How to Launch a Roadside Produce Stand: Earning $1000 Per Weekend Selling Peaches
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"Nothing makes a consumer smile faster than a delicious peach."
It turns out that selling produce can be a lucrative side hustle! (One vendor made $3,000 in a single weekend from one stand before we recorded the interview.)
Shannon Houchin contacted me and said, "Nick, you've covered flipping books, mattresses, clearance items, domain names, flea market gems, and much more—but I have a side hustle to share: I sell peaches."
Naturally, I had to call her to find out more.
Shannon has been in this business for 10 years and has expanded to run up to 100 roadside stands at the same time.
Whether you're seeking a way to earn some extra cash on the weekends or aiming to grow into something bigger, Shannon provides a convincing argument for launching a roadside produce stand.
Tune in to The Side Hustle Show interview to discover:
- How to locate suppliers and price your produce
- The optimal spots for setting up your stand
- Common pitfalls to avoid
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Why Peaches?
"The reason I chose peaches is that they bring joy to people," Shannon explained.
She mentioned that her desire to make customers happy and provide them with satisfaction they can't find in grocery stores was what inspired her to sell peaches initially.
"Nothing brings a smile to a consumer's face faster than a good peach," Shannon added.
Sourcing Inventory for Your Produce Stand
Shannon emphasized that whether you want to sell peaches or any other fresh produce, you don’t need to source your inventory locally.
She prioritizes the quality of her fruits over convenience.
Shannon has dedicated considerable time to sampling peaches from across the U.S. and selects the finest ones, regardless of their origin.
She considers herself a "peach curator" and a "peach dealer," providing the best peaches while informing her customers about their origin.
Although shipping premium peaches can be pricier, Shannon believes it's worth it.
If she delivers high expertise and exceptional taste, customers are willing to pay for it.
Connecting With Produce Suppliers
Shannon mentioned that she establishes a "very personal connection and relationship" with all the orchards she partners with.
All her suppliers are family-owned businesses. Shannon personally visits to meet them before agreeing to sell their produce.
There is a short window for peach harvesting during the summer, and building these strong relationships helps her ensure quality products.
Having a passion for the produce you sell can be beneficial, Shannon told me.
Pricing and Target Profit Margins for Your Roadside Stand
"My comfort zone is to price my produce at three times what I pay at wholesale,” Shannon shared regarding how she determines her prices.
This markup provides her with a buffer for any unsold or damaged produce.
However, Shannon advised that anyone interested in selling produce should research the highest and lowest local prices.
It’s common for retailers like Walmart to sell below wholesale prices as a strategy to attract customers, Shannon explained.
On the higher end, depending on your location, check out Whole Foods, Wegmans, or similar stores.
This research will help you price your produce accurately and identify a comfortable profit margin.
Ask For "Seconds"
A useful tip Shannon shared for securing better prices from an orchard is to request if they have any "seconds."
Seconds refer to produce that isn't perfect enough for grocery stores.
The fruit may have slight imperfections, such as being misshapen or off-color, but it's still perfectly edible and is available at a much lower price than the top-grade produce.
Typically, seconds are shipped to local brokers who operate on lower
How to Launch a Roadside Produce Stand: Earning $1000 Per Weekend Selling Peaches
Looking to establish a roadside produce stand? Here’s how to ensure your roadside stand is positioned for success and profitability from the beginning.