warebyhow to sell at a twin cities farmers market
a vendor checklist from two people who sold under a blue tent: picking a market, applying, permits, sales tax, insurance, and what to bring on day one.
in this post
1where we sold2pick a market3apply4food permits5sales tax and ST196insurance7what to bring8after the season9questions10sourcespick a market that fits what you sell, then apply. many markets take applications over the winter for a season that runs from about may to october, and some take new vendors any time. get the paperwork for your product: a cottage food registration for home baking, or a food license and any city permit for other prepared food. almost every market also asks for form ST19 (a sales tax form you give the market) and proof of general liability insurance, often naming the market or city.
where are we coming from?
before wareby, we sold our bakery’s cinnamon rolls under a blue tent at the richfield farmers market on saturdays and the linden hills farmers market on sundays. some of what’s below we learned at the booth. the rest comes from the cities and the state, with links at the bottom.
how do you pick a market?
every market sets its own rules, so start with the vendor page of each market you’d like to join. look at:
- who can sell. some markets only take growers and makers. richfield takes local growers and producers from within 200 miles, and allows resale only on a limited basis.
- the day and the season. most twin cities markets run weekly from spring into fall. richfield runs saturdays from may through october at veterans memorial park, plus an indoor winter market in november and december.
- how many vendors already sell what you sell. a market with five bakers may not take a sixth.
- the fee. markets charge by the day or by the season, and it varies a lot. ask before you apply.
if you can, walk the market as a shopper first. you’ll see who shops there and what they buy.
when and how do you apply?
applications usually open over the winter for the next season, and popular markets fill up. some take new vendors on a rolling basis: richfield accepts applications any time of year, as space allows. most applications ask for:
- what you sell, with photos
- your food license or cottage food registration
- form ST19 (more on that below)
- a certificate of insurance
- sometimes a w-9, and workers’ comp details if you have employees outside your family
which food permits do you need?
it depends on what you sell and which city the market is in. a rough guide:
| what you sell | what you need |
|---|---|
| produce you grew | usually nothing beyond registering with the market |
| home-baked goods and other cottage foods | a cottage food registration with the mda, plus your labels and the “homemade” sign |
| food made in a licensed kitchen | your food license, plus any city permit. minneapolis requires a seasonal food vendor permit ($257, good april 1 to march 31). richfield asks ready-to-eat food vendors for a temporary food license. |
| samples, or food you open or prep at the booth | a handwashing setup. minneapolis requires one whenever you prepare or open food on site. |
in minneapolis, a registered cottage food producer doesn’t need a city food permit, but still registers with the market manager. for the cottage food rules, read how to start a home bakery in minnesota.
what is form ST19, and do you charge sales tax?
form ST19 is a one-page form from the minnesota department of revenue. you fill it out and give it to the market, and the market keeps it on file. it shows either your minnesota tax id or that you only sell things that aren’t taxed. markets are required to collect it, which is why nearly every application asks for it.
whether you need a tax id depends on what you sell:
usually not taxed
- fresh produce
- bread, cookies, pastries and other bakery items, sold without utensils
- jams, honey and most other packaged food
taxed
- candy, like fudge and toffee
- soft drinks
- non-food goods, like candles, soap and pottery
- heated food, or food sold with utensils
if you sell anything taxable, register for a sales tax permit with the department of revenue before the market opens. it’s free and online. then collect the combined rate for the market’s location (the state rate plus any local taxes) and file your returns.
do you need insurance?
almost always. richfield requires every vendor to carry general liability insurance and to list the city as an additional insured on the certificate. that last part trips people up: the market or the city has to be named on your certificate, so ask your insurer for it when you buy the policy. where vendors get coverage:
- the minnesota farmers’ market association (mfma), which offers a policy to its member markets and their vendors
- flip, the food liability insurance program, which richfield suggests for hot food vendors
- a rider on your homeowner’s or renter’s policy
check the coverage amount your market requires before you buy.
what should you bring on day one?
one habit worth starting on day one: write down what you bring and what sells, every week. after a few markets, you’ll know how much to make for each one.
how do you keep customers after the season?
markets are seasonal, and your regulars still want your stuff in november. give them a way to find you all year: a shop online where they can order for pickup or delivery, and a sign at your table that points to it.
that’s why we built wareby. local shoppers find makers they met at the market, order ahead, and pick up or get delivery from the shop. see seller plans, or read the seller guide.
questions people ask
how do i become a vendor at a minneapolis farmers market?
pick a market and apply through its website. you’ll need the right food paperwork for what you sell (a cottage food registration for home baking, or a food license plus the city’s seasonal food vendor permit for other prepared food), form ST19, and usually proof of general liability insurance.
what is form ST19?
a minnesota department of revenue form you give the market. it shows your minnesota tax id, or that you only sell items that aren’t taxed. markets are required to collect it from vendors.
do i need insurance to sell at a farmers market in minnesota?
most markets require general liability insurance, and many want the market or city listed as an additional insured. vendors often get it through the minnesota farmers’ market association, flip, or a rider on a homeowner’s or renter’s policy.
do i need a license to sell baked goods at a farmers market?
if you bake at home, register as a cottage food producer with the mda and follow its label and sign rules. if you bake in a licensed kitchen, bring your food license and any permit the city requires.
when do farmers market applications open?
many markets take applications over the winter for a season that runs roughly may through october. some, like richfield, accept new vendors any time of year, as space allows.
do i charge sales tax at a farmers market?
only on taxable items. produce and most bakery items aren’t taxed in minnesota, but candy, soft drinks and non-food goods like candles and pottery are.
sources
- city of minneapolis: farmers market vendors
- city of richfield: information for farmers market vendors
- minnesota department of revenue: fairs and special events
- minnesota department of revenue: registering your business
- minnesota department of agriculture: cottage food producer registration
- minnesota farmers’ market association
this is general information to help you get started, not legal advice. rules change, so check with the agencies above (and your city) before you sell. last checked october 12, 2026.
we started tandoco, a small bakery in minneapolis, and sold under a blue tent at farmers markets before we built wareby. our story
