, there's no need to book in advance. Just turn up on Sunday and join the queue at the back of the market. Gates open from 6am. Casual spaces are allocated on a first come, first served basis. We only provide the spaces, you will need to bring with you all the selling equipment you may need. Don't forget to bring the daily space fee with you, which is £32.50 per space.

Q: How big are the spaces at New Smithfield car boot sale?

A: The size of each space is roughly 6m deep by 3m selling frontage (20ft x 10ft), enough room to park your car and place a table at the front. However, you can of fload your wares onto the space and remove your vehicle to one of the parking spaces on the market. Please remember that you will be charged the full daily space fee for every space or part space that you use.

Q: Can I get a licence to trade at New Smithfield car boot sale?

A: We do issue licences for traders to sell their wares from the same space on the Sunday Market and Car Boot during each week of the licence period. Licences are issued on a six-monthly basis for a fee of £280 (for a maximum of two spaces). Licences are reviewed bi-annually on 31 January and 31 July.

If you would like to obtain a licence there is a procedure that you must follow, including a formal application process. To apply, please request a District Markets Application Form by contacting Manchester Markets on 0161 234 7357, or email manchestermarkets@manchester.gov.uk

Q: How much is it to trade?

A: The cost of running a market stall varies depending on the market you’re trading at and the size of market stall you require. To discuss prices for setting up a market stall at one of our markets, please contact Manchester Markets on 0161 234 7357 or email manchestermarkets@manchester.gov.uk

Q: What is public liability insurance?

A: Most markets will insist on market traders having public liability insurance to cover them in case of any accidents/injuries to the public whilst you are trading on a market stall.

Market traders would normally need to get cover for up to 5 million pounds, which would cost between £50 to £80 per annum. You can generally use market trader insurance at any market you attend.

You can get public liability insurance cover at most insurance brokers, or contact the National Market Traders Federation on 01226 749021, or go to www.nmtf.co.uk

Q: Where do I buy a stall?

A: For information on buying a stall, accounts and VAT, and the best way to choose a market, go to the National Market Traders Federation on 01226 749021, or visit www.nmtf.co.uk

Q: How do I become a casual trader?

A: Once you have decided which market you would like to join, all you need to do is complete a casual trader application form and post it with all of the supporting information to the relevant market address. For an application form, click here or call Manchester Markets on 0161 234 7357 or email manchestermarkets@manchester.gov.uk

Q: How do I become a specialist markets trader?

If you would like to apply for a licence to trade from our specialist markets, please download either the Specialist Market Craft Trader Application Form, available by clicking here, or the Food Trader Application Form, which is available by clicking here. Alternatively, call Manchester Markets on 0161 234 7357 or email manchestermarkets@manchester.gov.uk

Q: Which markets can I attend as a casual trader?

A: You can apply as a casual trader at Longsight, Wythenshawe and Harpurhey Markets. You can also attend the Sunday Market and Car Boot.

Q: How do I become a regular trader?

A: Once you have traded as a casual for a few weeks, you can then fill out an application to become a regular trader. For an application form, click here or call Manchester Markets on 0161 234 7357 or email manchestermarkets@manchester.gov.uk

Q: Do I need to book in advance / register as a casual trader / have public liability insurance to stand on the car boot sale?

A: No – all you need to do is turn up.

Q: Do you supply stalls or tables on the markets?

A: We supply you with stalls and tables on the regular markets. At the Sunday Market & Car Boot we provide the space/pitch

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