Kalamazoo Farmers Market Farmers Market: Complete Baker's Guide for Kalamazoo

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

"From Oven to Market: Your Complete Guide to Selling Baked Goods at Kalamazoo Farmers Market"

If you've ever dreamed of turning your baking passion into profit, the Kalamazoo Farmers Market offers one of the best opportunities in Michigan to do just that. I've been selling my baked goods there for over five years, and I'm excited to share everything you need to know to get started and thrive in this vibrant community marketplace.

With thousands of weekly visitors during peak season and over 100 vendors creating a bustling atmosphere, Kalamazoo's market has become a foodie destination. The recently renovated facilities make it even more appealing for both vendors and customers. Let me walk you through the entire process of bringing your cookies, breads, and cakes to market.

"Why Kalamazoo Farmers Market is Perfect for Bakers"

Kalamazoo Farmers Market stands out as an ideal venue for several compelling reasons:

Year-round operation (outdoor May-November, indoor December-April)
Multiple market days (Saturdays 7am-2pm May-November, plus Tuesdays & Thursdays 8am-1pm June-September)
The indoor winter market (Saturdays 8am-1pm December-April) means you don't lose momentum during colder months
Established customer base that specifically seeks out artisan baked goods
The market's reputation for quality attracts serious food shoppers

I've seen numerous bakers start with a simple cottage operation and grow into successful businesses. One of my market neighbors started with just four types of cookies and now runs a full bakery downtown—her journey began right here at this market!

"Michigan Cottage Food Law Basics"

Before you start, you'll need to understand Michigan's Cottage Food Law, which allows you to produce certain foods in your home kitchen:

You can sell non-potentially hazardous baked goods (breads, cookies, muffins, cakes, cupcakes)
Annual sales cap of $25,000
No permit or registration required (unlike commercial bakeries)
Products must be sold directly to consumers (farmers markets are perfect!)
Online sales are allowed, but products must be delivered in person

What you can't sell: custard pies, cream-filled pastries, or anything requiring refrigeration. So save those delicious cream puffs for family gatherings!

The $25,000 revenue limit might seem restrictive, but it's actually quite generous for testing your market. Many successful vendors operate comfortably under this threshold before deciding to scale up to a commercial kitchen.

"Getting Started: Application and Requirements"

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

Visit the official application page at https://www.pfcmarkets.com
Complete the application thoroughly, highlighting what makes your baked goods unique
Budget for booth fees: $30-$35 per day for a 10'x10' outdoor space (seasonal rates offer savings)
For the indoor winter market, expect to pay $30 per standard booth
Secure liability insurance with at least $1,000,000 coverage per occurrence
Make sure to name People's Food Co-op as additional insured on your policy

The insurance requirement catches many new vendors by surprise, but don't worry—many companies offer affordable policies specifically for cottage food producers. I pay about $300-$400 annually for mine.

Applications are competitive during peak season, so I recommend applying 2-3 months before your target start date. The market manager (contactable at farmersmarket@pfcmarkets.com) is incredibly helpful if you have questions during the process.

"Setting Up for Success"

Once you're accepted, it's time to prepare your booth and products:

Invest in a quality 10'x10' canopy tent with weights (Kalamazoo gets windy!)
Create clear signage with your business name and product offerings
Use tablecloths that reach the ground to hide storage boxes
Bring a variety of products but don't overwhelm yourself—8-12 different items is ideal
Consider "Kalamazoo favorites" like cherry-anything (Michigan cherries!), artisan sourdough, and seasonal specialties

For pricing, I recommend researching what similar products sell for at the market, then positioning yours appropriately. Don't underprice your work! Kalamazoo shoppers appreciate quality and will pay for it.

For payment methods, you'll definitely want to accept credit cards. Square and Venmo are popular at our market, and having both options has increased my average sale by about 30%.

"Required Labels and Compliance"

Michigan's labeling requirements are straightforward but must be followed exactly:

Product name
Your business name
Your complete home address
Complete ingredient list (in descending order by weight)
Allergen information
The statement: "Made in a home kitchen not inspected by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development"

Here's a simple format I use:

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
Homemade Happiness Bakery
123 Baker Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Ingredients: Flour, butter, sugar, brown sugar, chocolate chips, 
eggs, vanilla extract, baking soda, salt
Contains: Wheat, eggs, dairy
Made in a home kitchen not inspected by the Michigan Department 
of Agriculture & Rural Development

Print these on adhesive labels or cards attached to your packaging. Clear, professional labeling builds customer trust.

"Tips from Experienced Vendors"

After years at the Kalamazoo market, here's what I've learned works best:

Arrive early (at least 90 minutes before opening) to set up without rushing
Offer samples! They dramatically increase sales (just keep them covered)
Create "market specials" that are only available at the market
Change offerings seasonally—pumpkin and apple items fly off tables in fall
Build an email list or social media following to announce what you'll have each week
Make friends with neighboring vendors—they'll send customers your way
Listen to customer feedback and be willing to adapt

The Saturday market is significantly busier than weekday markets, so if you're just starting out, consider beginning on a Tuesday or Thursday when the pace is more manageable.

"Next Steps and Resources"

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

Decide on your initial product line
Create compliant labels
Apply at https:
Secure your insurance policy
Plan your booth setup and gather equipment
Calculate costs and prices (try the free calculator at https://endvr.app/endvr-calc?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=farmers-market-guide)
Start baking and get ready to meet your community!

For additional help, contact the market directly at farmersmarket@pfcmarkets.com or visit the Michigan Department of Agriculture's cottage food resources online.

The Kalamazoo Farmers Market community is incredibly welcoming to new vendors. You'll find both the staff and fellow vendors eager to help you succeed. The relationships you'll build and the direct customer feedback you'll receive are invaluable for growing your business.

I still remember my first market day—I was terrified, brought way too much product, and forgot my card reader! But five years later, my small baking business has become my full-time joy. If you have a passion for baking, the Kalamazoo Farmers Market is the perfect place to turn that passion into profit. I'll see you there!

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:

Take orders 24/7 while you sleep
Reduce market day stress with pre-orders
Build a customer list for repeat business
Track revenue automatically to stay under your cottage food limit
Get paid faster with instant checkout

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"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

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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.