Farmers' market produce stall

Market visitors, regulars looking for fresh seasonal produce, and local shoppers who prefer buying from a stallholder.

You sell produce at a markup over your buying cost, priced by weight, bag or box. Takings depend on market days, location and the season.

• Judging produce quality
• Friendly selling and chatting with customers
• Handling cash and card payments
• Loading and setting up a stall

• Many markets require liability insurance, so check each market's rules
• Check with your public health unit whether you need a permit for selling fresh produce, especially cut fruit or samples
• Weather and the short outdoor season in many regions mean income can be uneven
• Some markets limit resellers and prefer growers, so check whether buying from wholesalers is allowed
• You need a vehicle or reliable transport to carry stock and gear
• Check GST/HST registration once your sales grow

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on your stall setup, transport, equipment and opening stock. Many people start small and add to their gear as they learn which products sell.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on which markets you attend, the season and how many market days you trade. That is revenue before stock and other costs, and estimates suggest at least about 12 hours a week.

Things to check: many markets require liability insurance, your public health unit may require a permit (especially for cut fruit or samples), and some markets limit resellers. Also check GST/HST registration once your sales grow.