Farm stand do's and don'ts
Lessons from stand owners across the country — so your first season goes more like their fifth.
✓ Do
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Start small and simple
One sturdy table and five things you grow well beats a big empty stand. You can always add on.
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Post clear, round prices
$3 and $5 make honor-box math painless. A chalkboard makes updates easy.
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Offer more than one way to pay
A locked cash box plus a Venmo or payment QR code captures the customers who never carry cash.
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Keep it stocked and tidy
An empty or wilted stand teaches regulars to stop checking. Pull tired produce promptly.
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Add shade or a roof
Two hours of direct sun can ruin a morning's picking. Even a simple awning pays for itself.
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Make one quick call to your county
Five minutes with your county clerk or extension office tells you exactly which rules apply to you.
✗ Don't
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Don't block the road or sightlines
Give cars a safe place to pull off. It keeps neighbors happy and customers safe.
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Don't underprice your work
Farm stand shoppers are paying for fresh, not cheap. Match your local farmers market.
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Don't leave the day's cash out
Empty the box regularly and never leave large bills overnight. Bolt the box down.
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Don't resell without checking rules
Selling produce you didn't grow can change your legal status in many states. Know before you stock it.
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Don't skimp on signage
Drivers need 10+ seconds of warning to stop. Put a sign up the road in both directions.
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Don't judge by week one
It takes a season for word to travel. The stand that sticks around becomes a habit.