Are you looking for a fun and profitable way to spend your weekends? Why not try selling at a farmers’ market!
Farmers’ markets are a great way to sell fresh produce, baked goods, and other homemade items. You can pair your personal interests and skills with a profitable business model that can be quite enjoyable.
So it’s time to brainstorm what to sell at a farmers’ market to really maximize your earnings!
What to sell at a farmers market
Without further ado, here are some great items to consider selling at your local farmers’ market:
1. Vegetables
What would a farmer’s market be without fresh, locally-grown produce? If you’re able to grow and harvest vegetables yourself, you’ll be able to offer your customers the freshest produce available.
If you don’t have a garden of your own, you can try buying from another local gardener or farm and reselling their products.
2. Fruits
Fruit is an excellent addition to any farmers’ market stall. Like vegetables, these are best when locally sourced and freshly picked! Some popular fruits to consider include apples, oranges, melons, berries, and stone fruits.
Many fruits will be difficult to get ahold of, so growing or sourcing local fruits is a great way to make your stall stand out.
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3. Herbs
Everyone loves fresh herbs, and these are easy and space-efficient items to include in your market stall. Many herbs are easy to grow and require minimal maintenance, making them a great choice for novice gardeners.
You can choose from popular herbs like basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, chives, and lavender – but there are so many more out there!
You can also dry and mix your own special herb blends to offer customers something unique.
4. Eggs
Eggs are a great item to offer at a farmers market. If you have chickens of your own, you can collect and sell freshly laid eggs for customers to enjoy.
You’ll want to make sure that you maintain quality by making sure that they’re uncracked, well-washed, and fresh.
5. Baskets
If you’re looking for something a bit more creative, consider selling handmade baskets. Baskets are great because they can be used for a variety of purposes – from storage and decoration to gardening and harvesting.
This is one of the unique things to sell at farmers markets that can earn top dollar because of the artistry involved. You can make a variety of sizes so that people of all budgets can take home one of your masterpieces.
6. Dried beans
Dried beans are a popular item at farmers markets, and they can be grown easily in your garden. Beans come in a variety of sizes and colors, and you can offer customers the chance to buy them in bulk or pre-packaged.
7. Trail mix
Dehydrating fruits and roasting nuts is a great way to preserve food and help it last longer. People love having fresh, healthy snacks that are easy to store and transport.
You can offer customers dried fruits like apricots, apples, mangos, peaches, and plums – as well as roasted nuts like almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, and cashews.
You can also flavor your dried fruits and nuts with spices to add a unique twist. You can do savory sweet blends or spicy and tangy combinations.
8. Potted plants
It’s hard to get a good selection when it comes to houseplants at the local grocery or home store. So if you’re an avid collector, you can take clippings of your plants and pot them to sell at the farmers’ market.
Potted plants are always in high demand and can be quite profitable if you have a variety of types available. You’ll want to make sure that your plants are well taken care of and pest-free when selling them, so make sure you properly prepare them for sale.
Related: 9 Simple Steps to Start Selling Plants on Etsy
9. Flowers
Flowers are always a popular item at farmers’ markets, and you can choose from a variety of seasonal blooms depending on the time of year. Cut flowers make great gifts, and they’ll add some lovely color to your stall.
Learning how to arrange your flowers in bouquets and vases is a great way to make your stall stand out. People also enjoy seasonal plants like potted mums that they can take home and enjoy.
10. Teas
Fresh tea sourced from high-quality local ingredients is a true delict and one of the most profitable farmers market items.
Making and selling homemade teas and syrups is a great way to make your stall stand out. You can experiment with different flavors like mint, ginger, lemon balm, chamomile, lavender, and rose petals.
You can also create tea blends, herbal tisanes, and all sorts of other delicious concoctions to diversify your offerings.
11. Bread
Are you a baker? Do you have a knack for making delicious treats from scratch? If so, consider selling your homemade bread and other baked goods at the farmers market.
You can offer customers a variety of different types of bread – from sourdough to baguettes, rolls, and focaccia. You can also get creative with flavors like rosemary, garlic, olives, or whatever you have readily available in your region, home, or garden.
Related: How to Price Your Cupcakes Like a Pro
12. Jams and nut butters
Making your own jams, jellies, preserves, and nut butter is a fun way to explore different flavors and make something unique for customers to enjoy.
You can offer both classic flavors that everyone will love as well as new twists on traditional flavors to make your brand stand out and keep buyers interested.
13. Desserts
If you’re selling at a farmers market and want to be the most popular stall, why not add some homemade desserts? From cakes and cookies to pies, cobblers, and tarts – you can tantalize customers’ taste buds with a variety of different options.
The art of dessert and pastry-making is a true craft and can be quite profitable when done well. Plus, it’s always nice to have something sweet to finish off an evening of shopping!
14. Mushrooms
If you’re wondering what to sell at a farmers market that can stand out, then selling fresh mushrooms might be a great option for you. Mushrooms are both culinary and medicinal delicacies, so they are often highly sought-after items when available.
You can offer customers a variety of different types of mushrooms, from shiitake, oyster, and king trumpet to enoki, maitake, and lion’s mane. You can even dry them in order to make them last longer and increase their shelf life.
No matter what type of items you decide to sell at your farmers market stall, be sure to make sure that everything is high-quality and prepared with care.
15. Canned goods
Canning allows us to preserve fresh homegrown food so we can have it out of season or when we didn’t have time to make it or to grab fresh produce. It’s also pretty easy and affordable to do, so you can make a nice profit selling canned goods at the farmers’ market.
You can offer canned vegetables, fruits, and even meats. In addition, you can experiment with different flavors and spices to make them even more delicious.
16. Seeds
Another great item to consider selling at the farmers’ market is seeds and plants. Especially if you grow heirloom varieties, you can showcase some truly unique and special seedlings that people won’t find anywhere else.
Seed saving is a great way to pass down knowledge from generation to generation, and it’s also an excellent way to preserve endangered plant species.
17. Fermented vegetables & drinks
Fermented vegetables and drinks are one of the trendiest items to sell at a farmers market.
From kimchi, sauerkraut, and kombucha to beet kvass and other probiotic beverages – you can offer your customers an assortment of healthy, delicious options that will keep them coming back for more.
It’s easy to make these items in your home and in large batches, so you can offer customers a variety of flavors and recipes to choose from.
18. Cured meats
Cured meats are a delicious treat for many people, so why not give them the chance to enjoy some of these at your farmers’ market stall?
From chorizo, bacon, and salami to pancetta, prosciutto, and other Italian-style cured meats – you can offer customers a variety of flavors that will satisfy any craving.
Curing meats is also relatively simple and doesn’t require a lot of specialized equipment, so it’s an easy way to expand your product offerings.
19. Dehydrated snacks
Kale chips, fruit leather, and more – you can offer customers a variety of different snacks that have been dehydrated to perfection. Package these snacks in cute clever containers and they may be a best seller at a farmers market!
20. Flavored vinegar and oil
Infusing oils and making vinegar is one of the easiest products to produce for a farmers market. All they need is time and patience, and after a few weeks or months, you can bottle up amazing flavors and offer them to customers.
You can sell customers everything from garlic-infused olive oil, truffle oil, or chili oil to rosemary-infused balsamic vinegar, herb-infused white wine vinegar, and more. In addition to tasting great, they make an excellent gift or stocking stuffer!
21. Artisanal cheese
Artisanal cheeses are some of the best products that you can sell at a farmers market. It doesn’t take much more than some milk, salt, cultures, and rennet to make delicious cheese. You can offer everything from soft fresh cheeses to aged hard cheeses.
Make sure to highlight the fact that these cheeses are handmade and use local ingredients, as this will help set them apart from other cheeses being offered in the stores.
22. Soap
If you’re looking for craft ideas to sell at farmers markets, consider selling homemade soaps. With the right ingredients, you can make beautiful and natural soaps of all shapes and sizes, in a variety of colors and fragrances.
People love all-natural products that won’t irritate their skin and are free from toxins. They’ll pay top dollar for these kinds of soaps, so it can definitely be a profitable venture.
23. Candles
Another popular craft item to consider selling at a farmers market is scented candles. The sky’s the limit when it comes to making candles to sell from home or the market in terms of scents, colors, and design. You can choose to make them as simple or as elaborate as you’d like.
24. Natural home decor
If you’re looking for a way to add an extra touch of whimsy and charm, consider selling natural home decor. This could include everything from driftwood signs and birdhouses to macrame wall hangings and terrariums.
Wreaths and centerpieces made from natural materials are also popular items to sell at farmers markets. You can use flowers, leaves, feathers, and other components to create stunning pieces that will stand out and make money selling at farmers markets.
25. Bath salts & oils
Few things are more luxurious than a hot bath after a long day, and you can help your customers achieve that with homemade bath salts and oils.
All you need is some Epsom salt, essential oils, and other natural ingredients to create a variety of soothing scents that people will love.
Package them in beautiful containers or jars for an added touch.
26. Natural body care
Lotions, salves, and lip balms are just a few of the products you can make and sell at a farmers market, especially as a warm up to starting a lipstick business, for example.
It’s easy to make these items in bulk and then package them in cute containers or tins. Customers love natural ingredients and fragrances, so this could be a profitable venture.
27. Jewelry
Do you know how to make jewelry? If so, then you can offer unique and one-of-a-kind pieces at a farmers market. You could make necklaces, earrings, bracelets, keychains, and more using beads and other materials.
You can even work on making your jewelry at the market so that people can get a better idea of how it’s made. Plus, this could be a great opportunity to interact with customers and showcase your skills as an artist.
28. Gourmet popcorn
Gourmet popcorn is a popular item to sell at farmers markets. The great thing about it is that you can make a variety of different flavors and colors, such as classic cheddar and caramel, or savory Parmesan garlic.
You also don’t need a lot of equipment to start a popcorn business – all you need is some corn kernels and a pot with a lid. People love having popcorn as a snack at the market, so this could be an excellent item to add to your product lineup.
29. Honey
Honey is an ancient food that can be found in many cultures around the world. It’s a sweet and delicious treat, and it has many health benefits as well.
If you’re a beekeeper, you can offer customers fresh, locally sourced honey. You can also buy different varieties in bulk and package them in jars with your own label.
In addition to selling honey, you can offer pollen, propolis, and beeswax – all of which offer their own unique benefits.
30. Pet treats
There’s no shortage of adorable dogs to watch and pet at farmers’ markets, and these furry besties need treats too! Pet treats are one of the best products you can sell at a farmer’s market.
You can start your pet treat business and make these treats by using fresh and natural ingredients like honey, oats, peanut butter, and more. You can also make dog-friendly cookies and cakes, which are very popular for pet parents wanting to find the perfect treat for their pup.
31. Handmade textiles
Are you good at weaving, knitting, or crocheting? If so, then you can make and sell handmade textiles like blankets, scarves, hats, and more at a farmers’ market.
These items are great for gifting during the holidays or any other occasion. You can also offer custom orders to customers who want a unique item made just for them.
Is selling at a farmers’ market worth it?
If you have a good understanding of the market itself, and the items you are offering, then yes, selling at a farmers’ market can definitely be worth it. Carefully research the location and its customer base to ensure you get the most out of your venture though.
Make sure you set yourself up for success right off the bat by investing in quality produce, products, and supplies. Investing in items like baskets and signs can help draw attention to your goods and increase sales.
Additionally, make sure you have a strategy for pricing your items that will help you make a profit.
Finally, remember to practice excellent customer service and build relationships with customers. People enjoy buying from vendors they can trust and rely on for quality fresh goods. Being personable and engaging with customers helps in the long run when it comes to building a loyal customer base.
What permits do I need to sell at a farmers’ market?
The specific permits you’ll need to sell at a farmers’ market depend on where you’re selling your wares and what exactly you’re selling. At a minimum, you’ll need a Retail Food Establishment License. You may also need a city business license, a health department permit, or a licensed commercial kitchen.
Cottage food operators who sell low-risk foods are not required to obtain a Retail Food Establishment License. A cottage law license gives permission to make and sell certain food products, usually from your home.
These laws vary from state to state, so it’s best to check with your local health department or city hall for more information on the exact permitting process in your area.
You can also contact the farmers’ market you want to sell at directly to find out more information on their specific requirements.
