Sell Baked Goods at Flint Farmers' Market: Flint Vendor Guide 2026

Ready to sell at Flint Farmers' Market? Discover the vendor application process, Flint farmers market requirements, Michigan cottage food compliance, and strategies to succeed at this popular market.

From Oven to Income: Selling Baked Goods at Flint Farmers' Market

Have you been dreaming of turning your baking passion into profit? Selling at Flint Farmers' Market might be your perfect opportunity! With its bustling year-round schedule and loyal customer base of around 500,000 annual visitors, this vibrant market offers bakers an incredible platform to showcase their talents while building a sustainable small business. Let's dive into everything you need to know to start selling your delicious creations in one of Michigan's most beloved markets.

"Why Flint Farmers' Market is Perfect for Bakers"

Flint Farmers' Market isn't just any market - it's a community institution housed in a renovated print shop in downtown Flint, offering both indoor and outdoor vendor spaces. What makes it special? For starters, it operates year-round on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 9am to 5pm, providing consistent selling opportunities regardless of Michigan's sometimes unpredictable weather.

The market's designation as one of the 'Great Public Spaces' by the American Planning Association in 2015 isn't just an impressive accolade - it translates to foot traffic you can count on. For bakers, this means a steady stream of potential customers looking for fresh, homemade treats.

I've watched numerous cottage bakers start with a simple table of cookies and grow into thriving micro-businesses with loyal followings. The market's diverse vendor mix means you're not competing with dozens of other bakers, giving you room to carve out your niche with signature items.

"Michigan Cottage Food Law Basics"

Before you start planning your menu, you'll need to understand Michigan's Cottage Food Law, which allows you to produce non-potentially hazardous foods in your home kitchen without a license.

Here's what you need to know: • You can earn up to $25,000 annually under the cottage food exemption • No permits or registrations are required to get started • You can sell bread, cookies, cakes, cupcakes, muffins, and similar baked goods • Items requiring refrigeration (custard pies, cream-filled pastries, meringue-topped desserts) are prohibited • Direct sales only - this includes farmers markets and online sales with direct delivery

The $25,000 revenue cap might seem limiting, but it's actually perfect for testing your concept before potentially scaling to a commercial kitchen. Many successful bakery businesses have launched using this pathway!

"Getting Started: Application and Requirements"

Ready to secure your spot? Here's how to apply:

First, visit the market's vendor application page at https://flintfarmersmarket.com or email vendors@flintfarmersmarket.com for details. The application process is straightforward, but don't wait until the last minute - prime spots fill quickly!

Booth fees are reasonable but vary based on location: • Indoor spaces: $25-$30 daily or $280-$350 monthly • Outdoor spaces: Approximately $25 per day

You'll need proof of comprehensive public liability insurance with minimum coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence. Don't let this scare you! Many home insurance policies offer riders for cottage food businesses, or you can look into policies specifically for food vendors, which typically run $300-500 annually.

The approval process usually takes 2-3 weeks, so plan accordingly. Market management evaluates applications based on product mix and quality, so highlighting what makes your baked goods unique will help your application stand out.

"Setting Up for Success"

Once you're approved, it's time to create an eye-catching booth that converts browsers into buyers.

Indoor spaces at Flint Farmers' Market offer protection from the elements, but they also mean you'll need to make a strong visual impact to draw customers in. Consider:

• A simple, elevated backdrop with your business name and logo • Tiered displays to maximize your limited table space • Clear signage listing products and prices • Sample plates that showcase your products' texture and quality • Square or another mobile payment processor (cash-only vendors miss out on significant sales)

Product selection is crucial. While it's tempting to offer everything you bake, start with 5-7 signature items that travel well and have good shelf life. Market research shows that cookies, fruit breads, and single-serve items typically outsell whole cakes or pies at farmers markets.

Price your items competitively but fairly. Calculate your ingredient costs, multiply by 3-4, then compare with similar vendors. Remember that Flint customers appreciate quality but are also price-conscious.

"Required Labels and Compliance"

Every item you sell must be properly labeled according to Michigan Cottage Food Law requirements:

• Name and physical address of your cottage food business • Name of your product • Ingredients listed in descending order by weight • Net weight or count • Allergen information • The statement: "Made in a home kitchen not inspected by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development"

Here's a sample format:

Grandma's Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
Made by: Your Baking Business
123 Main Street, Flint, MI 48502
Ingredients: Flour, butter, sugar, chocolate chips, eggs, vanilla, salt
Contains: Wheat, dairy, eggs
NET WT 8 OZ (226g)
Made in a home kitchen not inspected by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development

Beyond labeling, maintain impeccable food safety practices. Use hair restraints, wear gloves when handling food, and keep detailed production records. Your reputation depends on consistency and safety!

"Tips from Experienced Vendors"

After years of selling at Flint Farmers' Market, I've noticed patterns in what succeeds:

• Tuesdays tend to be slower, making them perfect for testing new products • Saturdays bring the biggest crowds, so bring 30-50% more inventory • "Free sample" is still the most powerful phrase in marketing - offer tiny tastes • Seasonal items sell exceptionally well (pumpkin anything in fall, strawberry treats in June) • Packaging matters - customers buy with their eyes first

Building relationships with customers is your secret weapon. Learn names, remember preferences, and consider a simple loyalty program (like a punch card offering a free item after 10 purchases).

Don't forget to network with other vendors! They'll become your market family, sending customers your way and watching your booth during quick breaks.

"Next Steps and Resources"

Ready to get baking? Here's your quick-start checklist:

  1. Finalize your product line and perfect your recipes
  2. Create your labels and packaging
  3. Calculate your startup costs and pricing (try the free calculator at https://endvr.app/endvr-calc?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=farmers-market-guide)
  4. Apply at https://flintfarmersmarket.com
  5. Secure insurance coverage
  6. Plan your booth display and signage
  7. Prepare your payment systems
  8. Do a trial run with friends and family

For additional guidance, the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) offers excellent resources for cottage food operations on their website.

Remember, the path from home baker to market vendor isn't just about sales - it's about joining a vibrant community while sharing your passion with appreciative customers. Flint Farmers' Market provides the perfect setting for your journey. I can't wait to see (and taste) what you bring to the table!

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:

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