No, I continued working with my local farmers' market as the manager during the pandemic and beyond, but stopped selling my cookies at the market. I got too busy with custom orders, which I love! I did so an updated video with some more tips, in case you haven't seen it. ua-cam.com/video/yL8cDFQL_Ns/v-deo.html
I love your BarbaPapa cookies!!!! ♥️♥️♥️ That is so unique and nostalgic! Thank you for this video. I'm a jam maker/baker in Canada, and we're doing our first expo next week. After that, we've applied to all the local farmers markets and fairs, and my husband and I are praying that this becomes our full time job. We want to open a storefront bakery/diner one day! It's daunting, but I'm so thankful for encouraging videos like yours!! Thank you!
Thank you for this video!! Great info! I just started going to a farmers market and started my business but my permit doesn’t allow for samples unless they are packaged and labeled. Do you have any cost efficient tips for doing that? Thank you!!
I used to package 4-1" cookies in a package for $2. They were those same sample cookies. I think I would package up 2 of them for samples. I wouldn't work as well as just handing them unpackaged to the customers because they can put them away for later, but hopefully the goodwill and later tasting will help.
I made mine many years ago, but I just looked and Costco (Canada) still offers this service through their online photo department. It was pretty simple, I uploaded the photos I wanted in the book and it stepped me through the process. Good luck!
You have good advice for selling at a farmers market. I was thinking of doing this just to see how my cookies would sell to decide if I thought of doing it as a business. I could use your insight about pricing and packaging. Thank you. This video was very helpful.
I think selling at a market is a GREAT way to try things out. But don't be discouraged if things are slow at first. Building a customer base and their loyalty takes time, maybe commit to a full season? I still have repeat customers who I initially met at the farmers' market over a dozen years ago! As for packaging, I now package in (environmentally friendly) glassine bags, which might not be a great choice for a market display. I think clear bags are the best way for customers to see you wares. And pricing, that's a hard one. You really have to know what the rates are around your neck of the woods. Just remember, don't undersell yourself! Baking is hard work and you want to be fairly compensated. Good luck!
@@SweetHandmadeCookies Thank you very much for your advice. The pricing is always a head scratcher for me, but the way you explained makes more sense now.
On a slow day, how many cookies would you sell? I’m thinking of selling some this weekend and don’t wanna make too much my first go round. Thanks in advance for your time. 🙂
Hello Im so happy I found your video! So much great info. I'm planning to attend my first saturday marker selling my cookies and you have really inspired me! Seeing how this video is a year old I noticed you said you sell 5'" cookies $5 each, do you only sell per cookie or do you decrease the price if a person wants 3 or 6 or up? Also I do have an instagram, with my acct , would you still recommend a photo album with pictures? Also if a person placed and order do they pick up at your house? I follow a cookie and treats seller online and she has people come to her house. I'm sorry this is a lot, I have been wanting to do this type of selling for awhile and I'm just going for it! Oh also how has it been with the current situation giving out the samples? I love that idea and want to do that as well but even wearing gloves and using tongs I think people may still be leary could I package them or would that be more work? Thank you so much again for your awesome video and information! Frances
Hello Frances: I really held onto that per cookie price. Whether I made 1 or 30, each cookie takes the same amount of time and I wasn't interested in lowering the price. I guess I am stubborn. Now, some people might be attacted to a "$4 each or 3 for $10" deal, but I never offered that. For a good customer at the market, I would often round down the price or add in another cookie or something like that, but they earned that by being loyal or buying a lot. I would still recommend a photo album, not only wasn't I keen on letting someone hold onto my phone while I was helping other customers, it gave potential customers something to do while they were waiting for me to finish with my current customer before I could even greet them. Yes, customers would come to my house. I never had an issue with that. I now set out a table and place the order outside right before they arrive for contactless pick up. I don't do an open market anymore, but I do know that samples are currently not allowed in Ontario. I hope this helps, good luck!
Hi I enjoyed your video and your tips to be successful at a farmers market I am still getting approved for the CFO permit And noticed you don't have much signage like prices or types of cookies flavors I did see you have scrapbooks the large sign behind and promoting on insta gram. While at the Farmers market most have easels, us that and flyers necessary? Also, I'll be selling savory breads pretzel and rolls plus mustard. Do u think it's better to sell 1to 2 items only. Or 4 to 5
I did have a pricing sheet that I updated each week that I laid flat on my table right in front of my display stand. For example, it would say "Turtles - $6, Starfish - $5, Oatmeal Cookies - $2". I had it in a plastic sleeve. I only offered decorated cookies (all the same flavour) and oatmeal cookies. Much more explanation was not needed. :) I had an easel to display my pricing in the early days, but wind made short work of that. Over the years, I became acutely aware of what items were a risk for the weather (rain and wind, mostly) and tried to avoid those items. I lost more easels and photo frames than I care to think about, a big gust of wind and CRASH!, another frame destroyed. A flat plastic encased pricing sheet was much less attractive, but much more practical. As old-fashioned as it sounds, business cards are still a way for people to leave with your contact information in your pocket, so if you have them, bring them. I sold all of my products as singles. I didn't offer discounts for larger quantities, but would often give a discount to repeat customers. I think some vendors are all about discounts, and some aren't. Do what feels right for you. If your products are great, people will be willing to buy them at your price. P.S. It all sounds delicious and amazing, I wish you much success!
You know this business is so hard I got into an accident I used to work in a hotel in South Beach Miami it’s very hard to try to open up some thing but I wanted to try to do it this year thank you so much for the tips I only thing I know is working for big hotels I’ve never gone to a farmers market but thank you so much
The best video on farmer's market tips! Thank you. Could you please do a video on how to prepare for the market from baking , decorating and storing point of view
My daughter wants to be a baker so I was thinking of getting her started at Farmers markets. What should I do in regards to price points? I have no idea what price for a cookie here in California. What would you suggest?
Try to find out what others in your area are charging, visit markets, check out local bakers' online stores, etc. Then take an honest look at your skill level and decide where you should price yourself. And make sure you consider ingredient and packaging costs so that you are making money! Good luck!
Hello! Are you still selling cookies? Do you expect mail order customer's? I'm interested in purchasing a few dozen cookies? Do you have a website? Thank You in advance, have a great day 😊.
I sell cupcakes and I will be doing my first Farmer's Market next saturday! It is winter time so it's not as crowded as summer time but still people go. I am wondering how many cupcakes should I bring? I was thinking of bringing 4 flavors but only a dozen of each. So 48 total. I'd love to know what you think. Thanks!
Sorry I didn't see your message in time, but I hope you had a successful first week. It is always a guessing game as to how much to bring, I hope you guessed well. :)
That's too bad, an opportunity you can't easily replicate. I would probably give away 2 sample cookies for free to customers, people love a freebee and they will hopefully taste and come back.
Google "cottage food law (your state)", most state's cottage food laws ONLY let you bake at home and sell at Farmer's Markets. Others are more lenient like mine. Good luck, and happy baking!
@@margaretrangel7223 Google "cottage food law (your state)", most state's cottage food laws ONLY let you bake at home and sell at Farmer's Markets. Others are more lenient like mine. Good luck, and happy baking!
@@margaretrangel7223 Each market has their own rules. I found one where they don't require a commercial kitchen, but I have one I can rent out, in case I need to bake bigger orders.
I was thinking about selling cookies at the farmer's market, but I'm in San Francisco and the main FM association told me they weren't accepting applications. What the heck do I do now?
@@shoppingbag6973 SMOOTHNESS! I've had plans for over ten years to crank out some fat designer cookies but one way or another never got the project up off of the ground. I've worked at almost twenty gas stations over the years, and I'M SICK OF IT!
Love your informative video! What recipe would you suggest good tasting cookies and icing that does not have meringue after taste? What labeling is required to sell at the market? Thank you and please make more videos:)
There are a number of great tasting cookie recipes online, try them until you find one you love. I use royal icing that I make with meringue powder (2 kilos powdered sugar, 10 tablespoons meringue powder). I like the taste and don't know about a meringue aftertaste, but you could try a different brand of meringue powder to see if you like it better. As for labeling, you are best to inquire with your local board of health as the rules vary. Thanks for the kind words.
Does anyone know how to find business Facebook groups who are doing a baking business from home. How do I connect and share ideas with them? I am not a regular Facebook member just a business member.
@@barbra429 - my thinking was you had to sign up for Facebook as a regular user and then add a business account from there. However, I am not a Facebook expert, so I must not understand that correctly. Anyways, hopefully you can search for groups that interest you. If not, you could always sign up for a regular Facebook account. Good luck!
You don’t. You gauge it from week to week but often times more than not you are going to be wrong. If your market is having a special event Family Day, Seniors Day and your product is targeting those customers bring more that week. A friend total me not to bring my whole product line each week. If the customer comes ever week they will put off buying. If the know you may not have it the following week they are more inclined to buy on the spot.
It's a guess, unfortunately. Start small and increase your amounts if you sell out consistently. The first weeks of the market were always the best of the season, sales slowed during July and August and picked up again in September.
It was made for me by a local student. I asked him numerous times if he wants to go into business, but once he graduated high school he no longer had access to the tools required.
This is awesome advice for me, a newbie, and you make beautiful cookies!
Glad it was helpful! Good luck in your ventures!
Love the sample cookies! Great idea🎉
Thanks so much! 😊
Thank you! Super helpful for me as I think about getting started in the cookie biz
Thank you and good luck!
Excellent video...
Thank you for sharing this.
Question:
Now that this video is over 4 years old...
Are you still selling at the Farmer's Market?
No, I continued working with my local farmers' market as the manager during the pandemic and beyond, but stopped selling my cookies at the market. I got too busy with custom orders, which I love! I did so an updated video with some more tips, in case you haven't seen it. ua-cam.com/video/yL8cDFQL_Ns/v-deo.html
@@SweetHandmadeCookies
Thank YOU so much
I will check this video out.
I love your BarbaPapa cookies!!!! ♥️♥️♥️ That is so unique and nostalgic!
Thank you for this video. I'm a jam maker/baker in Canada, and we're doing our first expo next week. After that, we've applied to all the local farmers markets and fairs, and my husband and I are praying that this becomes our full time job. We want to open a storefront bakery/diner one day! It's daunting, but I'm so thankful for encouraging videos like yours!! Thank you!
I love it, what a great starting step. There is so much knowledge to be gained at a market. I wish you so much luck!
Thank you for this video!! Great info! I just started going to a farmers market and started my business but my permit doesn’t allow for samples unless they are packaged and labeled. Do you have any cost efficient tips for doing that? Thank you!!
I used to package 4-1" cookies in a package for $2. They were those same sample cookies. I think I would package up 2 of them for samples. I wouldn't work as well as just handing them unpackaged to the customers because they can put them away for later, but hopefully the goodwill and later tasting will help.
Nice video! Very helpful tips and pros and cons! Your work is absolutely beautiful it would almost be a shame to take a bite out of it! 👍😊👍
Could u pls share details about the book you had made from Costco? I have a lot of pics of my food etc that I want to bind into a book
I made mine many years ago, but I just looked and Costco (Canada) still offers this service through their online photo department. It was pretty simple, I uploaded the photos I wanted in the book and it stepped me through the process. Good luck!
You have good advice for selling at a farmers market. I was thinking of doing this just to see how my cookies would sell to decide if I thought of doing it as a business. I could use your insight about pricing and packaging. Thank you. This video was very helpful.
I think selling at a market is a GREAT way to try things out. But don't be discouraged if things are slow at first. Building a customer base and their loyalty takes time, maybe commit to a full season? I still have repeat customers who I initially met at the farmers' market over a dozen years ago!
As for packaging, I now package in (environmentally friendly) glassine bags, which might not be a great choice for a market display. I think clear bags are the best way for customers to see you wares.
And pricing, that's a hard one. You really have to know what the rates are around your neck of the woods. Just remember, don't undersell yourself! Baking is hard work and you want to be fairly compensated. Good luck!
@@SweetHandmadeCookies Thank you very much for your advice. The pricing is always a head scratcher for me, but the way you explained makes more sense now.
This video was very helpful. Thank you
On a slow day, how many cookies would you sell? I’m thinking of selling some this weekend and don’t wanna make too much my first go round. Thanks in advance for your time. 🙂
Thanks! I am going to sell at my first Farmers Market this year.
Hello Im so happy I found your video! So much great info. I'm planning to attend my first saturday marker selling my cookies and you have really inspired me! Seeing how this video is a year old I noticed you said you sell 5'" cookies $5 each, do you only sell per cookie or do you decrease the price if a person wants 3 or 6 or up? Also I do have an instagram, with my acct , would you still recommend a photo album with pictures? Also if a person placed and order do they pick up at your house? I follow a cookie and treats seller online and she has people come to her house. I'm sorry this is a lot, I have been wanting to do this type of selling for awhile and I'm just going for it! Oh also how has it been with the current situation giving out the samples? I love that idea and want to do that as well but even wearing gloves and using tongs I think people may still be leary could I package them or would that be more work? Thank you so much again for your awesome video and information! Frances
Hello Frances: I really held onto that per cookie price. Whether I made 1 or 30, each cookie takes the same amount of time and I wasn't interested in lowering the price. I guess I am stubborn. Now, some people might be attacted to a "$4 each or 3 for $10" deal, but I never offered that. For a good customer at the market, I would often round down the price or add in another cookie or something like that, but they earned that by being loyal or buying a lot.
I would still recommend a photo album, not only wasn't I keen on letting someone hold onto my phone while I was helping other customers, it gave potential customers something to do while they were waiting for me to finish with my current customer before I could even greet them.
Yes, customers would come to my house. I never had an issue with that. I now set out a table and place the order outside right before they arrive for contactless pick up.
I don't do an open market anymore, but I do know that samples are currently not allowed in Ontario.
I hope this helps, good luck!
Peace.. Shalom.. Salam.. Namaste ..... LaPaz.... 🙏🏻 😊 🌈 ✌ 🌷 ☮️ ❤️
I love this video and sharing these tips. Thank you!
Hi I enjoyed your video and your tips to be successful at a farmers market
I am still getting approved for the CFO permit
And noticed you don't have much signage like prices or types of cookies flavors
I did see you have scrapbooks the large sign behind and promoting on insta gram. While at the Farmers market most have easels, us that and flyers necessary?
Also, I'll be selling savory breads pretzel and rolls plus mustard. Do u think it's better to sell 1to 2 items only. Or 4 to 5
I did have a pricing sheet that I updated each week that I laid flat on my table right in front of my display stand. For example, it would say "Turtles - $6, Starfish - $5, Oatmeal Cookies - $2". I had it in a plastic sleeve. I only offered decorated cookies (all the same flavour) and oatmeal cookies. Much more explanation was not needed. :)
I had an easel to display my pricing in the early days, but wind made short work of that. Over the years, I became acutely aware of what items were a risk for the weather (rain and wind, mostly) and tried to avoid those items. I lost more easels and photo frames than I care to think about, a big gust of wind and CRASH!, another frame destroyed. A flat plastic encased pricing sheet was much less attractive, but much more practical.
As old-fashioned as it sounds, business cards are still a way for people to leave with your contact information in your pocket, so if you have them, bring them.
I sold all of my products as singles. I didn't offer discounts for larger quantities, but would often give a discount to repeat customers. I think some vendors are all about discounts, and some aren't. Do what feels right for you. If your products are great, people will be willing to buy them at your price.
P.S. It all sounds delicious and amazing, I wish you much success!
Thank you for sharing!
My pleasure!
Thank you for your tips! You make gorgeous cookies and for sure they are yummy!
Awesome video! Thank you so much! 😃
This was so helpful! Thank you so much!
you need a microphone
Agreed!
Thank you so much! Super helpful video!
Very informative! Thanks for the advice!
Did you practice for awhile before you started to sell the cookies or did you just adjust the price of the cookie as your skill increased?
I adjusted! :)
What does piggy backing at the farmer's market mean?
The market does advertising to bring in customers. That means you get the benefit without the work.
Hi! About how much did you sell one sugar cookie for at the farmers market?
About $5 for a 4" cookie.
You know this business is so hard I got into an accident I used to work in a hotel in South Beach Miami it’s very hard to try to open up some thing but I wanted to try to do it this year thank you so much for the tips I only thing I know is working for big hotels I’ve never gone to a farmers market but thank you so much
Very helpful! Look forward to more videos!
Great video🎉good tip about the temperature for the product.
Glad it was helpful!
What about keeping cookies from getting too hot, I'm in Texas.?.
Really good advice! I have been part of a Farmer's Market for 3 years now. Really enjoy it. Love your advice on specializing.
Thanks. There is such a great atmosphere at my Farmers' Market (I now work as the manager and don't sell cookies anymore) it is a joy to be there.
The best video on farmer's market tips! Thank you. Could you please do a video on how to prepare for the market from baking , decorating and storing point of view
Thank you. What about pricing?
I charged the same as I did for my custom orders. The prices went up over the years of course.
My daughter wants to be a baker so I was thinking of getting her started at Farmers markets. What should I do in regards to price points? I have no idea what price for a cookie here in California. What would you suggest?
Try to find out what others in your area are charging, visit markets, check out local bakers' online stores, etc. Then take an honest look at your skill level and decide where you should price yourself. And make sure you consider ingredient and packaging costs so that you are making money! Good luck!
Hello! Are you still selling cookies? Do you expect mail order customer's? I'm interested in purchasing a few dozen cookies? Do you have a website? Thank You in advance, have a great day 😊.
Yes, I still sell cookies. My website is www.sweethandmadecookies.ca.
This video was very helpful! Thank you so much for sharing your tips and advice
You're so welcome!
I sell cupcakes and I will be doing my first Farmer's Market next saturday! It is winter time so it's not as crowded as summer time but still people go. I am wondering how many cupcakes should I bring? I was thinking of bringing 4 flavors but only a dozen of each. So 48 total. I'd love to know what you think. Thanks!
Sorry I didn't see your message in time, but I hope you had a successful first week. It is always a guessing game as to how much to bring, I hope you guessed well. :)
'
ohh my favor altadena farmer market is a so wonderful place booths / nice people at the park in altadena, 91001
That's a long way from me in Ontario, Canada, but the best thing about a farmers' market is that they are meant to serve the local community.
we can't even give samples unless you individually wrap them! tongs or not! everything has to be wrapped at home...
That's too bad, an opportunity you can't easily replicate. I would probably give away 2 sample cookies for free to customers, people love a freebee and they will hopefully taste and come back.
Very through video. Thank you. Can you bake in your home kitchen and sell at a farmers market?
I am wondering the same thing. I have tried looking it up but can’t find a clear answer.
Google "cottage food law (your state)", most state's cottage food laws ONLY let you bake at home and sell at Farmer's Markets. Others are more lenient like mine. Good luck, and happy baking!
@@margaretrangel7223 Google "cottage food law (your state)", most state's cottage food laws ONLY let you bake at home and sell at Farmer's Markets. Others are more lenient like mine. Good luck, and happy baking!
The rules are different all over, but in Ontario, Canada, a true farmers' market is allowed to have bakers working out of their home kitchens.
@@margaretrangel7223 Each market has their own rules. I found one where they don't require a commercial kitchen, but I have one I can rent out, in case I need to bake bigger orders.
I was thinking about selling cookies at the farmer's market, but I'm in San Francisco and the main FM association told me they weren't accepting applications. What the heck do I do now?
Find another Farmers Market close by.
@@shoppingbag6973 SMOOTHNESS! I've had plans for over ten years to crank out some fat designer cookies but one way or another never got the project up off of the ground. I've worked at almost twenty gas stations over the years, and I'M SICK OF IT!
I agree with @shoppingbag6973, try finding another market. Bakers have the hardest time getting into markets, so be persistent. Good luck!
Love your informative video! What recipe would you suggest good tasting cookies and icing that does not have meringue after taste? What labeling is required to sell at the market? Thank you and please make more videos:)
There are a number of great tasting cookie recipes online, try them until you find one you love. I use royal icing that I make with meringue powder (2 kilos powdered sugar, 10 tablespoons meringue powder). I like the taste and don't know about a meringue aftertaste, but you could try a different brand of meringue powder to see if you like it better. As for labeling, you are best to inquire with your local board of health as the rules vary. Thanks for the kind words.
Great information..thanks!
Thank you!
Watch Jaecakes on youtube.
Super helpful!
How we can get license?
Google business license requirements in your area.
I think every province and state have different rules. A food handler's safety certificate is required in Ontario, I recently renewed mine online.
You’re amazing :)
Does anyone know how to find business Facebook groups who are doing a baking business from home. How do I connect and share ideas with them? I am not a regular Facebook member just a business member.
First of all, I don't know how you would access Facebook if you aren't a regular member, but there are lots of groups for every genre, keep looking!
@@SweetHandmadeCookies I have a Facebook business account
@@barbra429 - my thinking was you had to sign up for Facebook as a regular user and then add a business account from there. However, I am not a Facebook expert, so I must not understand that correctly. Anyways, hopefully you can search for groups that interest you. If not, you could always sign up for a regular Facebook account. Good luck!
@@SweetHandmadeCookies Thanks
Thank you
How do you know how much product to bring to a market?
You don’t. You gauge it from week to week but often times more than not you are going to be wrong. If your market is having a special event Family Day, Seniors Day and your product is targeting those customers bring more that week.
A friend total me not to bring my whole product line each week. If the customer comes ever week they will put off buying. If the know you may not have it the following week they are more inclined to buy on the spot.
It's a guess, unfortunately. Start small and increase your amounts if you sell out consistently. The first weeks of the market were always the best of the season, sales slowed during July and August and picked up again in September.
Where did you get your stand?? Love it!
It was made for me by a local student. I asked him numerous times if he wants to go into business, but once he graduated high school he no longer had access to the tools required.
Thanks for sharing! Lots of great info!😊
Thanks!
awesome tips and video