Produce stands exist all across the country.
Many people across the country enjoy eating fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables. It is often difficult to find great-tasting produce in grocery stores, as it is usually shipped long distances and gets picked over hundreds of time per day, which is why more consumers are shopping at produce stands. Starting a produce stand business can be profitable, but it must be thoroughly planned to be successful.
Instructions
1. Choose a niche, or type of produce to sell. This will depend on where you live and for which growing seasons you plan to have your produce stand open. For instance, in Texas you may sell watermelon and peaches, but in Washington you may sell a variety of apples and berries.
2. Decide whether you will grow the produce yourself or purchase it wholesale from local growers. Unless you have vast fruit and vegetable growing knowledge and experience, it is best to buy your fruit wholesale.
3. Make a list of fruit suppliers if you will be purchasing the fruit you sell. For leads, contact the farmers markets in your area and ask for the contact information.
4. Contact your local department of public heath to find out what licenses and permits you will need to run a produce stand. Most states consider produce stands a special type of food enterprise, so you will more than likely need to get permission to operate legally.
5. Construct or purchase a produce display stand. Alternatively, if it is allowed in your area, you may be able to sell from a truck on the side of the road, from a food trailer or inside of an existing business such as an independent grocery store or smoothie shop.
6. Purchase the supplies you will need to operate your produce stand, such as baskets for display, signage to tell customers what you're selling and the prices, bags or reusable sacks to hold customer purchases and a cash box.
7. Become a vendor at one or more of your local farmers markets to bring in additional revenue and promote your business; this is typically only possible if you grow the produce you sell.
8. Promote your produce stand business by joining a group such as the Produce Marketing Association (see Resources) to network with other sellers and suppliers, listing your produce stand in local business directories or starting a promotional website or blog.
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