Go BROKE Selling AT Farmer's Markets 💸
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- Опубліковано 12 сер 2023
- Go BROKE Selling AT Farmer's Markets 💸
I had one of the worst days possible at a farmer's market today. Let's talk about how the day went.
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I have lead my company in sales at events like this for years with a secret I learned from an old pro. Never try selling by sitting down behind your booth. Always stand out in front of it and greet the people as they walk by. I would also have a few mildly humorous lines that were appropriate for the market and the products we sold (somewhat like a stand-up comedian - nothing inappropriate though!). I practised and practised in private so that it became natural. Then I would occasionally use them with people as part of the process of explaining and educating my consumers. A verbal conversation does more than a sign ever could. I outsold my colleagues by as much as 20 times or more. People who are having fun and enjoy your company will spend more! As well, if there were reporters in the crowd, I would always get interviewed by them.
@davidkink3096
Excellent wise Tipps and information.
Thanks ❤
Everything should be clearly marked with PRICING. People do not want to come up to you and ask and be embarrassed to walk away. Offer coupons.
Definitely list your prices. I dislike it when I have to ask how much stuff is and then have to walk away because it's out of my price range. I would've jumped on the hot dogs tho!
nothing worse than having to ask the prices of 4 or 5 items and buying none.
I bet you would 😅
@rickw7903 lmao I really chose the worst way to say that 🤣
@@rickw7903 LOL.
I would recommend a dry erase sandwich board. You could have mentioned on it about the hot dogs and the fact that your chicken was just harvested this week. People look for the signs that are hand written
Good point. I have an old one in the shop. Need to get it out.
You have a great looking uniform setup and your properly dressed but if you were to add a handwritten sign it will really stand out and grab a customer’s attention
😂😂😂😂 after reading all your comments. WTF.😂😂😂
Two things, list your prices for items large, second have a larger banner with what is available. Cross out what you sold out of. Makes people think they are missing out.
First you need "people" to show up so they can feel like they have "missed out"...lol
You're telling him how to be sneaky? Wow!!
I moved to a rural farm community I am a shoe and boot repair ( cobbler) I put my sighn out on the road although it's been slow due to back to school, harvest time, and really hot weather overall I'm satisfied w how receptive folks have been to my service the wife does handbag repairs as well and people bring us all kinds of stuff to fix. Gun holsters, saddles, scabbard and the kitchen sink lol.
A little marketing really goes a long way. I'm just now learning how to market my business properly and my customer base has doubled within two months.
Have you thought about getting a small tabletop Blackstone griddle and cooking up some small samples? And having a price list posted would help with people that don't want to ask how much.
Unless you are a food vendor, you are not allowed to do that.
You need a grill onsite for samples and do deliveries in your locally populated areas. You can set a delivery schedule and maximize your time and profit.
I wonder if that would need a food handling card.
A famous salesman once said that you sell the sizzle, not the steak..
I used to be a vendor at dog shows. Did it for 15+ years. Made good money. I did much of what you suggested. I also had large bright signs with my prices on them. And one other little trick that worked for me: Location of my vending space. I used to set up close to the restroom. Why? Because most of the people had to use the bathroom at one point or another. They had to wait. Well, while they waited...they shopped at my booth. Worked every time. :)
I agree with another commenter that you need to post your prices. The most successful meat vendor I’ve ever seen at a farmers market works the Monterey, CA Friday market. He sells specialty sausage. He has a little cooking set up and offers tastes of his product. He is also extremely engaging- chatting people up, remembers names and so on. Your set up looks really nice and professional.
Rather than having only tables full of red coolers… make some professional looking placards of photos of your products, or photos of prepared dishes using your products… like a big juicy dressed hamburger, loaded hotdogs, or pot roast. Maybe take a grill and sell burgers, hotdogs, or steak and pork loin sandwiches. Nothing brings people faster than the smell of meat being grilled. Best of luck!
Sometimes at small markets, you can look to professional and/or too expensive. GOD Bless
Money is getting tighter for a lot of people 😢.
Get a small grill and keep it handy when things are slow fire it up and grill and cut some samples. That scent will help draw them in.
Back in the day when I worked at a pretzel store in a mall one of our old-school managers used to joke about how he could increase sales on any item (no discounts, no specials) just by writing the item on a paper plate in colorful marker. I can attest that it worked every time. Again, the menu never changed - it was pretzels - and nothing was discounted; it just grabbed people's attention as a reminder. I know it looks hokey but I bet something similar taped to one of your poles for the day, like "Grilling Brats!" would be enough for people to remember they are about to have a summer BBQ and should pick some up. Might be worth a try, even as a jokey beta-test.
Spot-on comment.
It’s probably because it’s back-to-school time and people are having to put their money into new school clothes and school supplies.
Sure could be. We call it the summer slump.
I am a visual shopper. Is there any way you could have one visible display that shows an example of your cuts? Also, having a price range would help us shy shoppers, I would be embarrassed to ask for prices and then not be able to afford it. EDIT TO ADD: I'm not saying your prices are too high, I just would not want you to be offended or me be embarrassed if I had to walk away. Some weeks I can afford steak, some weeks it's beans. But maybe if a generalzed price per pound was displayed, an educated decision could be made.
Sometimes people get the impression that your perfection in signage and setup just means more money than they are willing to part with. Check out the other guys and how down to earth the setup is. Are they using Walmart bags that you despise?
I frequently the local farmers markets/flea markets weekly. Just a few observations. I didn't see any prices on anything. As an introvert I won't even approach a booth if I don't see any kind of prices on the items somewhere. It feels very awkward for me to ask about prices. I like to think there might be others who are also very introverted and would feel awkward asking about the prices. My grandpa used to always tell me if there is no price marked you probably can't afford it anyhow.
Your booth looks great I think it just needs some visible prices.
One thing you could try is everyone that buys something gets their name in a drawing to win a pack of hotdogs or pound of hamburger.
Also how do you advertise? How do people find out what markets you are at? Just on your website? I see a ton of vendors advertise on the local facebook page. It does make a difference.
Have you thought about doing like a CSA box for meat? We have a local farmer here that does that and they constantly sell out. She takes preorders of what they want, hamburger, steaks, chicken, eggs, etc. She lets the customer know it will be available in x amount of months. The customer puts down a deposit and pays the rest upon pickup. I think it's a great setup. She used to sell individually at markets like you do, but found the crowds to be unreliable and people that said they would buy x amount next week wouldn't show. So she switched to the pre order CSA model and has been going strong for 3 years now.
CSA?
Community Supported Agriculture, subscription model.
It's not the product you're selling, it's the buying experience! Find a way to enhance the buying experience with a personal touch: education with a humorous twist, why you farm and why you like it, why your product is different, a patter they can't ignore. You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar, right? You have such a wonderful variety, just keep putting it out there in a personable way.
Just subscribed this morning aug 27. Idea just popped into my mind. Amazing idea? I'm not sure. Sell insolated thermal bags, costumers would definitely appreciate that on those hot days. You could even keep them in a cooler with some ice blankets, added touch.
Something my husband and I both said immediately. We know it’s hot and it may take some of your profits, but grill some of the meat for a taste test. The smell of the smoke and something grilling will draw attention. Keep up the great work. We enjoy your content. God bless.
Or put a video together with the sizzle noises at the entry of the booth, show off the quality of your meat compared to grocery. In between the sizzle, put local people talking about how they love the product or any newspaper reviews, any awards. Show the farm. Put your website info at the bottom of each segment.
Thanks. We've done that in the past when we were both at the same market. You're right, the smell brings them in and the sample sells the product. Appreciate ya'll watching.
That's a very interesting idea.
Or video of a taste test-- like plain chicken. I bet grocery chicken breast, cooked plain (no sauces, oils,charcoal), tastes like cardboard. I bet your chicken would have more flavor, better mouth feel, be juicer, and it would be interesting how local people would try to describe the difference. Then ask the people now that they know what grocery chicken is really like would they go back? Any of these extra videos you put at the booth can also go on your website.
I know from selling live animals at our local Swaps, the better our booths looks, the less people stop. The better our booth looks the more they expect our prices are. 😢
Yep. I keep my booth in the middle of the road for that reason. I have a rustic old farm look. Reminds people of back in the day.
There’s also more competition for time. People are going on vacation, concerts, other outdoor events, etc
Agreed on setting up a little grill and give away samples of the hot dogs. Folks don’t like to read. Pictures might be more helpful of your products. I’m sorry you had a low day, but I hope next weekend you do much better.
Maybe give people a discount if they give you their email address. Once you get a good list then begin to send out your up coming offers a couple of days before you get to the market. A seafood company does it here and we buy from them all the time. I drove to your farm last year to pick up a pork shoulder and we have had your turkey for Thanksgiving dinner for the last couple of years!!! We love everything you sell!!!
apples and oranges
To get people to come over, you might want to put out some samples. With a sign....that should bring them over....
We’ve done samples in the past and they work good. Issue right now is minding/cooking samples and handling customers. Samples do sell!
If people only knew how hard, farmers markets benders work to try and make money. Long hours loading and unloading. Trying to keep a smile on your face for the whole Market act like everything is fantastic when you really just want to shut it down. Also knew that the products are so much better than from the store, and that they might be a little more expensive but the value is so much better in the long run. We are very lucky and a couple of my small markets where there were only about seven people. There are a bunch of regular customers that will stop at each stand and buy something.no matter what they will buy something from you. They do their grocery shopping at our market and then they go to the store for the rest. If only everybody would be like that! I feel you on this one because it has happened to me as well.
Hi, been watching for a couple of months and really appreciate the channel. We are just getting started doing what y’all are doing in Burnsville, NC. We are starting with pastured poultry and we would like to start selling hair sheep as well. Just trying to figure out the USDA stuff with the sheep.
You know way more than we do, but maybe people are not educated about their meat. Maybe a sign that states do you know where you meat comes from? Maybe that draw them in???
Thanks so much for the video. Appreciate y’all!
Good idea. I have an old sandwich sign that we could do that with. Appreciate y’all watching. Good luck on your farm!
I would change one thing, the tree on your sign I would change it to, cows, pigs & any other animal meat you sell only because some people are visual shoppers they don't read labels.......
I have a hotdog cart.......
I love teacups and I don't have teacups on my signs......
I love farmers!!!!!
And your wife's overalls are so cool!!!!!!
Thanks for watching!
Putting the prices up in big letters especially if youre running sales will get people in everytime.
what i like being a farmer is first off we are the ONLY business in the states who are NOT allowed to set our prices for what we produce unless we sell direct! 2nd thing and i dont go to many meetings any more but i used to go to my co-op meetings and farm bureau meetings and listen to them talk about how we need to be more efficient and better learn to manage our money and we walk out of the co-op meeting there is 3 new pickups a new sprayer to replace their 2 year old sprayer new tender trucks new bin going up or like after a farm bureau meeting once 3 people from farm bureau office were talking about their raises and they HAVE been getting raises pretty much every year. a lot of us were disgusted with that. the price of milk here in august 2023 is the same as 14 years ago when are the farmers raises coming??
people are tap out everybody see it just got my county taxes it double over last year I think we might be in that slow down they keep talking about not tried to be chicken little but one should take heed, thank you for you honest video.
Thanks for watching!
I know I always walk past the meat vendor because I simply don't know how the prices stay up against my local Aldi. Maybe grab the flyers from the supermarket in your area so people know they are getting a good value.
You ever thought about offering samples? Not even sure if it's allowed but that might work. Also, if you could make your cooler set up look a little less like coolers that could help. You guys do an awsome job on your website of getting professional photography of the meat. Taking this same aprouch to your display could really draw people over. Good luck!
August is considered not the best part of summer. No holidays, then there's back to school and people have vacations coming to an end.
I have never heard anyone even say they like this month. Also the ending clip was hilarious!! 😂
Thanks! I tried to add some humor to this video. Appreciate ya'll watching.
So frustrating when you spend hours standing around and have few customers. I had the same problem last Saturday. Spent hours making my rock candy and only sold 1/3 of what I made. Luckily I had a backup place to put the rest of them and someone else sells them for me. I wonder whether the heat was the problem at your market. If I was buying meat from a market that I just wandered through on the spur of the moment, I would shop at that stall last so that the meat didn't defrost before I got it home. If I was a regular buyer each week, then I would put a cooler in my car to keep it cool. Hope you both have a better week next week. xoxo
Thank you. Appreciate you wathcing.
only been doing markets for 3 year, selling honey and here is what I see at the farmers markets. Early and late in the season people will spend on other things than veggies. But in the veggie productive time of year, the bulk of peeps spend most of their money on the fresh veggies. I do very well early in May and late in Sept to Oct, (north Iowa zone), but I tell my wife on those slow mid season days, our presents is securing a late season sale, they know we will be here when the tomatoes are gone and they can get some honey before we are gone for the season.
Sure wish you were in my area.....I'd buy a lot. LOVE the pastured meats, such excellent quality. Best to you from Illinois
Never know exactly why sales go down. Customers will not offer reason out of kindness. I often thought that customers like to share the wealth.
Central Ala .We watched a lot of your shows and were trying to do what you've done the past two years . With the local Publix selling decent pork on sale for $2-3 . Pigs we get $40-$60 when we can sell them . Two months ago we slaughtered 3 or our 5 sows . We feed our pork to us and our dogs . Never even tried to go to a butcher closest one is 100 miles away and very expensive . We have the best pork I've ever eaten but with people can't even afford Publix and the price of feed there is no way I can see we can sell pork here .
The old family grocery stores should be used again. So all you good people have steady streams of customers to supply.
When I was a child, and I’m mid 60s now, prices were less at farmer stand than stores. They were selling for more than they got from buyers for the stores but less than stores were charging.
I do understand times change, it cost to raise stock and or grow vegetables, so only people that have money buy from stands in quantity and regularly.
Bring a little BBQ, some tooth picks, paper plates… and grill some of those good looking hot dogs…
No doubt the smell alone will bring them to your stand!
God bless! ❤
Surprised you and Saundra are so competitive about your sales. It all goes into the same fund. Teamwork makes the dream work!
Competition is good though, as long as it's in good fun and you're using it to push each other to do better, it can help drive success.
It makes it fun!
Cut up some hotdogs and sizzle them on a hot plate with tooth picks....smells good,gives people an entry to approach and it shows variety in product.people are not heavy on funds,show prices.i hate surprises 😊
Keep your head up !! Would have loved to see some Saundra razzing you a little though! 😂 you’ll get em next week!
Oh she'll give me the devil over it for sure. 😆
@@SheratonParkFarmsno guy ever wants to lose any kind of competition! 😇 Tim in northern TN
Remember to be on your feet out from behind the table and draw customers over by talking to them, on your clips it looked like you didn’t wanna be there .
This was the hardest part for me at markets
Especially at small markets. And I know that was just “clips” of your day. But just a thought
Yeah. Some of that was just "hamming" for the camera. But you are right. Need to look engaged and approachable.
Put up your Farm city and state on your sign. I would put raised locally and humanely in BFE, Ohio
Its on there. One of the most common questions is, "Where is McGrady?"
@@SheratonParkFarms If this continues to happen, have a black outline of the state and a red star where it is located on the sign with "McGrady, NC"
I’ve learned a lot from ya’ll, we’re small…but trudging along….
Hang in there and keep plugging along.
Try taking a small little grill and put on a hot dog on. The nose sells. Just a thought
Good idea. Cooking and taking care of the grill is a little bit of a challenge when trying to hassle customers too. We’ve done that but it was both of us working the market. Thanks got watching.
You guys always have a great setup keep up the good work
Chuck, I had couple of thoughts about the 2 markets, having lived in the area all my life, ( 65 years ), first Clemmons, even though it is somewhat rural, it's much more urban than years ago, a lot more families, not raising gardens and their own meats like years ago, that's one reason you do so good there. Smith Grove on the other hand is still very much rural, people's gardens are still producing, and you're also in some competition with other farmers in the area that sell the very same items as you, even though it's a new market, it'll never bring in the sells Clemmons does, lastly, the hot weather, 90 degrees doesn't help sells any, when it starts cooling off, you'll see your crowds start picking up. I enjoy your videos as always, don't know how you and Sonya do as much as you do, take care.
As a grower, I did not like farmers' markets. Like them as a shopper. I found it was easier to sell to restaurants. I could unload and get cash in one stop.
I wonder if one reason people are reluctant to buy frozen meats is because they are through shopping around town and worry about their meat thawing.
So. Have you considered having the insulated lunchbox bags available for customers to purchase?
That may be one factor that slows sales. They're afraid their meat will thaw before they get home because they have other stops to make.
Farmers Market in the Big City when I was a child... was literally the center of the city. As the century passed... old out and in with the new. Farmers market morphed into farmers strip-mall minus farmers. Some of the satellite smaller communities it still seems big business. Flea Markets generally have a produce section too on the hoof... Those seem very successful... for decades traveled the market circuit. $0 - $3500 days average $250... I couldn't quit, I had family to feed. Trick of the trade: Communicate, don't set on your haunches awaiting conversation. 🍧
Love the videos! Like others have suggested, easy to read prices that don't appear to suggest you yourself think they're too expensive. Some may agree or disagree, but you need a different color scheme. That red and white stripe is not appealing. It looks outdated. Also, your payment sign is tiny. That should be huge. I couldn't tell from the video but make sure you advertise boldly that you are local. Meat products can bring caution to customers wondering if you are selling something imported. Prayers for your success.
Great video!
Are you a member of "Got to be Carolina"? In other words you need to really push the idea that it's locally-grown natural pasture-raised product. That it is all professionally processed. Perhaps a banner with various photographs of the animals in the pasture. And then run something like a daily special or something like that where you give them a discount buy 2 get 1 free I don't know something something about pricing and some sort of bonus for buying from you. Come up with some package deals liked your barbecue package or a mixture of meats you would use to make meatloaf or meatballs or you know stuff like that. You also might want to put a curtain or a tarp along the back to sort of hide your truck so that is all concentrated on your booth and its contents. What Farmers market are you at I looked up your farm and is your market in Sparta or down Wilkesboro?
Thanks, I needed to hear this today. 😊
Back to school farmers market blues. Farmers market budget was spent on back to school supplies and clothes. We had it happen every year when school started back.
My grandpa sells at farmers market 6 days a week sells produce has a great client base but has all prices listed and does great with customer service
Thanks for that encouragement at the end. It does get frustrating sometimes
It’s been slower the last week or so at markets for us as well. I think it’s back to school and last minute vacations. Thanks for all the content and tips.
That’s awesome and inspiring to hear that you are doing that well at your farmers markets. This is our second year doing farmers markets. First year where we live now. We are getting lots of interest in what we have to offer and will be offering in the future. I dream about the possibility of our farm supporting our family. Thanks for sharing.
He made 40 bucks, not even gas $ to get there....what are you talking about. Worry about growing enough for your own family first, making it a business is risky when you invest to feed others before yourself.
Have you seen the videos where folks increase the insulation of those light weight coolers? Drill a hole into plastic then inject spray foam. Apparently the biggest difference between a $12 cooler and a $120 one is the insulation.
Simply sitting the cooler on a closed cell foam pad (even Styrofoam?) helps a lot, too.
I've not seen that. I'll look it it. Thanks for the tip.
That's interesting too. Thanks.
Your presentation is great. Pretty, clean, and stands out. Where you could improve is standing out in front of your stand instead of behind it. Say hi to people, smile at them, etc as they pass by and as they approach. Ask customers if they have any questions about any of your products while they are browsing. You want to appear friendly and approachable. If it’s allowed you could even have a small speaker playing music at a low level which can also lighten the mood. (There’s a reason stores have ambient music playing)
I work in a brick and mortar gym as well as farm. For both businesses I’ve found that peoples first impression (new and old customers) is everything when it comes to them spending money with you. People consciously and subconsciously make their decision about even approaching your business in the first few seconds of seeing you and your stand, regardless of prices.
If it’s lack of customers all together, I’d recommend advertising on social media more the day or two before the farmers market each week. Keep the market and your products fresh on people’s minds!
Wish you the very best in future markets!
Like someone mentioned back to school is possibly causing the slowdown but in my case i live far enough from town that in this heat i couldn't get anything frozen home before it thawed. So i have to plan to even go grocery shopping in summer throw a cooler in the truck. Thank you for the great content i don't always comment but watch every video!
This past weekend was not great for us either. The week before was great though. I think it was a combination of heat, back to school, and last minute get aways before the summer ends. Good luck and thanks for the videos!
Great video
Thank you!
One thing I noticed about your stand: no prominent signage with prices. I've watched other farmer's market videos that sell meat and they have a large chalkboard with the prices - out front. With today's meat prices it's not even worth taking the time to stop by to ask 'how much' and leave. Of course you won't entice buyers if the prices aren't competitive. With a chalkboard you can change the prices throughout the day, if you need the sales.
Wondering if the reason people didn’t stop at your booth was because it was very hot temperatures. I would not want to purchase meat if I were not going directly home. Meat in a hot car is not good.
Keep on keeping on!!!! Love watching your content! More and more people are choosing to know their farmer and buy quality. So much better for the health of themselves and their families. Just Say’n 🇺🇸🦅🇺🇸
SAMPLES!!!!! One thing I wished people would do more is samples. If you ask for a high price for product, then let them taste. I am always more inclined to buy when I can taste.
Try a picture of your farm and animals in a field ect. Then priceing board. What you sell and how much some people assume it's expensive as meat prices gone up so much so people cut back
I sure hope business picks up. Around here people have said the last couple of weeks cells are down it seems to be due mostly to kids going back to school.
New follower and I loved this video! I am going to share via email to my produce farmer friend.............your tips might help him. I thank you for sharing!
Track seasonal sales and you'll find patterns year after year for which weekends the whole town seems to go away to the resort cabins (they'll buy the weekend before and weekend after but maybe not the whole week between) or school starting, kids going to camp, etc -- repeatable patterns revealed through keeping records. ... The economy is crashing through buyer's budgets right now and will be for a while. Your hotdog idea is great, but can you bring in other low priced products and advertise with a splash sign -- some shoppers know the prices to the penny of every product in all the supermarkets in the county. ... Your color scheme is spot on. ... Is there a way to put the coolers under the tables and have a low (lower the better) 'glass' angled display? Something like an insulated 'cold frame' half the height of the coolers? Walk the grocery store Deli counter and see how they are set up (but that's way too high). Shorter so buyers can look in and see samples of what you have (with prices. Perhaps three of the center coolers get retrofitted with double-pane insulated window lids with wedge feet to tip the case for better viewing and set them on a low(er) coffee-table type stand. Make it easy to see the product , a 'showcase'.
As a retail manager from big companies in the past, #1 to have a price per pound. People want to know the price, without it, they think it is too expensive. All your magnetic signs need price per pound.
We have several Farm Markets around up in this rural farm area. They are all great and items not available are purchased by markets at a local wholesale market that gets produce from all over nearly everyday and it on bid, I think, like most markets. Great fresh produce and meats, at some, from all over and one is year round with even a great deli and bakery. Not sure intercity farm market is that good as it is a come in once or twice a week vs full time and I don't care for that but city people really go for them. Prices are shown for everything here in all the ones I go to.
Dollar cost averaging once I gathered that concept when I have down days don't seem to get me down anymore cuz I just dollar cost average it makes me happy
Something that I do that made a difference. Is Showmanship!! I was in marching band at a HBCU and that was always the key to entertaining and getting your crowd interested. Yes we are in the business of sales and farming, but we forget marketing never stops. I use a recorded video that plays on a laptop I have speakers hooked up to it the video is me working and processing and cooking the meat (maybe one of your UA-cam videos) . I’m up talking to people handing out cards or little one page brochures. I put myself out there and throw them information or ask how much chicken do they eat at home a week and even if they don’t buy I gave them an introduction of who I am and what I do and they have something (your business card) to take home and they are gonna remember you or come back across that business card again. Showmanship is a part of business yeah we have the product but pushing the product in the customer face not forcing but inviting them to the journey. Plus it gets your UA-cam out there !! Just something that you could modify or consider to fit your style of business !! Love your video’s learning a lot from you
Sell hot dogs and fried onions. That always attracts people.
Smells like the fair!
Wonder if your sales are off just due to seasonality? People taking their last vacation before school starts and also people buying supplies for back to school and everything that goes with that.
Certainly could be. Summer slump we call it. Thanks for watching.
Don’t fret it!! It happens!! Y’all are AWESOME people and are an inspiration to me!! Have y’all thought about having an on-site store?? I plan on building a small store on my farm!! What are your thoughts on that??
I am sure the people will return soon and it will be business as usual, I would like to learn how to make bacon and sell that. Great video 😊
We had a slow day at the farmers market this past Saturday too.
I do want to comment about displaying your prices as well. We have found better success with displaying our prices vs. not.
We are selling a premium product which comes with a premium prices. Both you won’t find at the grocery stores. The customers that do buy from me because they already know my prices are ones that also come back to me every week.
In previous videos, you did mention this was a new and smaller market. It’ll take some time, but maybe the market manager can advertise the market itself.
Or you could team up with other vendors at the market and cross promote each other.
Our farmers market has been going on for years, but this is the first year we have seen consistent flow and also the first year we have heard so many people say “we didn’t even know this was here.” But we have a new market manager, a new marketing specialist and a whole agency behind the market this year and that has been a game changer.
Many of the vendors have teamed up and cross promoted to help spread the word in our community and we have seen a drastic increase in the amount of people coming through the market.
Chuck love your Vids. Been following you Guy's for years. I agree that a big white board with prices would be a + for me you could also list new items like Hot Dog's NEW Item and these don't include lips and azzholes. If folks are laughing other want to know what's going on. I was wondering where the eggs where did you stop selling. Another people draw what if you brought a live chicken or piglet in a cage. You said standing out is important that would sure draw people over and start a conversation but rules may not allow you. Good luck to you and Sandra it's a pleasure watching and God Bless
If we don't make at least $1500 per market, we don't go there. Fuel, market space costs, food, and cost to make product is what has to be paid for. Also, if you have help and yourself has to be worth money. Tracking your numbers is extremely important and after every market, we check what sells and what doesn't, who buys and how much they spent and what the peak times were. This cannot be overstated.
Thx
Thanks for watching.
Few tips... Get your self a good looking girl as a cashier. People feel more comfortable dealing with a girl than a guy. 2, Showcase what you have. People spend with their eyes. and most important even if you have to pay extra get a booth closest to the entrance. The farther away you are from the entrance the more booths they see and spend money at those booth so they be broke by the time they get to you. And sell stuff no other vendor sale. Too many farm markets vendors sell the same stuff. Take this from a guy who worked at a farmers market selling food and pulling in big money each day. And also there is a list that they keep of vendors who been working at the markets the longest and they get invited to the real big events. The type of events where you can make a yearly income in 3 days.
Try 5$ coupons off for every 100$ spent. They can be passed around away from your booth, perhaps at the parking area.
Would be a good idea if you get a small electric grill and cook up some samples. People will follow their nose not just your colorful booth. GBU
Nooice! 😎 STOC
You should offer cooked snacks for people to try, maybe hotdog pieces on a tooth pick and the smell of bacon wafting thru the air will draw people in.
Too much hassle.....health dept reqs about "preparing"
We've done that in the past when we were both at the same market. It works great but it almost takes 2 people. One to cook and one to handle customers.
Yeah. Not sure on the local rules for that kind of thing.
we did plants from our greenhouse for years and did well. then new market managers took over and changed rules making it more a flea market like. selling nail care products, body lotions and potions, tupperware, boxed food mixes etc. customer base changed no body into gardening anymore? people asked for herbs, i grew herbs, nobody bought, stopped growing them, people bitched that i didn't have them. we stopped going to farmers market. not enough customer base for us and it's not a true farmers market anymore. larger metro area has wonderful market, but like you fuel cost keep us from going there.
You ever think about breaking out a webber grill and cooking some sausage and hot dogs in front of those people? Harder to walk past meat when your smelling it cooking. My friend used to slow cook a whole chicken on there that way is dinner is made by the time he got home.
WE've done that in the past when we were both at the same market. It just about takes one to cook and one to handle customers.
Get ya a small tailgating grill.
Grill up your best seller and hand it out to taste. Get that grill smell going at your truck and they’ll all be over . Put it on one of those tomatoes from the seller down the way and ya got a friend too. Good luck dear . This is why we do what we love . Imagine if you didn’t care about what you do everyday that would be torture
What about have someone cooking some of the product (like little pieces of sausage etc...) and giving away samples. Maybe the smell will bring them in or if the taste it and like it then they may buy it.
Just a thought or three, but your main sign "Sheraton Park Farms MEAT MARKET" looks kind of antiseptic, meaning it looks like an industry sign and not one belonging to a pastured raised operation. True, that pasture verbiage is on the back sign, but people don't see that from 50ft away, they see your main sign. Perhaps add some greenness to it somehow (yes, takes away a little from the all red/white theme), but green says "pasture" and pasture says wholesomeness / good nutrition. Just as importantly I'd have a big blown up pic of your livestock out on your pastures and I'd put that right up front. Again, just some thoughts.