How to Start a Successful Pop-Up Business In Prague

Among the great new spring traditions in the Czech capital is the opening of outdoor design markets and riverside food festivals showcasing the best of local artistry and culinary genius.

For those who’ve ever dreamt of doing a little more than just browsing at these lively events, there’s never been a better time to pop up in Prague.

So just how does one go about selling granny’s secret-recipe bacon marmalade or your own line of custom silk-screen t-shirts?

Whether you want to peddle beadwork or brownies, the first thing you need, she says, is a license to sell.

This kind of diversification isn’t a bad idea given the constantly evolving nature of the business, says Tunková.

“Right now the bestsellers at Dyzajn Market are jewelry and clothing,” she says adding that recently there has been a huge influx of newcomers applying to markets as well as newly emerging design events.

Tunková selects vendors based on quality and originality of concept. She advises artists to assess their products with a critical eye before submitting an application. High-quality photos and a strong social media presence are key:  “Designers must create a strong story, one that’s worth telling, to interest customers.”

If you prefer to establish your trade in home-cooking, not handicrafts, you’ll find ample opportunities on Prague’s booming food scene.

Russian-born and Prague-raised Asya Meytuv (a.k.a. Hummus Princess) learned to make hummus while studying in Israel. She began selling her smooth and savory chickpea spread in 2016 as a stay-at-home mom.

“Prague’s food scene is getting more trendy and more interesting,” says Meytuv who has become a regular pop-up fixture at Kulaťák market, Prague Food Festival, Vnitroblock, and numerous other venues.

She says that farmer’s markets are generally interested in new vendors. If your product is “fresh and unique” landing a spot at one of them is fairly easy while rents are, in Meytuv opinion, quite reasonable.

“It’s a very nice way to build your customer base. People simply come back to you, have a chat, buy from you…it’s lovely.”

The challenges aren’t just bureaucratic, Meytuv says. “Rents at festivals and big events can be pretty high and you might get a lot of competition. Another downside is the enormous physical stress of the preparation, arriving and building your little world on the spot, standing all day and then packing everything up again.”

The fun and festive atmosphere of the market community may a big enough reward for some sellers, but is it possible to actually make a living doing it?

“When a designer has interesting and high-quality artwork that is well-suited to these sales opportunities, he or she can do well. But regular income shouldn’t be expected,” says Tunková.

It should also be noted that tax must be paid on any income earned from stall sales while vendors are legally obligated to conduct Electronic Registration of Sales (EET).

Meytuv agrees with this assessment. “It really depends on the product and competition in your particular niche,” she says, adding that face time with customers is only the half of it. “Most of the hard work does not involve actually serving food to people.”

Despite the efforts involved, she thinks the pop-up circuit is ripe for entrepreneurs. “People are always hungry,” Meytuv says with a smile. “Just don’t expect a super huge margin.”