Make Your Market: How to Succeed as a Farmer’s Market Vendor

Arcenio and Karin Velez
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Ready to make your mark at the farmer’s market? Make Your Market is the go-to podcast for new and seasoned vendors who want to boost their sales, build loyal customers, and create eye-catching booths that stand out. We share practical tips on market research, product presentation, pricing strategies, customer service, and more — all designed to help you succeed at weekly markets and pop-up events. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to take your produce stand, food booth, or craft table to the next level, Make Your Market gives you the tools you need to succeed.

Episodes

  1. Cooperation Over Competition at the Market - Ep. 8

    FEB 4

    Cooperation Over Competition at the Market - Ep. 8

    Today we’re talking about the vibe that makes great markets unforgettable: community over competition. What it means, why it works, and simple ways to live it every market day. It's all about building a thriving, loyal market community that lifts everyone. Make Your Market is a show for farmer's market vendors who want to sell with confidence, connect with their community, and grow a thriving business. These first 10 episodes are designed to be your roadmap to building or refining that business. Hit that follow button so you never miss an episode!

    37 min
  2. Permits and Licensing at the Farmer's Market - Ep. 7

    JAN 21

    Permits and Licensing at the Farmer's Market - Ep. 7

    Get clear on the permits and licenses you need to sell at a farmer's market. This episode walks through typical requirements by product type: fresh uncut produce, produce samples, baked goods, non-edible artisan items (candles, soaps, skincare), and ready-to-eat/hot foods. Learn which approvals are commonly required and who to contact at each level. We also highlight regional differences to watch for and share organization tips to stay inspection-ready. If you’re a new or growing vendor, this practical guide will help you navigate compliance, build customer trust, and operate at the farmer's market with confidence.

    30 min
  3. Safety and Liability at the Market - Ep. 6

    JAN 7

    Safety and Liability at the Market - Ep. 6

    In this episode of the Make Your Market podcast, we break down the most critical farmers market safety practices every vendor needs to understand to protect their products, their customers, and their business. Drawing on real-world experience, we cover canopy safety and proper weighting, including store-bought and homemade solutions, how to monitor weather conditions, and when markets may shut down for safety. We also explain vendor insurance essentials, clarifying the difference between market insurance and individual liability coverage, common policy gaps, and why product liability matters for food and body care vendors. The episode dives into food safety and temperature control, outlining best practices for hot and cold holding, transport, thermometers, and handling customer misuse after purchase. Finally, we discuss labeling, allergen awareness, sanitation, sampling rules, and customer-facing safety, showing how professionalism and preparation build trust and repeat sales. This episode is a practical, experience-based guide for farmers market vendors who want to reduce risk, stay compliant, and create a safe, confident shopping experience. Make Your Market is a show for farmer’s market vendors who want to sell with confidence, connect with their community, and grow a thriving business. These first 10 episodes are designed to be your roadmap to building or refining that business. Hit that follow button so you never miss an episode (even when we’re late).

    40 min
  4. Look the Part: Branding Basics for Farmer's Market Success - Ep. 5

    07/02/2025

    Look the Part: Branding Basics for Farmer's Market Success - Ep. 5

    Whether you’re just getting started or looking to level up your farmers' market presence, this episode is your go-to guide for making a strong first impression. We’re breaking down the basics of branding, packaging, labeling, and booth display so your products don’t blend in, they define who you are as a business. You don’t need a marketing degree or a graphic designer to stand out at the market. With a few intentional choices and a clear visual identity, you can build customer trust, boost sales, and create a brand that people come back to week after week. Make Your Market is a show for farmer’s market vendors who want to sell with confidence, connect with their community, and grow a thriving business. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review if you find these episodes helpful!

    35 min
  5. Best Business Structure for Your Farmer's Market Business - Ep 4

    06/18/2025

    Best Business Structure for Your Farmer's Market Business - Ep 4

    As a produce grower, baker, or handmade goods seller, your farmers market business may need more than a cash box and a dream. In this episode of Make Your Market, we’re talking about business structures—and why choosing the right one is critical for your success, protection, and growth. From sole proprietorships to LLCs, partnerships and even S-corps, Karin breaks down what each structure means, how to set it up, what taxes look like, and which one fits best depending on your sales revenue and risk. Whether you're just getting started with a home-based bakery or running a thriving seasonal produce stand, this episode will help you protect your assets, stay compliant, and make smart moves as your business grows. Remember to always work with a local CPA or tax attorney for your specific state and needs. We're not tax professionals, just providing information to help you be more informed when you do seek that help. Questions? Reach out by commenting below or sending us an email to makeyourmarket at wolfcreekfamilyfarm.com. Enjoying the Show? Leave us a review, share this episode with a fellow vendor, and don’t forget to subscribe for more tips to grow your market business—without burning out.

    21 min
  6. Define Your Niche and Stand Out at the Market - Ep 3

    06/04/2025

    Define Your Niche and Stand Out at the Market - Ep 3

    With dozens of vendors selling everything from tomatoes to tamales, how do you make your booth the one shoppers remember—and return to week after week? In this episode of Make Your Market, we dig into the importance of carving out a clear niche for your market business. You’ll learn:✅ Why defining your niche makes you memorable in a crowded market✅ The different types of vendor niches—from produce growers and bakers to meat producers, crafters, and value-added vendors✅ How to identify gaps in your local market using simple market research strategies✅ Ways to differentiate your products—even if others are selling something similar✅ Why showing up consistently builds trust, loyalty, and long-term sales Whether you’re just figuring out your product lineup or trying to refine your offerings, this episode will help you think more strategically about your place in the market—and how to make it work for you. These first 10 episodes are your onramp for selling at the farmer's market! Tune in every other Wednesday as we bring more market vendor magic.

    37 min
  7. Farmer's Market Management and Regulations - Ep. 2

    05/21/2025

    Farmer's Market Management and Regulations - Ep. 2

    Not all farmers’ markets are created equal—and understanding how they’re organized can make or break your selling experience. In this episode, we’re diving into the behind-the-scenes of market management to help you get clear on what to expect before you show up with a booth full of products. We’ll explore:✅ How farmers’ markets are typically organized and managed (and by whom)✅ The key differences between markets run by non-profits, municipalities, chambers of commerce, and private organizers✅ What you need to know about local, county, and state-level regulations—and how they apply to you✅ Tips for researching and choosing the right market for your business✅ What questions to ask the market manager before you commit Whether you're just getting started or thinking about adding a new market to your rotation, this episode will help you feel more confident and prepared to make the best decision for your products and your business.

    43 min
  8. What's Your Why? - Ep. 1

    05/14/2025

    What's Your Why? - Ep. 1

    Episode 1: Finding Your Why – Clarifying Your Purpose for Selling at the Farmers’ MarketWelcome to the very first episode of the Make Your Market podcast! In this foundational episode, we're digging into one of the most important—but often overlooked—questions: Why do you want to sell at a farmers’ market?Whether you're dabbling in a hobby, testing the waters with a side gig, or diving in full-time, understanding your purpose will shape every decision you make—from how you spend your time and money to what you grow, bake, or make.In this episode, we’ll explore:The key differences between running your market booth as a hobby, a side hustle, or a full-fledged businessWhy defining your “why” can prevent burnout and decision fatigueHow your motivation influences pricing, product selection, and marketing strategiesReal-world considerations like budget, time investment, and family balanceIf you’ve been thinking about starting a booth or you're already in the game and want to get more intentional with your efforts, this episode is the perfect place to start.🎧 Tune in now and let’s make sure your market venture starts (or continues!) with clarity and confidence. Contact us at makeyourmarket@wolfcreekfamilyfarm.com

    35 min
  • 8 Episodes

About

Ready to make your mark at the farmer’s market? Make Your Market is the go-to podcast for new and seasoned vendors who want to boost their sales, build loyal customers, and create eye-catching booths that stand out. We share practical tips on market research, product presentation, pricing strategies, customer service, and more — all designed to help you succeed at weekly markets and pop-up events. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to take your produce stand, food booth, or craft table to the next level, Make Your Market gives you the tools you need to succeed.

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