Farmall Cub

This year I would like to make a small roadside cart to sell extra strawberries. There is a fairly busy sidewalk passing my house because I am near the high school in my town. Does anyone have suggestions or experience making roadside stands? I would like to put about 10 quarts of strawberries on the stand each day and be able to secure the cash box.

I am thinking about something under a tree with a bright umbrella to attract traffic and a small table for the tray. I could chain the cashbox to the tree.

Thanks,

Jim

no experience with the cart, but does your town require a vendor/peddler license for such as that?

I have seen stair stringers with treads braced from the back so they are free standing and they display what you are selling nicely. Bolt some kind of cash box to it anfd chain the whole thing to a tree.

We don't need a permit or anything to sell veggies from the garden at the roadside, but don't even think about processed goods.

I just happen to have an extra pair of stairs in the soon-to-be kindling pile of wood scraps, thanks Joe!

Couple of neighbors sell out of the back of their pickups. They set up around 3 or 3:30PM to catch the people leaving work.

Not so sure about people being honest. Specially if you are selling a popular fruit. Personally think you would be better off having someone attending the cart or stand.

I think your idea is good. Don't forget the"Strawberries for Sale" sign....duh..obvious. I do think if someone could be there you would sell more and have the enjoyment of talking "gardening" to your custermers. The human touch means alot, calms the fears of tainted fruit. Who knows, this may lead to a bigger stand. Seems like a great location..Good luck Greg

I did sell veggies out front at the last place I lived.Most people were honest,but not all.We had to do a lock box so the money was't stolen.I had it down to 2 little old ladies,if you can belive that.Anyways.I suggest a lock box of some sort and table with shade.Containers holding the stuff.Sounds to me like you have all that figured out.Good Luck!!!!! Kevin

JimDawg make sure that you put it in a nice open place where hopefully you have a nosy neighbor, you didn't say what grade students you have near you, and you may want to watch out for the mischief makers

I never had the time to paint the old set of stairs or make a small stand so I put a 2x4 on a piece of plywood, made a sign, and put the whole thing out on the stonewall near the road. In a weeks time we have sold 20-25 quarts in pint baskets and have not had any problems with people stealing money (or strawberries) yet, but we keep a pretty close eye on things.

During the day it seems we sell to many retired people driving through town and around dinner time we get people picking up their kids from after school sports and clubs.

This winter I'll be a <i>good</i> farmer and get ready for the season before it starts ...

~ Jim