How to Start Selling at a Farmers Market

Selling at a farmers market can be a great way to grow your small business, connect with the local community and try out products to see what people are interested in. But if you’re considering it, you might have questions, like how to get into a farmers market or what to sell at a farmers market.

Of course, the answers are specific to your region and your business, but there are still broad guidelines that can be useful. So, here are some things to consider if you’re trying to decide if becoming a farmers market vendor is the right choice for you.

Decide What You’re Selling at a Farmers Market

Maybe you’re thinking of selling fruits and vegetables at a farmers market. That’s great! But if you intend to sell produce, you’ll want to start planning several months ahead and make sure you have enough variety to get you through the whole market season. Choosing fruits and vegetables that mature at different times will help ensure you have a steady supply of produce for your customers. 

In addition to produce, you’ll need to do some planning if you want to have prepared foods, baked goods or even dairy products available. Remember, you’ll need the supplies to make your goods in enough bulk to sell, as well as to set your product apart with eye-catching packaging or branding. That’s how you gain a loyal customer base.

Then you will have to prepare what you’ll put your produce in, like baskets for fruit or jars for jam. To start, you’ll want to think about what kind of budget you have, and whether adding eco-friendly packaging is a good idea for your audience.

What’s Your Budget?

As with most small businesses, starting to sell at the farmers market means coming up with startup money even before you start selling. You’ll need to check the cost of the stall fee at your market. You’ll also want to confirm what comes included with that fee: a tent and table, or just a space? That will help you know if you need to invest in other items.

Here are some other investments to consider in your budget:

• Marketing pieces or signs
• A table to display your signage and samples
• Chairs for you and your employees
• Tent for weather protection
• Employees
• Cold or hot storage
• Lock box for cash
• Small bills and coin rolls for making change
• Carryout bags
• Credit card processing (if you’re going to choose to accept credit cards)

Understand How to Get Into a Farmers Market

You can’t just show up and start selling. Do your research: Make sure before you start selling that you have the required permits or licenses. Generally, the farmers market’s management team is your best bet for more direction and help in finding and filing that paperwork.

If you sell prepared or baked goods, you may be required to get seasonal food permits and submit to periodic health inspections. If you do have to register with the state or local authority, you’ll need to fill out an application, pay a fee and submit to any required inspections. You may also need to obtain a food safety certification, which is an additional expense.

Most likely, you’ll also be asked to carry insurance for your business. The insurance coverage needed may be based on several things, including the products you sell, your location and more.  You’ll want to discuss getting a new policy or having coverage added to your policy with your agent to ensure your stand is protected.

Lastly, it’s a good idea to look into setting up a formal legal structure for your business. Using an LLC or S-corp will help provide additional legal protection.

How Much Time Can You Commit?

Along with getting up early and spending much of a day at the farmer’s market, you’ll also be working throughout the week. Remember, your work will start months before the actual market opens. You’ll have to make sure you have time to plant, grow and pick any of the harvest you’re growing.

You’ll also want to start your marketing efforts well before the farmer's market. Getting your licenses and materials ready will take some planning beforehand. When the market starts, you’ll want to promote your booth on different platforms, including social media such as Facebook and Instagram. Spreading the word may help you gain a following — and that, in turn, can translate to sales.

Be Sure You Are Covered

Being a vendor at a farmer’s market is more than just showing up once a week with produce. The hard work is worth it if you find yourself with a fulfilling hobby with some extra money. If you are looking to start selling, or already do, reach out to your Farm Bureau agent to make sure you are properly covered.