Pop-Up candy and dessert bar

Families, shoppers and visitors at farmers markets, holiday markets, fairs and school or community events.

Sales by weight, cup size or fixed-price bags, plus gift boxes at busy times of the year. Your profit depends on event fees, sweets costs and how busy each event is.

• Merchandising and display
• Handling cash and card payments
• Friendly selling
• Planning stock and event schedules

• Temporary food permits or vendor permits from your county health department; rules differ for wrapped and unwrapped food
• Sales tax registration with your state and collecting tax at events
• General liability insurance, often required by event organizers
• Weather, slow events and perishable stock
• Self-serve food hygiene: check local rules on scoops, covers and hand sanitizer

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $800 to $4,000, depending on your stand, display and starting stock. Weather, slow events and perishable stock can affect how far your money goes.

Check for temporary food or vendor permits from your county health department, as rules differ for wrapped and unwrapped food. Also check state sales tax registration, event organizers' insurance requirements and local self-serve hygiene rules on scoops, covers and hand sanitizer.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $600 to $3,000, depending on how many events you attend and how busy they are. Expect at least about 8 hours a week, and allow for weather and slow events.