Market and Show trader

[Adele3822]

We are looking to move to France in early spring of next year and at present run a small business here in UK, we want to carry on selling in France but we tend to use markets and specialised shows what do we need to do to set up in France, I have read the forum but no of it seems to apply to us plus we sell over the internet. HELP PLEASE

[Lepoulailler]

It depends on what you're selling.  We do quite a lot of markets as a way of cheap advertising for our chickens.  I quite often see other sellers there who are asked for 'papiers' by the placier, and who seem to carry all that is needed in their back pocket.  Best to contact your local Chambre de Commerce I should think, who should be able to get you all that is required (or Chambre de Metiers, if you are doing arty type stuff, or things that relate to a 'artisan' trade for example, photography).

As we often take our hens with us for exhibition purposes we need to comply with the DSV regulations on livestock, notifying them in advance, correct transport, vaccinations etc etc, but I shouldn't think that would concern you.

Normally once you have your permission to trade you just turn up at market at the designated time and place (usually at 8.00 in the summer and 8.30 in the winter, outside somewhere prominent such as the mairie or the church) and wait for the placier (sometimes in uniform or 'tenue' and sometimes in civilian clothes - in which case ask the other traders who he is.  You then usually make the tour of the market with others vying for a pitch and get allocated a spot.  (Hopefully - there is quite often fierce competition in peak season, especially with the travelling traders, and preference is usually given to those who attend on a regular basis or who attended many markets the previous season).  Make sure you know the meterage of your pitch.  Some markets like you to have asked the local mairie in advance, so it doesn't hurt to have phoned them in advance to ask permission - it varies from place to place.

Charges vary, but they are not expensive.  For example, I pay 1.20 € for a morning at Combourg, and 3.30€ for a pitch at Dol de Bretagne (my stall is 3 metres). 

By and large there is a great atmosphere amongst the traders, and there is always someone who will lend a hand.  I have found without a doubt that it has been the greatest help to improving my French.

Good luck,  Peta

[Adele3822]

Thanks for all you advice I am feeling a lot happier about trading now as I have been told some real horror stories about setting up a business in France and was getting quite worried.

Regards

Adele