How to Launch a Roadside Produce Stand: Earn $1000 Every Weekend Selling Peaches

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      "Nothing brings a quicker smile to a consumer's face than a delicious peach."

      Interestingly, flipping fresh produce can be quite lucrative as a side hustle! (For instance, one stand generated $3,000 in a single weekend before we even recorded. )

      Shannon Houchin reached out to me saying, "Nick, you have episodes on flipping books, mattresses, clearance items, domain names, flea market treasures, and much more — but I have a unique side hustle to share: I flip peaches."

      Naturally, I called her to learn further.

      It turns out Shannon has been in this business for a decade and manages up to 100 roadside stands simultaneously. Whether you're seeking a means to earn extra cash on weekends or aiming to grow something larger, Shannon presents a strong argument for establishing a roadside produce stand.

      Tune in to The Side Hustle Show interview to discover:

      - How to find suppliers and price your produce

      - The optimal locations for your stand

      - Common pitfalls to avoid

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      Why Peaches?

      "I chose peaches because they bring happiness," Shannon shared with me. She emphasized that her aim to make customers feel satisfied with something they can't find in a grocery store inspired her to sell peaches initially. "Nothing puts a smile on someone’s face more quickly than a juicy peach," Shannon reiterated.

      Sourcing Inventory for Your Produce Stand

      Shannon clarified that selling peaches or any fresh produce doesn’t require sourcing inventory locally. She prioritizes the quality of her produce above convenience and has dedicated time to sampling peaches from across the U.S. to find the best, irrespective of their origin.

      Shannon describes herself as a "peach curator" and a "peach dealer," focusing on providing top-notch peaches while educating her customers about their origins. Although it costs a little more to import the best peaches, she believes it pays off. Customers are willing to pay for quality and expertise.

      Connecting With Produce Suppliers

      Shannon builds "very personal connections and relationships" with the orchards she collaborates with. All her suppliers are family-owned farms, and she meets with them in person before selling their produce. Given the narrow harvest window for peaches during summer, these relationships are crucial for ensuring high-quality fruit.

      Shannon noted that having a genuine passion for the produce sold also contributes to success.

      Pricing and Target Profit Margins for Your Roadside Stand

      "My comfort zone entails pricing three times what I pay at wholesale," Shannon explained regarding her pricing strategy. This margin allows her to accommodate for produce that may spoil or not sell. However, she advised anyone interested in selling produce to research local pricing to identify both high and low points.

      It's not unusual for big retailers such as Walmart to price below wholesale, as they might use that tactic to attract customers. On the other hand, depending on your location, stores like Whole Foods or Wegmans may be good examples of higher-end pricing.

      Doing this research will help you determine a fair price for your produce and find a margin you feel comfortable with.

      Ask For “Seconds”

      One useful tip Shannon shared for getting the best price from an orchard is to inquire about "seconds." Seconds refer to produce that may not meet the aesthetic standards for grocery stores but is still perfectly edible. It might be slightly misshaped or off-color, but suppliers often sell it at a much lower price than their prime produce.

      While suppliers typically only send seconds to local brokers because of lower margins, it’s worth inquiring.

      Storytelling in Selling

      "Never underestimate the impact of telling a compelling story about what you sell," Shannon advised. She explained that knowing the history behind the produce and sharing a good story allows sellers to set their prices more freely. This is why she embraces the concept