Ann Arbor Farmers Market Vendor Guide: Selling Baked Goods in Ann Arbor, Michigan

From application to first sale: everything you need to know about selling baked goods at Ann Arbor Farmers Market in Ann Arbor. Includes Michigan regulations, costs, and success tips.

From Kitchen to Market: How to Sell Your Baked Goods at Ann Arbor Farmers Market

"Why Sell at Ann Arbor Farmers Market?"

If you've been dreaming of turning your passion for baking into a profitable side hustle or business, Ann Arbor Farmers Market offers one of the best opportunities in Michigan. As someone who's helped dozens of bakers launch their market businesses, I can tell you this historic market is a goldmine for the right vendor.

Located in the heart of Kerrytown, this market has been a community institution since 1919 and draws thousands of visitors weekly. With over 100 vendors selling everything from farm-fresh produce to artisanal foods, the market's covered canopy structure ensures you'll be comfortable regardless of weather—a huge plus when you're selling temperature-sensitive baked goods!

What makes Ann Arbor Farmers Market special isn't just its location or history—it's the customers. Ann Arbor residents value locally-made, high-quality foods and are willing to pay premium prices for exceptional baked goods. Whether you're selling artisan sourdough, French pastries, or classic Michigan cherry pies, you'll find an audience eager to support local bakers.

"Michigan Cottage Food Law: Your Ticket to Start Selling"

The good news for home bakers is that Michigan's Cottage Food Law makes it relatively easy to start selling without massive upfront investment. Here's what you need to know:

• You can sell non-potentially hazardous baked goods made in your home kitchen • Annual sales are capped at $25,000 • No permit or registration is required to get started • You don't need a commercial kitchen or food license

What can you sell? The law allows: • Breads and rolls • Cookies, bars, and brownies • Cakes and cupcakes (without perishable frostings) • Muffins and scones • Fruit pies (except custard or meringue varieties)

What's prohibited: • Anything requiring refrigeration • Custard or meringue pies • Cream-filled items • Cheesecakes

Remember, this $25,000 cap might seem limiting, but it's actually perfect for testing your concept before scaling up to a commercial operation.

"Getting Started: Application and Requirements"

Ready to secure your spot? Here's how to navigate the application process:

First, you'll need to apply directly through the market's website at [https://www.a2gov.org). The market operates year-round on Saturdays from 7am-3pm, with additional Wednesday markets (7am-3pm) running May through December.

Booth fees are reasonable but variable: • Daily stall fees range from $30-35 for food vendors • Annual rates are available for committed vendors • Corner spots and premium locations cost slightly more

Don't skip this crucial requirement: All vendors must maintain general liability insurance with minimum coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence and list the City of Ann Arbor as an additional insured. This typically costs $300-500 annually through specialty food business insurers.

The application process can be competitive, so highlight what makes your baked goods unique. Local ingredients, family recipes, and special dietary options (gluten-free, vegan) can help your application stand out.

"Setting Up for Success at Ann Arbor Farmers Market"

Once you're approved, here's how to maximize your success:

Your booth setup matters tremendously. The market provides the covered structure, but you'll need: • A professional-looking tablecloth (preferably white) • Clear signage with your business name and products • Tiered displays to showcase variety while saving space • Clear pricing visible from multiple angles

Product selection is critical at Ann Arbor Farmers Market. University of Michigan students, professionals, and families all shop here, so consider offering: • Individual portions for on-the-spot consumption • Family-sized items for taking home • "Market specials" that create urgency • Seasonal flavors using Michigan produce (cherry, apple, blueberry)

For pricing, don't undersell yourself! Ann Arbor customers expect to pay $3-5 for cookies, $4-6 for muffins or scones, and $20-30 for specialty cakes or artisan breads. Your handcrafted items deserve premium pricing.

Payment methods matter too. While cash is still king at farmers markets, you'll lose significant sales without card options. Square or similar mobile payment processors are essential—I've seen vendors increase sales by 35% just by accepting cards.

"Required Labels and Compliance"

Michigan's Cottage Food Law has specific labeling requirements you must follow:

Every product needs a label including: • Your business name and home address • The product name (e.g., "Chocolate Chip Cookies") • Complete ingredients list in descending order by weight • The statement: "Made in a home kitchen not inspected by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development" • Common allergens highlighted

Here's a sample format:

SWEET DREAMS BAKERY
123 Baker Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
BLUEBERRY MUFFINS
Ingredients: Flour, sugar, Michigan blueberries, butter, eggs, milk, baking powder, salt, vanilla.
Contains: Wheat, milk, eggs
Made in a home kitchen not inspected by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development

Beyond labeling, maintain impeccable food safety practices. While your kitchen isn't inspected, your reputation depends on proper handling and storage.

"Tips from Experienced Ann Arbor Vendors"

After talking with successful vendors, here are their insider tips:

• Arrive early! Setup begins at 6:15am, and the most dedicated shoppers arrive when the market opens at 7am • Summer markets (June-September) see the highest traffic, while winter markets have fewer but more loyal customers • University event weekends (football games, graduation, parents' weekend) bring exceptional sales opportunities • Ann Arbor customers particularly value organic ingredients, local sourcing, and unique flavor combinations • Samples dramatically increase sales, especially for new products • Business cards with social media information help build a following

The vendors who thrive at Ann Arbor Farmers Market don't just sell products—they tell stories. Be ready to chat about your baking process, where you source ingredients, and what makes your recipes special.

"Next Steps and Resources"

Ready to take the plunge? Here's your quick-start checklist:

  1. Finalize your product line and test recipes
  2. Create compliant labels and packaging
  3. Secure your liability insurance
  4. Submit your application to the market
  5. Plan your booth design and purchase equipment
  6. Establish pricing and payment systems
  7. Create social media accounts to promote your business

For specific questions, contact the market manager directly at farmersmarket@a2gov.org. They're incredibly helpful for new vendors.

Before your first market day, I'd recommend visiting as a customer several times. Observe traffic patterns, talk with other vendors, and get a feel for what sells well.

With Michigan's favorable Cottage Food Law, the historic Ann Arbor Farmers Market's established customer base, and your delicious creations, you have all the ingredients for success. The hardest part is taking that first step—but I promise you won't regret it!

Happy baking, and perhaps I'll see you under the market canopy soon!

Start Taking Orders Today

Now that you know how to sell at the market, it's time to expand beyond just market days. The most successful cottage food bakers take orders online and at markets.

Here's why:

Get Your Free Online Store

Create your free Endvr store →

What you get: ✓ Professional online storefront ✓ Automatic cottage food labels ✓ Payment processing (2.9% + $0.30 per transaction) ✓ Revenue tracking ✓ Customer management ✓ No monthly fees, ever

Used by cottage food bakers across the country

"I set up my Endvr store in 10 minutes. Now I take pre-orders during the week and just bring everything to the market on Saturday. Game changer." — Sarah M., Michigan Baker

Get started free →

Or calculate your pricing first: Try our free cottage food pricing calculator to make sure you're charging enough to actually make a profit.