Image by John Loo via Flickr
Selling at a farmer’s market involves more than just plucking your tomatoes from plant containers and taking off. Consumers will usually go to the most attractive and affordable booths to buy their produce. Rather than be left with baskets of wilted lettuce and mounds of bruised apples, read these tips for effective farmer’s market sales:
1. Know what you’re talking about.
For a non-foodie, it is intimidating to go to a farmer’s market and see produce that you either don’t recognize, or have no idea how to prepare. Know how to prepare what you are selling; if you have your Aunt Florence’s recipe for zucchini casserole, then offer that as an incentive to your shoppers. If there are special directions, such as allowing the produce to ripen in a brown paper bag, make sure that your customers are aware of that, as well.
2. Clearly label your produce and have printed information is possible.
Write the name of the produce and the price on both sides of a 3×5 card; if you can find a picture to tape to the card, it will ease any confusion and make your stand look more professional. Make several for each item that you sell, as the wind can blow them away, or they can fall while customers are rummaging through your wares. Additionally, if there is any information that your customers need to know, such as the location of your farm, other farmer’s markets you sell at, and so forth, create a flier and offer it to your customers.
3. Price your food reasonably.
Farmer’s markets have a reputation for having better prices than grocery stores. This is because the customer isn’t paying for the transporting of produce, packaging, etc. Be careful not to sell yourself short, and make a profit, albeit a modest one. Price produce at a few grocery stores and some stands at your farmer’s market, and find a median price. Don’t undercut your competitors too much, or your customers will question the quality of your produce.
4. Make things convenient for your customers.
Customers at farmer’s markets are frequently laden with multiple bags, children, strollers, etc. With this in mind, make things as easy as you can for them! Have plastic bags for their purchases, arrange your produce so it is easy to reach and sort through, keep your area clean and free of debris, and anything else you can think of. First impressions are important, and will affect your chances of repeat customers.
5. Be generous!
Tempt your customers’ tastebuds to boost the likelihood that they will buy your produce. Bring a grill or electric skillet and roast some vegetables, or slice fresh fruit in front of your customers. Throw in an extra item, or round your price down, all in the name of customer satisfaction. You will end up selling more in the long run.
With the cost of food skyrocketing, and continuing concerns about what may or may not be in food, farmer’s markets have gained immense popularity over the last several years. There are movements for buying locally- and/or organically-grown food, and you can use this to start your own business doing what you are passionate about.
Related articles
- Introduction to Vegetable Gardening (backyardgardeningtips.com)
- We Are Loving Vegetable Gardening (backyardgardeningtips.com)
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