Cheese and dairy farmers' market stall

Market shoppers, regular local customers and people looking for local food or gifts.

You buy from producers or wholesalers and sell at retail prices. Regular market days, pre-orders for pickup and gift bundles add steady sales.

• Knowing your products and giving good tastings
• Friendly selling
• Planning stock for each market
• Handling cash and card payments

• A temporary or seasonal food permit from your local public health unit; rules differ by province and municipality
• Keeping dairy cold all day, including hot summer days; check temperature requirements
• Rules on sampling and on raw-milk products; check with your health unit and the CFIA
• Commercial general liability insurance, which many markets require
• Winter closures at outdoor markets; look for indoor markets or pre-order pickup
• Collecting GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the refrigeration, stall setup, opening stock and insurance you need. Keeping dairy cold all day is a key equipment cost to plan for.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on how many markets you attend and what you sell. Outdoor markets may close in winter, so look at indoor markets or pre-order pickup.

Check for a temporary or seasonal food permit from your local public health unit, as rules differ by province and municipality. Check temperature requirements, rules on sampling and raw-milk products, and whether markets require liability insurance.