A candy cart is a low-overhead way to bring Swedish candy to customers, whether you set up at a market, a mall or an event. Here are the main decisions to work through before you place your first order.
1. Check the rules first
Requirements depend on where you sell, so check with your local authorities before you buy anything. Typically you will want to look into:
- Business registration and a sales tax permit
- Health department rules for selling food, including whether candy sold loose has different requirements from candy sold in sealed packaging
- Permission or a permit for the exact spot where your cart will stand, such as from a market organizer, mall or landlord
- Rules about selling by weight, if you plan to use a scale
2. Pick your selling model
Pick and mix lets customers choose their own candy and pay by weight. It is interactive and fun, but it needs scoops or tongs, a scale and bags, and it means handling candy loose. Packaged bags are simpler to run because there is nothing to scoop or weigh. You can also combine both, with a small pick-and-mix selection alongside ready-made bags.
Our pick-and-mix units are sold as wholesale tubs in a range of weights, and our candy bags come in wholesale cases that are ready to display.
3. Build a balanced range
Aim for variety so there is something for everyone: fruity gummies, sour candy, licorice (salty licorice is a Swedish classic that some customers love and others want to try once), and chocolate. Start with a smaller range and add products once you see what your customers reach for.
4. Equipment checklist
- The cart or display itself, with enough space to show the candy attractively
- Containers for pick and mix, with scoops or tongs
- A scale approved for selling by weight, if your area requires it
- Bags or boxes, plus stickers or labels
- Price signs that are easy to read
- A card reader and some cash for change
- Hand sanitizer, gloves and cleaning supplies
5. Work out your pricing
Start from your cost per 100g: divide the wholesale price of a unit by its weight in grams, then multiply by 100. Compare that with what you plan to charge per 100g, and make sure the difference covers packaging, payment fees, your cart costs and a profit. Do this for every product, since prices differ a lot between brands and sizes.
6. Make the cart easy to notice
Candy sells on color and appearance, so arrange it tidily and keep it full. Seasonal items help draw attention, and Christmas is a good example: see our guide to Swedish Christmas candy and the Christmas Selection.
7. Order small and reorder
Your first order does not have to cover everything. Begin with a modest range, see what sells, then reorder and expand. If you would like help choosing products for a cart, get in touch through our contact page.