How to Open a Vegetable Stand

A vegetable stand is a great way to earn extra money during the growing season. Extend the growing season by offering plants and flowers in the early spring and pumpkins and cider in the late fall. A vegetable stand can be as simple as selling out of the back of your truck or as elaborate as having a stand with refrigeration.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Pick a good location to open your vegetable stand. If you are setting up the stand by your home garden or farm, make sure you place the vegetable stand where there is more than enough parking for vehicles. If opening the stand by your garden, clean up the area and remove rusty tools or implements. Make sure your garden looks clean and healthy because customers associate a clean environment with healthy food.
2. Ask permission to open a vegetable stand in department store parking lots or parking lots of gas stations. When you set up the vegetable stand, make sure you place the stand where there is adequate room for not only your customers, but the hosting business as well. Place the stand where there is easy access for cars and clear vision for those leaving.
3. Advertise your vegetable stand with a large colorful banner. Some vegetable sellers make up small signs to place along the roadway before the vegetable stand. If you decide to do this, make sure you post a sign stating how far away your vegetable stand is. If not, the signs may be so distracting that the customer passes right by.
4. Display the vegetables on a clean table, preferably in the shade. A large golf type umbrella will help to shade you and the vegetables and is easy to take down at the end of the day. Remove any bruised or rotting vegetable immediately. Not only are they unsightly, they will draw flies and chase customers away.
5. Store extra vegetables in coolers so they remain fresh until you are ready to replenish the stock. The type of coolers need only be the type you would take to the beach or on a picnic. Store the coolers under your vegetable table if possible, the table will offer shade and keep the vegetables cooler throughout the day.
6. Bring a small money box or apron with more than enough change to start with. You should have at least 20 one-dollar bills, 10 five-dollar bills and 5 ten-dollar bills. Get at least five dollars worth of quarters, nickels, dimes and pennies. Many sellers make the mistake of not having enough change when they open, and lose a sale because of it.
7. Remain consistent by opening your vegetable stand at the same time, the same days and in the same location. Many customers will become repeat customers if they can rely on you. If your vegetable stand is moving, let your customers know well ahead of time.