June 17, 2025

152: How to Start a Profitable Roadside Stand: Turning Local Produce Into Cash

Can you really start a profitable roadside stand with just $200...and build it into a six-figure seasonal business?

Shannon reveals how she scaled a humble fruit stand into a multi-state operation making up to $250K/month, while keeping costs low and values local.

Show Notes

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Shannon Houchin describes how she scaled a humble fruit stand into a multi-state operation generating up to $250,000 a month, all while keeping startup costs low and her values local.

Whether you're looking for a low-risk weekend side hustle or a scalable seasonal business, in this episode, you’ll discover:

How to start a roadside or fruit stand with as little as $200
Where to source your produce—even if you’re not a grower
What makes a stand visually irresistible to drive-by customers
Tips for finding high-traffic, low-cost selling locations
Why accepting credit cards can 2x your sales
Creative ways to sell leftover or overripe inventory
How Shannon tapped into “hyperlocal marketing” to beat big-box stores
What kind of profit a beginner can realistically expect

If you've been craving a side hustle that’s simple, scalable, and outdoors, check out this episode.

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Need a little (and sometimes big) push to start and stay focused to grow your side hustle? Dive into my online Masterclass: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Wanted Things.

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How to Start a Profitable Roadside Stand: Turn Local Produce Into a Cash-Generating Side Hustle

Looking for a low-cost, high-reward side hustle you can start this weekend? Selling fresh produce at a roadside stand or farmers market might be the answer. In this encore episode of Side Hustle Hero, Shannon from Roadside Republic shares how she turned a $200 investment into a multi-state fruit stand business generating up to $250,000 a month.

Why a Roadside Produce Stand Makes a Great Side Hustle

With low startup costs, flexible hours, and high profit margins, a roadside stand or farmers market booth is one of the most accessible business models for new entrepreneurs. Shannon started with just $200 in inventory and now runs multiple semi-permanent fruit stands and pop-up markets in Texas.

Low Startup Costs

Shannon emphasizes that you can start with less than $200 — all you need is a table, a tent or umbrella for shade, a hand-made sign, and your first batch of inventory (like peaches or other seasonal fruit). Many vendors begin by selling at local artisan or shopping markets, where booth fees are as low as $25–$40 per day.

High Demand for Local Produce

Consumers increasingly want to support local growers and buy fresh, in-season produce. Shannon tapped into that demand by highlighting the origin of her fruit, building relationships with orchards, and promoting local pride in the communities she serves.

Flexible and Scalable

Whether you want to work a few hours on the weekend or build a full-time income, this model can scale. Shannon went from a single roadside peach stand to operating 100 stands in 3 states, generating $3 million in her first year of scaling.

How to Get Started with Your Own Roadside or Farmers Market Stand

1. Find Your Product

Start with one item — something seasonal and in-demand like peaches, strawberries, or apples. You can also sell shelf-stable items like honey, jam, or even potted plants.

2. Source Locally

Shannon suggests connecting with local farms, wholesalers, or produce brokers. Visit in person (especially early in the morning) to build relationships. You don’t have to be a grower to start selling — just a motivated reseller with a solid supplier.

3. Choose Your Location

Great locations include farmers markets, artisan markets, or even high-traffic parking lots of local businesses (think convenience stores or busy restaurants). Be sure to check local zoning laws, insurance requirements, and whether a vendor permit is required.

4. Make It Visible

Use large flags, legible signage, and bright displays to draw drive-by customers. Shannon says 80% of her traffic is impulse — people see the stand, turn around, and stop to buy.

5. Accept Card Payments

Once she added credit card payments, Shannon saw a 40% increase in sales and a higher average transaction size. Tools like Square or Stripe make this simple to set up.

How Much Can You Make from a Roadside Stand?

While results vary, beginners can realistically sell out a $200 investment in a single day or weekend. Shannon has students who started as weekend-only vendors and scaled to consistent five-figure months. At her current level, she and her son run two permanent stands and up to 15 pop-up events per week, earning up to $250,000 in a single month in-season.

What If You Have Leftover Fruit?

Shannon has creative solutions for excess inventory. Overripe fruit can be sold to local jam makers, ice cream shops, or custard businesses. She also uses her strong social media following to announce flash sales and sell out surplus stock the same day.