How to start a mobile market
Sixty-plus programs in 26 states have launched with a Farmers' Truck. 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.
First, is a mobile market the right model?
- 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
- The Farmers' Truck and the Pantry 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.