The 21st Century Version of the Lemonade Stand
The American relationship with work has always been a delicate one. Some people are driven by their careers, pouring their passions into the daily grind. Others see work as a means to an end…a way to fund all the things they love to do in their leisure time. Some love the relative stability of a 9 to 5, with a desk and a place to hang their hat. Others thrive on the independence that running their own business brings.
As office buildings emptied and more people started working from home during the pandemic, another phenomenon took root…the front yard business. Many such businesses were set up to allow customers to shop and pay without any human contact (driven by the necessities of safely responding to the coronavirus). In the 21st century update to the lemonade stand, some children and many adults opened up for business at the front curb. Here are some of the more popular front yard businesses, along with some of the things you’ll need to consider if you want to give it a shot.
The Common Types of Front Yard Businesses
Not surprisingly, as this type of business is generally outdoors, many of the more popular types of businesses involve goods or services typically found outside:
- Urban farms—While a few may actually have the garden in the front yard, with a “you pick” approach, most are set up with a small booth with different types of produce available. The produce may be available for direct sale or it may be put out in boxes to subscribers. In addition to fruits and vegetables, a front yard business may offer seeks, plants, shrubs, bushes or flowers.
- Specialty retail items—One of the most common is baked goods, usually set up in a little stand. Other successful front yard businesses include honey, specialty sauces, woodworking items, art work and jewelry.
- Some unusual front yard ventures—Among the most unique types of front yard businesses are fitness studios (where all exercise takes place in the front yard), outdoor movie nights, and mushroom farming
Things to Consider before Opening Your Front Yard Store
Perhaps the most important consideration is whether zoning laws allow you to do what you want to do. Check with city zoning officials to determine what is permissible.
You’ll also need to figure out how you’ll bring business to your front yard…through social media, with signs or with other forms of marketing or advertising.
Finally, consider the costs of setting up and running the business as compared to how much revenue you can reasonably expect to generate.
