Japanese deli market stall

Market shoppers, local foodies and event visitors who want something tasty to eat now or take home.

Direct sales of prepared food and packaged goods at each market, with pre-orders for repeat customers. Stall fees are the main fixed cost per day.

• Cooking Japanese dishes in batches
• Food safety and handling
• Customer service and selling face to face
• Planning stock and prep

• Food vendor or temporary food permit, and probably a licensed commissary or kitchen; home kitchen rules for prepared foods vary a lot by state
• General liability insurance, which many markets require
• Market stall fees, weather and slow days can eat into profit
• Business license and sales tax registration; check your city, county and state
• Food allergens and labeling for packaged items

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on your stall setup, equipment, ingredients, permits and insurance. A stall lets you test demand before renting a shop.

Check for a food vendor or temporary food permit, and probably a licensed commissary or kitchen, since home kitchen rules vary a lot by state. Also check market insurance requirements, your business license, sales tax registration, and allergen labeling for packaged items.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on which markets you attend and how often. Stall fees, weather and slow days can eat into profit. Plan for at least 12 hours a week.