Fresh fruit stand or cart business

Shoppers at farmers markets, office workers on lunch breaks, families at fairs and events, and gym or school crowds.

Per-item sales of fruit cups, juices and whole fruit by the pound or piece. Cut and prepared items usually earn a higher margin than whole fruit.

• Choosing good fruit and spotting quality
• Safe food handling
• Friendly customer service
• Basic cash handling and pricing

• Health department permits for cut fruit and fresh juice, which differ by county and state
• Cottage food rules usually do not cover cut fresh fruit or juice, so check before prepping at home
• Street vending or cart permits from your city, and market vendor rules
• General liability insurance, which markets often require
• Cold storage and spoilage, since waste can eat profit
• Weather and seasonal demand

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on whether you run a simple market stand or a cart, and how much equipment and juice-making gear you buy.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $800 to $4,000, depending on your location, the season and how many markets or events you work. Spoilage and weather can cut into what you keep, so track waste.

Check for health department permits for cut fruit and fresh juice, which differ by county and state. Also check whether cottage food rules cover you (they usually do not for cut fruit or juice), plus city cart permits, market vendor rules and insurance.