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The Ultimate Guide to Selling Cookies (baked goods) at Markets
Everything I Wish Someone Had Told Me Before My First Market
If I’m being honest…
my first market was terrifying.
I shook the entire week leading up to it.
I kept second-guessing everything:
Did I bake enough?
Did I bake too much?
Do I even have the right setup?
What if no one buys anything?
I truly had no idea what I was doing. I just knew I loved baking and I wanted to try.
That first morning, my family helped me set up. Once everything was arranged and customers started walking by, the nerves slowly turned into excitement. By the end of the day, I was exhausted… but completely hooked.
After just two markets, my business changed. Orders started coming in. New customers found me. I started building a real customer base. Now I have lines at some events.
But here’s what people don’t always see:
I’ve also done markets that were complete flops.
I’ve applied to poorly run events.
I’ve overbaked.
I’ve underbaked.
I’ve wasted money.
I’ve learned hard lessons.
And over time, I started writing everything down — what worked, what didn’t, what I would never do again, and what actually made a difference.
Eventually, that became this guide.
Not something fancy. Not something theoretical.
Just everything I’ve learned from actually doing it.
Inside, I Share Things Like:
How I Choose Events
Because not every market is worth your time — and I learned that the hard way.
How I Decide How Many Cookies to Bring
There’s a common “10% rule,” but it doesn’t always work.
I explain what really changes your numbers:
Weather
Competition
Event type
Crowd size
And more
How I Build a Menu That Sells
Too many flavors can overwhelm people.
Too few can limit sales.
I share how I balance it and how I use weekly specials to create excitement.
Booth Setup (Without Spending a Fortune)
You don’t need an elaborate bakery case to look professional.
I walk through:
My display approach
Packaging vs. bakery case pros and cons
Heat and sun survival tips
The small details that make a big difference
Marketing in a Way That Feels Natural
How often I post before a market
What kind of photos actually convert
How I create a little FOMO without being pushy
Real-Life Problems
Because they happen.
Electronic check scams
Payment safety
What to do with leftovers
Growing your customer base in an honest way
And I included my printable market checklist — the exact type of list I use so I don’t forget the tape… or the napkins.
This Guide Isn’t Perfect. It’s Personal.
It includes:
My real market stories
Mistakes I’ve made
What consistently works for me
It’s not about overnight success.
It’s about helping you walk into your market feeling prepared instead of panicked.
Who This Is For
If you’re:
Thinking about doing your first market
Wanting to look more professional
Or ready to turn your baking into steady income
Then this was written for you.
A Little Note From Me
I remember how overwhelming it felt in the beginning. I remember wishing someone would just sit down and tell me what actually matters and what doesn’t.
That’s really all this is.
If this guide makes your first (or next) market feel calmer, clearer, or more confident — then it’s done its job.
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