The Homegrown Vendor Blog

Use the 3x ingredient cost rule. Honey: $10-$18/jar. Jam: $7-$12/half-pint. Cookies: $10-$18/dozen. Real pricing formulas for cottage food vendors.

Price farm stand vegetables by checking organic grocery prices, then match or go 10-20% below. Pricing guide for 15+ vegetables plus honor system tips.

Most backyard egg producers should charge $5-$8/dozen. Here is the real cost breakdown, seasonal pricing, and what makes customers pay more.

Self-serve farm stands work. 85-95% honesty rate. Here is how to set up a lockbox, QR code payments, pricing, signage, and the online pre-order hybrid model.

Zoning determines whether you can operate a farm stand — not whether your food is safe. The 4 zoning classifications, common restrictions, and how to look yours up.

The best farm stand location has visibility, safe stopping, and legal clearance. Covers front yard, driveway, corner lot, and low-traffic solutions.

Most states require no permit for fresh produce. The 4 permit types that can apply, what triggers each, and 8 questions to ask your county before opening.

Start a farm stand for under $200. Most states require no permit for fresh produce. Covers setup, pricing, honor system, signage, and online pre-orders.

You can start a real food business as a teenager for under $150. Here is everything you need to know — from cottage food laws to your first sale.