Farmers market dairy and cheese stand

Farmers market shoppers, regulars who come every week and people buying cheese for entertaining or gifts.

You buy wholesale or direct from producers and sell at retail prices. Sampling, bundles and a loyal repeat customer base help lift sales per market day.

• Talking to customers and offering samples
• Keeping food cold and safe
• Setting up and packing down a stand

• Health department permit for market food vendors; requirements for dairy often differ from other foods
• Temperature control rules for keeping dairy cold all day, especially in summer
• Rules on selling raw milk products vary by state, so check before stocking them
• General liability insurance, which many markets require
• Weather and seasonal swings in foot traffic

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on your stand, coolers or display fridge, and opening stock. These are estimates, not guarantees.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on how many markets you attend and your products. Weather and seasonal swings in foot traffic can affect sales. These are estimates, not guarantees.

Check for a health department permit for market food vendors, since dairy requirements often differ from other foods. Also check temperature control rules for keeping dairy cold all day, your state's raw milk rules, and the general liability insurance many markets require.