Farmers' market fresh pasta stall

Market shoppers, local families, foodies, and people buying gifts or weekend dinners.

Per-pack sales of fresh pasta and sauces, with meal bundles to raise the average sale. Pre-orders and repeat customers help plan production.

• Making pasta in batches
• Friendly selling and sampling
• Planning production and stock for market days

• Food handler certification and permits for making and selling food; rules differ by province and municipality
• Most provinces limit what can be made in a home kitchen, so check before using one for fresh pasta
• Commercial general liability insurance, which many markets require
• Cold-chain and storage for fresh pasta and sauces, plus allergen and packaged food labelling
• Outdoor markets are seasonal in much of Canada, so plan for slower winter months or indoor markets

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your equipment, kitchen rental and stall setup. Renting a licensed commercial kitchen keeps costs lower than opening premises.

Check before you do. Most provinces limit what can be made in a home kitchen, and rules differ by province and municipality. Also check food handler certification, permits, insurance that markets may require, allergen labelling and packaged food labelling.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on how many markets you attend and what you sell. Plan for at least 12 hours a week, and for slower winter months because outdoor markets are seasonal in much of Canada.