The Homegrown Vendor Blog

Learn how to sell cut flowers at a farmers market — what varieties to grow, how to price and display bouquets, keep flowers fresh, and build a regular customer base.

Complete guide to tax deductions for cottage food vendors. Learn what to write off on ingredients, mileage, market fees, equipment, and home expenses to lower your tax bill.

Vinegar pickles qualify as cottage food in most states. Fermented pickles usually don't. Price at $6-$10/jar with 65-80% margins.

Pre-orders let food vendors sell committed inventory before they produce it. This guide covers the two order models, what to include in listings, tools to use, and pickup logistics.

Selling cookies from home is legal in all 50 states. Startup costs under $200, pricing at $12-$24/dozen, and the labeling rules you need to follow.

Deciding between Etsy and your own website to sell food? Compare costs, discovery, customer ownership, and which option fits your stage and product type.

Square Reader is free and charges 2.6% per tap. Compare it to SumUp, Venmo, cash, and pre-pay options for market vendors.

Learn what MEHKO laws are, how they differ from cottage food, which states have them, permit costs ($269-$1,108), requirements, and whether a MEHKO permit is right for you.

Every state's cottage food rules in one place — sales caps, allowed products, labeling, and permits. Updated for 2026.