Cookie stall at farmers' and seasonal markets

Market shoppers, families, tourists and festival visitors buying single cookies or take-home boxes.

Sales per cookie and per box at each market day, with seasonal gift boxes in the holiday period boosting income.

• Baking in batches
• Friendly customer service
• Stock planning and cash handling

• Food permit or temporary food event permit requirements, which differ by province and health unit
• Stall fees and weather, outdoor markets are seasonal in much of Canada and rainy or cold days cut sales
• Commercial general liability insurance, which markets often require
• Allergen labelling and packaging rules, check CFIA guidance
• Kitchen rental costs can eat into margins, work out your cost per batch

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your stall setup, packaging and licensed kitchen arrangements. Kitchen rental can eat into margins, so work out your cost per batch before you commit.

Check food permit or temporary food event permit requirements, which differ by province and health unit, CFIA allergen labelling and packaging guidance, and any commercial general liability insurance the markets require. Also consider stall fees and weather, as outdoor markets are seasonal.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,500, depending on how many markets you attend and what you sell. The estimate assumes at least about 12 hours a week, and rainy or cold days can cut sales.