Do you run a bakery but you don’t know what fast selling goods to sell in a farmers market? If YES, here are 8 best baked goods to sell in a farmers market.
Yes, you can sell your baked goods at farmers markets and make a very good income. In fact, people are more likely to buy from your stall when you have something that nobody else can offer. However, you will have to display the goods all day long, so if your recipe calls for refrigeration, freezing or heating, you will need to bring equipment that keeps everything fresh.
Farmer’s markets are a great opportunity to showcase your delectable baked goods and feel out the neighbourhood market.
Your local farmers markets are terrific opportunities to attract potential customers. Note that there are certifications you need before you can set up a stall at a farmers market, so be sure to check with your vendor to make sure you have the necessary forms.
There are also licenses that you need for health inspections—plus city business licenses and county health department permits. You will also need insurance and an operator license for some markets. So, if you are interested in selling your baked goods at your local farmers market, below are the best products to consider first.
Best Baked Goods to Sell at Farmers Market
Table of Content
1. Bread
First develop a bread recipe that will give you a loaf of bread that tastes the same each time you make it. Leverage baker’s percentages to allow you to adjust the amount of bread you are making each time. Then apply for a stand at a local farmer’s market or take your loaves to a small gourmet food market.
Prepare samples of your bread to give to the owners of the market. Bring along a brief biography about yourself and your bread along with your contact information.
These are one of the best selling products in a farmers market. They are made up of butter cream icing sandwiched between two soft baked cookies. If you can do these right, you will have people calling ahead to reserve them on a daily basis.
You can occasionally change up the cookie with a different flavour, but the chocolate chip cookies were always the biggest hit, with sugar cookies following after.
3. Classic Cupcakes
One of the most important steps in selling your cupcakes at farmers markets is figuring out how much to charge. And the more specific you get, the more successful you will be.
Pricing your cupcakes properly will ensure you remain profitable, and make enough money to keep your business running. Remember, this is your business, and if you want the world to experience your wonderful confections, you need to charge enough to make it worth your while.
For a standard cupcake, you should plan to charge between $2 and $2.50. Your pricing can increase or decrease based on three factors: the event at which your cupcakes will be served, cupcake size, and decoration.
4. Mini Cheesecakes
These cupcake size cheesecakes can be added to the product line you bring to a farmers market. You can offer a variety of flavours but the top – selling flavour was always Vanilla Bean with a dollop of whipped cream. Regardless of flavour though, these cheesecakes will be sold out every single day.
Farmers’ markets routinely encourage local businesses, especially those who make their own products, to sell on market premises. Bake your best cookie recipes and place a platter with samples prominently in the middle of your table or booth.
Note that you can have a member of your staff walk around the market offering samples to other vendors and market attendees, market rules permitting.
6. Fudge
Homemade fudge makes a great gift for holidays and birthday, and they make a good sell at local farmers market. Use the best ingredients you can afford. Margarine and chocolate flavouring don’t taste as good as real butter or chocolate. There also are reasons why inexpensive chocolate chips cost so little – they don’t taste as good either.
You can increase the price of your fudge to make up for the increased ingredient cost, within reason. Make sure that you list the great ingredients on your packaging, using them to promote the product. If you are selling the fudge in small blocks, cellophane bags should work nicely.
If you are selling the fudge in larger blocks, use small treat boxes with a cellophane window punched into them. Both cellophane bags and treat boxes are available at craft stores, as well as online. Decide on a colour of ribbon or twine you will use to secure the package, and use it consistently.
7. Brownies
Brownies come in all types, from those studded with nuts and candies to those made with unusual ingredients, such as lavender and rosewater.
Consumers can find brownies in just about any store, in ready-made, box mix and heat – and – serve forms, but many people prefer the taste of fresh, homemade brownies bought from farmers market or along the streets. Don’t forget to create food – safe, attractive and practical packaging for your brownies.
Even if you can only afford to have nice labels designed and pair them with plain cello bags, it will be worth it to give your brownies, and therefore your brand, as distinguished a look as possible. Note that doing so will also help if you ever decide to sell your brownies wholesale to retailers.
8. Home Based Candy
From chocolates to lollipops, children and mature adults enjoy indulging in candy. It’s consumed as a daily treat, for special occasions, such as weddings and birthday parties and during holidays, such as Valentine’s Day, Halloween and Christmas.
Whether you make candy as a hobby, or spent years working as a candy maker for a shop, you may consider selling them for good profits at farmers markets.
Don’t forget to get candy decorating and making supplies, including various moulds, icing, food colouring, decorator tools, a candy thermometer, candy flavouring, decorating pens, decorating bags and lollipop sticks. Select packaging, such a cellophane bags, boxes and ribbons, to hold candy for your customers.
Tips That Will Help You Sell your Baked Goods Faster at a Farmers’ Market
It is also necessary that you offer some “freebies” in order to get people to approach your table. Consider talking to people about your products and business, and offering a sample. Although some might think of this as a “waste” of product, it can actually be a cost-effective method to build a customer base.
Distributing business cards or other branded items will help get your business out there, and samples will help reel people in.
If achievable, rent a tent to provide shade to patrons while walking through the market. It’s advisable you take advantage of the space you are given and make sure to arrange products in an eye-catching display. For instance, if you do bring cupcakes along, display them within the glass with cute, festive signs labelling each product.
Don’t overcrowd your booth, leave enough space for customers. If a booth looks crowded, people will likely move along. Details matter, make sure that you serve up your goods in aesthetically appealing packages. You should also consider the weather when looking to choose a perfect baked product for your farmers market.
Consider preparing large quantities of blueberry tarts in July, but you should be avoiding the butter cream cupcakes when temperatures are reaching 90 and above. Focus on fruit themed desserts in summer months that are light and easy to preserve.
As it gets closer to fall, carry the standard fall flavours such as cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin. You should cater to seasonal trends and don’t be afraid to offer the “basics” at a fair price, which is what many people are searching for.
Once you know what you want to make and sell, your success depends on the execution of your plan and the presentation of your products at your farmers’ market booth. Also note that doing your research will not only keep your customers safe, it will keep your business safe as well and lucrative.