If you have an idea for a small business and are not sure if your products will find an audience, consider trying them out at your local farmer’s market.

As the LA Times points out though, many markets can be hard to get into to:

For many start-up food or craft businesses, landing a spot at a farmers market can be a way to test the waters for their products and try out their business skills without committing the resources needed to open a traditional store or sell to a distributor.

A major downside is that it can be surprisingly difficult to get into a market. “Waiting lists can be a year or more, depending on the market,” said Lee Ostendorf, market manager for the Long Beach Local Harvest farmers market and half a dozen others.

As for arts, crafts and food vendors, state law requires them to be in a separate area, and some markets don’t allow them at all.

While the article is California specific, many other regions have similar restrictions. Definitely check with your local or state governments before trying to sell your wares at your local farmer’s market.