Seasonal roadside farm stand

Local residents, commuters passing by, and weekend visitors looking for fresh food from a known source.

Direct sales at retail prices, which are usually higher than wholesale. Add-ons such as flowers, preserves or pre-ordered boxes raise the average sale.

• Growing or sourcing quality produce
• Basic bookkeeping and cash handling
• Simple display and signage
• Friendly customer service

• Zoning, roadside sign and driveway or parking rules, which vary by county and city
• Many states exempt raw whole produce from permits, but eggs, dairy, meat and prepared foods often have extra rules, so check your state department of agriculture and health department
• Cottage food laws limit what homemade foods you can sell and how they must be labeled, so check your state's rules
• If you sell by weight, check whether your state requires a certified scale
• General liability insurance in case a customer is hurt or gets sick
• Income depends on weather and the growing season

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the size of the stand, your signage and display, and what you already have on your land. These are estimates, so start simple and add as sales grow.

Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on what you sell and how much traffic passes. The estimate assumes at least about 10 hours a week. Income depends on the weather and the growing season.

Check zoning, roadside sign, and driveway or parking rules with your county or city. Check your state agriculture and health departments for eggs, dairy, meat and prepared foods, plus cottage food laws, certified scale rules if selling by weight, and insurance.