How to Sell Produce From a Roadside Stand

It happens when you put in a garden that is too big for your needs. Once you have harvested and processed the vegetables that you need for you and your family, you wonder what to do with the rest. You could give them away to family and friends, or you could set up a roadside stand and sell the extra bounty from your garden.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Signs
• A table
• A money jar
• Extra produce

1. Check with your local authorities to see if you need a permit or license to sell the extra produce from your garden. If so, be sure to do the paperwork and pay the fee needed to comply with local regulations.
2. Set up a table, bench or other surface to display the produce. Even boards set between two folding chairs will work. This should be located as near to the road as possible.
3. Use colorful poster board or other material to make signs advertising your produce. Place the signs four to five hundred yards or more from your location to allow drivers a chance to slow down and stop.
4. Set reasonable prices for your produce. Remember you are trying to get rid of the extra. Don’t try to compete with the local stores or the farmer’s market.
5. Have change ready for larger bills. Try to price things so that coins are not needed.
6. Offer the last person who stops for the day a deal. If they want only two pounds of green beans and you have three, offer the three at the two pound price.

Tips & Warnings

• In many parts of the country, the honor method still works for selling excess produce. Place a jar on the table with enough change for a ten dollar bill. Most people are honest enough to take what they need and pay for it accordingly.
• At the end of the day, you can either remove the produce (if it will keep) or leave it on the table. If someone takes it without paying, consider that maybe they were just hungry and couldn’t afford to buy.