Japanese sweets pop-up stall

Market and festival visitors, local event crowds and fans of Japanese food looking for a treat or a gift box.

Per-item and per-drink sales at each event, with extra income from pre-orders, gift boxes and private event bookings.

• Making sweets in small batches
• Food safety basics
• Friendly selling and handling queues
• Planning stock for each event

• Health permits for mobile or temporary food sales, which vary by county and often by event
• Food prepared at home generally cannot be sold this way in many places, so check whether you need a licensed commissary kitchen
• General liability insurance, which many markets require as proof before accepting you
• Sales tax registration with your state, and any local vendor fees
• Weather, slow events and stall fees can make income uneven
• Allergen labeling for ingredients like wheat, dairy, soy and nuts

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your equipment, stall setup, ingredients and event fees. Your menu size and whether you need a commissary kitchen will also affect where you land in that range.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many events you attend, your menu and your pricing. Weather, slow events and stall fees can make income uneven, so plan for ups and downs.

Check for health permits for mobile or temporary food sales, which vary by county and often by event. Also check whether home-prepared food is allowed or you need a licensed commissary kitchen, plus liability insurance, state sales tax registration and allergen labeling.