So, you’re thinking about setting up shop at a farmers market? Great choice! Whether you’ve got a green thumb, a passion for baking, or a knack for crafting, farmers markets are the perfect way to turn your hobby into cash—and maybe even discover a new side hustle. But if you’re sitting there wondering, “What on earth should I sell?” don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. From the obvious to the downright quirky, let’s dive into 15 things you can sell at farmers markets to keep your stall buzzing with customers (and your pockets full).
1. Fresh Produce (Because Duh, It’s a Farmers Market)
We’ll start with the obvious—fruits and veggies. The fresher, the better. Farmers markets are, after all, the go-to place for people who want organic, locally-grown produce that tastes like it was just picked from the garden (because it probably was).
Best sellers: Tomatoes, cucumbers, leafy greens, berries, and seasonal fruits like peaches and apples.
Pro Tip: Get creative with your display. Arrange your produce in baskets, use handwritten chalk signs, and maybe throw in a free sample or two. Presentation matters, and people love that Instagram-worthy market aesthetic.
Ever bought an overpriced organic apple at a grocery store and thought, “This better be the best apple of my life”? Well, at a farmers market, it actually might be.
2. Baked Goods (Because Who Can Resist Fresh Bread?)
You know that heavenly smell when you walk past a bakery? You can create that experience at your booth. From artisan bread to cookies to muffins and pies, baked goods always sell like, well, hotcakes.
Best sellers: Sourdough loaves, croissants, chocolate chip cookies, and gluten-free treats (because everyone knows at least one gluten-free friend).
Pro Tip: If you can swing it, bake on-site. The smell of fresh bread baking will draw people in like moths to a flame. Or, you know, people to carbs.
Remember the last time you walked past a bakery and thought, “I shouldn’t, but I will”? That’s what you want your customers to feel.
3. Honey (A Sticky Situation, but in the Best Way Possible)
Got bees? Or access to local honey? Honey is a staple at farmers markets, and people go wild for the good stuff. Bonus points if it’s raw, organic, or comes in cute jars.
Best sellers: Raw honey, infused honey (think lavender or cinnamon), and honeycomb.
Pro Tip: Bring educational materials about bees and the importance of pollination. People love feeling like they’re supporting a cause while satisfying their sweet tooth.
Ever wonder how many bees it takes to make a jar of honey? It’s about 22,700 trips to flowers for a pound of honey. Yep, that’s a lot of work for your morning toast.
4. Handmade Soaps and Skincare (For the Eco-Friendly Crowd)
More and more people are looking for natural, handmade alternatives to their everyday beauty products, which is why handmade soaps, lotions, and skincare products are a farmers market favorite. You’ll attract eco-conscious shoppers who love supporting small businesses and treating their skin with care.
Best sellers: All-natural bar soaps, lotion bars, essential oil blends, and bath bombs.
Pro Tip: Get creative with scents and packaging. Think lavender-vanilla for relaxation or peppermint-eucalyptus for an invigorating wake-up call.
You know that blissful moment when you step out of the shower smelling like an organic spa? Yeah, that’s the vibe you want to create with your products.
5. Jams, Jellies, and Preserves (Spread the Love)
There’s something nostalgic and comforting about homemade jams, jellies, and preserves. Maybe it’s the idea of spreading some strawberry jam on a fresh piece of toast that brings back childhood memories. Whatever it is, people will flock to your booth for these timeless treats.
Best sellers: Strawberry jam, blueberry preserves, and creative flavors like fig-orange or peach-lavender.
Pro Tip: Offer small sample spoons. No one can resist a taste test, and once they try it, they’ll probably want to buy a jar (or three).
Ever opened a jar of jam and immediately smelled the sun-ripened fruit like it was just picked? Yeah, that’s what homemade jam does to people.
6. Candles (Light Up Your Profits)
Who doesn’t love a good candle? Especially when it’s handmade, eco-friendly, and smells like heaven. Farmers markets are a great place to sell soy candles, beeswax candles, or aromatherapy candles that add a personal, artisan touch to any home.
Best sellers: Vanilla, lavender, citrus, and seasonal scents (pumpkin spice, anyone?).
Pro Tip: Package your candles in glass jars with minimalist labels—because we all know presentation is everything. And if you’re really clever, you’ll have scents that match the time of year or location.
Lighting a candle after a long day is like signaling to the universe that it’s time to relax. Your candles should make people feel like they’ve found a little moment of peace.
7. Fresh Flowers (Because Bouquets Brighten Everyone’s Day)
Selling fresh flowers at a farmers market is a sure way to attract customers who want to brighten up their homes (or maybe surprise a loved one). Fresh, local, seasonal flowers are a breath of fresh air at any market.
Best sellers: Sunflowers, peonies, wildflower bouquets, and dried flower arrangements.
Pro Tip: Offer a mix-and-match option where customers can create their own bouquets from a selection of blooms. Everyone loves a little DIY.
Is there anything more satisfying than placing fresh flowers in a vase and watching them transform a room? Nope. It’s the simplest form of joy.
8. Artisanal Cheese (Let’s Get Cheesy)
Got dairy? Selling handcrafted cheese at a farmers market is a great way to satisfy those gourmet cravings. From sharp cheddar to creamy brie, artisanal cheeses are always a hit, especially if they’re locally sourced.
Best sellers: Cheddar, gouda, goat cheese, and any fun flavored varieties (like smoked or herb-infused cheeses).
Pro Tip: Cheese samples. That’s it. You had me at cheese samples.
You know that moment when you taste a piece of perfectly aged cheese and suddenly feel like a sophisticated foodie? That’s what you want your customers to experience.
9. Handcrafted Jewelry (Because Everyone Loves Something Shiny)
If you’ve got a knack for making handcrafted jewelry, you’re in luck. Unique, handmade pieces are a hit at farmers markets, where people are looking for something different from the mass-produced stuff they find at big-box stores.
Best sellers: Beaded bracelets, minimalist necklaces, and eco-friendly or upcycled pieces.
Pro Tip: Create a display that showcases your jewelry beautifully. Use wood, stones, or fabric to highlight the natural, artisan feel of your pieces.
Ever bought a piece of jewelry because it made you feel special—even if it didn’t match anything in your wardrobe? That’s the magic of a good accessory.
10. Herbs and Plants (Because Everyone’s a Plant Parent Now)
In case you haven’t noticed, herbs and plants are having a moment. From potted herbs to succulents to houseplants, people love bringing a little green into their lives.
Best sellers: Basil, rosemary, thyme, succulents, and easy-to-care-for houseplants.
Pro Tip: Include care instructions with each plant. Some people (raises hand) need a little extra guidance to keep their new plant babies alive.
There’s something about buying a plant that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together—even if you totally don’t. Sell that feeling.
FAQs
1. How do I choose what to sell at a farmers market?
Start with what you’re passionate about and what you can produce consistently. Think about your skills—whether it’s gardening, baking, crafting, or cooking. Also, consider what’s missing at your local market. If you notice there aren’t many handmade soaps or fresh herbs, you’ve got your opening!
2. How do I price my products at a farmers market?
Pricing can be tricky. You need to cover your costs (materials, time, packaging) while staying competitive. Research what similar products sell for at other markets, but also factor in the value of your handmade, local goods. Don’t be afraid to charge a bit more for quality—people at farmers markets expect it.
3. Do I need a permit to sell at a farmers market?
Yes, you’ll likely need a permit, but the type depends on your product and your location. For food items, you may need a health department inspection or food handler’s permit. Always check with your local market to understand the requirements.
4. How do I attract more customers to my booth?
Create an inviting, eye-catching display. Use baskets, signs, and colors that reflect your brand. Offer samples (people can’t resist free stuff!), and don’t forget to engage with customers—smiling and chatting can go a long way in building connections and making sales.
5. What’s the best time of year to sell at farmers markets?
This depends on your product. Fresh produce and plants do best in the warmer months (spring through fall), while baked goods, jams, and artisanal products like candles and soap can sell year-round. Some markets even have special holiday events where people are looking for gifts.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re selling fresh produce, handcrafted goods, or homemade treats, farmers markets offer an amazing opportunity to connect with your community and turn your passion into profit. Just remember: success at a farmers market is all about creativity, presentation, and—most importantly—selling products that you’re genuinely excited about.
So go ahead, pick your product, set up your stall, and watch your customers flock to your booth like bees to honey (literally, if you’re selling honey). With the right approach, you’ll not only make money—you’ll make market memories that last a lifetime.