What should I charge for my eggs?
Egg prices are different in every part of the country, so there isn't one right number. What you can know for sure is what your eggs cost you. Put in a few numbers and you'll see your cost per dozen, the lowest you should go, and a fair place to start.
This covers feed and cartons only. Bedding, treats, and the coop itself cost money too, so there is no need to price at your bare cost.
Four steps to a fair price
- Know your cost. Use the helper above. Feed is most of it, and cartons add a little. That number is the lowest you should ever go.
- See what eggs go for near you. Look at farm stands, farmers markets, and local Facebook groups, plus what pasture-raised or organic eggs cost at the store.
- Price for what you offer. Pasture-raised, organic feed, cleaned and cartoned, or dropped off at the door? Price toward the top. A cooler by the road with an honesty box? Somewhere in the middle.
- Keep it simple. A round price and a small break for buying more, like a little off for 2 dozen, is easy for buyers and easy for you.
Check your state's rules first
Rules for selling eggs are set by each state, and sometimes by towns and counties. They can cover carton labels, keeping eggs cold, and how many you can sell before you need a license. Your state's department of agriculture is the place to check. Every seller is responsible for following the rules where they live.
Selling in New Jersey? Read our New Jersey guide to pricing and selling eggs.
Egg pricing questions
How much should I charge for a dozen backyard eggs?
It depends on where you live and what you offer. Start from your own cost per dozen, which is mostly feed plus cartons, and never go below it. Then look at what farm stands and stores near you charge, and price for what your eggs are: pasture-raised, organic feed, cleaned and cartoned, or delivered.
How much does it cost to produce a dozen eggs?
Mostly feed. A laying hen eats roughly a quarter pound of feed a day, so your cost comes down to what you pay for a bag and how well your hens are laying. Enter your own numbers in the price helper on this page to get yours.
Should I give a discount for buying more?
A small one helps. It moves extra eggs in spring and summer when hens lay the most, and it rewards your regular buyers. Keep it simple enough to figure at a roadside stand.
Do I need a license to sell eggs?
It depends on your state, and sometimes your town. Rules can cover carton labels, keeping eggs cold, and how many you can sell before you need a license. Check with your state's department of agriculture before you start selling.
Ready to sell?
List your eggs free on The Backyard Exchange so neighbors near you can find them.
List my eggs