How to start a mobile market
Mobile markets in 23 states run on a Farmers' Truck, serving about 25,000 families every week. This is everything we've learned, in the order you'll need it. Read it top to bottom or jump to the decision you're stuck on.
Prefer a step-by-step path? The Mobile Market Playbook walks you through six phases, from first idea to launch day.
First, is a mobile market the right model?
- Mobile farmers market: what it is, how it works, and how to start one · the pillar guide
- Mobile grocery store truck: how they work and who uses them · for year-round, higher-volume programs
- What is a mobile market? Costs, impact, and how they work · the 10-minute primer
- Do mobile markets actually work? What the research shows · the evidence, for your board
- Mobile market vs farmers market: which reaches more people?
- What successful mobile markets get right
Plan it
- How to start a mobile market program · the step-by-step
- Mobile market business plan template: what to include
- Mobile market costs: what to budget for year one
- Mobile market economics: revenue, margins, and break-even
- Common mobile market mistakes (and how to avoid them)
Pick a vehicle
- Truck, trailer, or van: choosing your mobile market vehicle · start here
- Mobile market trucks: pros, cons and cost
- Mobile market trailers: pros, cons and who they suit
- Farmers' Truck, Pantry Truck and Cherry Truck · our vehicles
Get legal and covered
Run it
- How to choose mobile market stop locations
- Technology for mobile markets: POS, EBT, inventory, scheduling
- Local sourcing partnerships: connecting farmers to operators
- Mobile market display tips that sell
- What strong mobile market partnerships look like
Keep it running past year one
- Sustainability planning: beyond the first grant
- Why mobile markets fail (and what successful ones do differently)
- How mobile markets can benefit from better data
By organization type
Need funding first? Go to How to fund a mobile market.
Ready to talk to someone who's done it? Book a 30-minute call. No pitch, just answers.