Herb stall at farmers markets

Market shoppers, home tea drinkers, home cooks and people interested in natural products.

Direct sales at the stall, priced by weight or per package, with repeat buyers and gift sets in busy seasons.

• Friendly selling and talking with customers
• Knowledge of the herbs you sell
• Packing, display and cash handling

• Health claims: check FDA and FTC rules on what you can say at the stall and on signs
• Many markets require a vendor permit, and some counties require a health department permit for packaged teas or herbs, so check locally
• Labeling rules for packaged products
• General liability insurance, which many markets require
• Sales tax registration with your state
• Weather and seasonal swings in sales

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on how much stock you buy, your table and display setup, and the markets you choose. There is no shop lease to pay.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $600 to $3,000, depending on how many markets you attend, your product range and the season. Weather and seasonal swings can change sales.

Check whether each market requires a vendor permit and whether your county requires a health department permit for packaged teas or herbs. Also check labeling rules, FDA and FTC health claim rules, liability insurance and state sales tax registration.