Frozen food market stall

Market shoppers, local families and regular customers who like stocking their freezer with trusted local or specialty products.

You buy from wholesalers or local makers and sell at retail prices per item or in bundles, such as a weekly meal pack. Pre-orders help you plan stock.

• Selling face to face
• Planning stock for each market
• Basic online ordering setup
• Handling frozen goods safely

• Temporary or market food vendor permits from your local public health unit, rules vary by province and municipality
• Keeping food frozen in transport and at the stall, including power at the market or a generator
• Winter markets may be limited, so check seasonal demand and indoor options
• Commercial general liability insurance, which many markets require
• Labelling rules, and French-language requirements in Quebec
• Check when you must register for GST/HST as sales grow

Startup costs are typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on freezers, stock and how you power and transport them. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on markets attended and pre-order demand.

Check for temporary or market food vendor permits from your local public health unit, as rules vary by province and municipality. Also check labelling rules, French-language requirements in Quebec, insurance that many markets require, and when to register for GST/HST.

Winter markets may be limited, so check seasonal demand and indoor options. You also need to keep food frozen in transport and at the stall, including power at the market or a generator. Expect at least around 12 hours a week.