Start a Vegetable Stand
With fall just around the corner, it’s almost harvest time here in Southern Ontario. In fact, I’m starting to see people selling corn, tomatoes, and other vegetables in makeshift stands by the side of the road already. This is, truly, entrepreneurial spirit at its finest.
For the next month or so, the opportunity for the consumer to buy “field fresh” produce will present itself at roadside stands, farmers markets, and flea markets. In some cases, many of these entrepreneurs will also be set up in gas station parking lots.
Although this is a very seasonal business, it is certainly one where an average person can make thousands of dollars in a very short time. During the month of September, many of these people run their businesses seven days a week.
So how can you get in on this action?
Well, for one thing, you don’t have to grow the produce yourself. That’s a big relief for those of us who don’t have a green thumb and don’t intend on being farmers. Although there are many vegetable stands that are run by the actual farmers, many more are set up by entrepreneurs such as yourself.
Now, there are a few things that are needed before you jump into this seasonal business. First of all, you’ll need a good supply of whatever produce you are selling. Generally, you’ll buy bulk goods from the surrounding farms and mark up the price at your stand. Second, you need a place to sell your goods. Many municipalities will not allow you to simply set up a vegetable stand along the side of a road. In almost every case, you’ll have to contact a land owner and set up on private property somewhere. This could be anything from a small area along the side of a busy road, to a farmer’s market where you will rent a booth. You might also look into renting small corners of parking lots from non-competing businesses such as gas stations or shopping plazas.
Check your municipal bylaws and make sure that you get any permits required. This is generally pretty straightforward because, although you are selling food, it’s not something that you prepared yourself.
It’s not unusual for a busy vegetable stand to make upwards of $30,000 in one season. Granted, you will be working very long days, seven days a week for at least a month.
Are you looking to get started now? Head down to City Hall and pick up any necessary permits. Start asking around to see if any local farms will be willing to sell you bulk produce. Failing that, see if you can buy wholesale vegetables from a food terminal if you live in a larger city. Next, head down to your local flea market or farmers market and rent an outside booth. Keep in mind that there’ll be lots of competition in these venues.
Get a feel for the business and how much money you can make. If you do well, next year, you might want to think about renting a private spot alongside a busy road. Get some help to build a basic vegetable stand (it doesn’t have to be pretty – just functional). If you are one of the few vegetable stands around, you’ll be able to charge more than you did at the farmer’s market.
Above all, make sure that you have more than one reliable supplier.
Operating a vegetable stand is something anyone can do. Although it does take a few dollars to get started, you’ll make that money back after the first few days.
I love this business because of the high earning potential. That being said, you likely won’t make enough to live full time, but it can certainly be a very welcome supplement to your income.
