Start trading at Aylesbury and Winslow markets

Aylesbury market days

General market: Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays

Weekly Foodie Friday market

Winslow market day

General market: Wednesdays

Our markets have a reputation for being fair and friendly, with a long history of serving local people. The Aylesbury market is in the busy heart of the historic town. It regularly hosts events and was proud to win awards in 2012, 2016 and 2017 from the National Association of British Market Authorities.

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

Our vision

Aylesbury market is proud to be financially sustainable and continues to be known as a national leader in delivering innovative solutions in managing the market.

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.

We do not welcome any goods which imply they support the sale of drugs, alcohol, weapons or smoking.

How to start trading

If you would like to be your own boss, and trade in Aylesbury and/or Winslow Market, we would love you to succeed. You might like to give these suggestions some thought.

Plan to sell the right goods

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.

Plan your cash flow and Value Added Tax (VAT)

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.

Get Public Liability and Product Liability insurance

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

Register a food business

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

Safe use of applicances

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.

Build and protect your reputation

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.

What you need to provide for your stall

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.