Baking Business at Lansing City Market: Lansing Vendor Requirements 2026

Learn how to sell baked goods at Lansing City Market in Lansing. Complete guide to vendor requirements, booth fees, Michigan cottage food laws, and tips for success at this Information not publicly available market.

How to Sell Your Baked Goods at Lansing City Market: A Michigan Baker's Guide

Looking to turn your passion for baking into profit? While the historic Lansing City Market has transformed, there are still valuable opportunities for cottage bakers in Lansing. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about selling your delicious creations in the Lansing area.

"Understanding the Current Lansing Market Landscape"

The Lansing City Market has undergone significant changes in recent years. The historic riverfront market that once housed numerous vendors is no longer operating in its traditional form. However, this doesn't mean the end of opportunities for local bakers in Lansing! The city continues to support local food entrepreneurs through other markets and events.

While the original Lansing City Market building has been repurposed, many vendors have transitioned to other local farmers markets in the area, including the Allen Neighborhood Center Farmers Market and the South Lansing Farmers Market. These venues now serve as important community hubs where local bakers can showcase their talents.

Don't be discouraged by these changes. The Lansing community still strongly supports local food artisans, and there's a healthy appetite for homemade baked goods throughout the city.

"Why Lansing is Perfect for Cottage Bakers"

Lansing offers a unique opportunity for home bakers. As Michigan's capital city, you'll find a diverse customer base including:

• State employees looking for lunchtime treats • Students from Michigan State University and Lansing Community College • Families visiting downtown attractions • Local residents committed to supporting small businesses

The city's revitalized downtown area continues to draw visitors who appreciate artisanal foods. Plus, Lansing's strong community spirit means locals often prefer supporting neighborhood bakers over chain stores. I've seen vendors start with just a few varieties of cookies and grow to develop loyal followings who come specifically for their signature treats.

"Michigan Cottage Food Law Basics"

Before you start selling, you'll need to understand Michigan's Cottage Food Law, which allows home-based bakers to sell certain non-potentially hazardous foods without commercial licensing:

• You can earn up to $25,000 annually under this law • No permit or registration is required • Sales must be direct to consumers (at markets, events, or from home) • Online sales are allowed, but shipping is not

Products you CAN sell include: • Breads, cookies, and muffins • Cakes and cupcakes (without perishable frostings) • Fruit pies (except custard varieties) • Jams and jellies • Dry herbs and spice blends

Products you CANNOT sell include: • Custard or cream-filled items • Meringue-topped pies • Cheesecake • Anything requiring refrigeration

Remember, cottage food operations are still subject to inspection if the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) receives complaints.

"Finding Your Market: Lansing Area Alternatives"

Since the traditional Lansing City Market is no longer operating, here are some excellent alternatives in the Lansing area:

Allen Neighborhood Center Farmers Market • Indoor/outdoor market operating year-round • Located at 1611 E Kalamazoo St, Lansing • Wednesday afternoons (current hours available on their website) • Strong community focus with loyal customer base

South Lansing Farmers Market • Seasonal market with growing attendance • Focus on accessibility and food equity • Often includes community events and music

East Lansing Farmers Market • Sunday market in season • Strict requirements for local sourcing • Higher-end clientele from university community

When selecting a market, visit as a customer first. You'll get a feel for the customer demographic, what other vendors are selling, and whether your products would fit well. Each market has its own personality and application process, so reaching out to market managers directly is your best bet for current information.

"Getting Started: Application and Requirements"

Once you've identified which Lansing area markets you'd like to join, here's how to proceed:

  1. Contact the market manager directly for application information and current booth fees.
  2. Prepare product photos and descriptions of your offerings.
  3. Check if the market requires vendor insurance (many do, typically $1M liability).
  4. Ask about setup requirements, including tent weights, table coverings, and signage rules.
  5. Inquire about electricity access if you need it.

Most markets in the Lansing area range from $20-45 per market day for a standard 10x10 space. Season-long commitments often come with discounted rates. Be prepared for an interview or product sampling as part of the application process—market managers want to ensure a diverse, high-quality selection.

"Required Labels and Compliance"

Michigan's Cottage Food Law requires specific labeling for all products:

• The phrase "MADE IN A HOME KITCHEN NOT INSPECTED BY THE MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE & RURAL DEVELOPMENT" in at least 11-point font • Name and address of your business • Product name • Ingredients listed in descending order by weight • Allergen information for major allergens

Here's a simple label template:

MADE IN A HOME KITCHEN NOT INSPECTED BY THE MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE & RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Sweet Lansing Bakery
123 Baker Street, Lansing, MI 48912
Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients: Flour, butter, sugar, brown sugar, eggs, chocolate chips, vanilla extract, baking soda, salt

Contains: Wheat, eggs, dairy

"Setting Up for Success"

A well-designed booth can dramatically increase sales. Here are some Lansing-specific tips:

• Vertical displays work well to maximize limited space • Consider Michigan State or Lansing Lugnuts themed items for local appeal • Price clearly—Lansing shoppers appreciate transparency • Accept multiple payment methods (cash, credit cards, mobile payments) • Sample-size offerings help introduce customers to your products • Weather protection is essential for outdoor markets (Michigan weather is unpredictable!)

Pricing should account for ingredients, time, market fees, and profit. Don't undersell yourself! Most successful bakers in the area price cookies at $2-3 each, breads at $6-9 per loaf, and specialty items accordingly.

"Tips from Experienced Vendors"

I've seen the most successful Lansing bakers follow these practices:

• Offer Michigan-inspired flavors like cherry, maple, or apple • Create seasonal specials that give customers a reason to return • Build an email list or social media following to announce which markets you'll attend • Collaborate with other vendors (like pairing your bread with their jam) • Develop a signature item that makes you memorable • Engage with customers—your passion for baking sells products!

Winter markets tend to favor heartier items like sourdough bread and comfort treats, while summer markets are perfect for fruit-based desserts and portable snacks.

"Next Steps and Resources"

Ready to get started? Here's your checklist:

  1. Research and visit potential markets in Lansing
  2. Develop your product line and pricing strategy
  3. Create compliant labels for all products
  4. Prepare your market display and signage
  5. Calculate your startup costs and sales goals (try the free calculator at https://endvr.app/endvr-calc?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=farmers-market-guide)

Helpful resources: • Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development Cottage Foods information: www.michigan.gov/mdard • MSU Extension Office for food safety guidance • Michigan Farmers Market Association for market listings and vendor resources

The transformation of Lansing City Market doesn't mean the end of opportunities—it just means adapting to a changing landscape. Lansing residents still love supporting local food artisans, and with your passion for baking, you can build a successful cottage food business at one of the area's vibrant markets.

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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.