Roadside farm stall or honesty shop

Local residents, passing drivers, walkers and cyclists who like buying fresh produce direct from the source.

Direct sales at retail prices, with no middleman. Margins are better on your own produce than on anything you buy in to fill the shelves.

• Growing or producing food
• Simple pricing and cash handling
• Friendly customer service

• Food businesses usually need to register with the local council, check this before selling eggs, preserves or anything made in a kitchen
• Labelling rules, including allergens on prepacked food, so check what applies to each product
• Planning permission for permanent structures or roadside signs, check with your council
• Honesty boxes can lose money through theft, so keep cash low and consider card or QR payments
• Public liability and product liability insurance

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £300 to £3,000, depending on whether you use a simple stall or a converted shed or hut, and how much stock and signage you need. Check your own costs before you start.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £200 to £1,500, depending on what you grow or make, your location and passing trade. Honesty boxes can lose money through theft, so keep cash low and consider card or QR payments.

Check whether you need to register as a food business with your local council, especially for eggs, preserves or kitchen-made items. Also check labelling rules including allergens, planning permission for permanent structures or signs, and public liability and product liability insurance.