1. Be There
Every success story begins with the first step--showing up. Quite likely the customers you see at the first market of the season will be there at the end of the season. Attending the local farmers market and supporting local food are important to your customers. If you are set up on a consistent basis with a quality product, your customers will look for you every week.
2. Critique Your Display
Does your display invite customers to stop and look at your product? Is it clean with no clutter? Be sure to get out from behind your display throughout the day to make sure it's looking its best.
3. Price it Right
Hopefully your customers are looking at your product first but secondly, they will look for price. Be sure to label everything clearly and consistently. Customers don't want to guess at prices and many won't ask!
4. What's Your Story
People can buy their produce anywhere but they come to their local market because they want to know where their food comes from--they want to know you--the farmer. Let them know why you are doing this and how you got here.
5. Only the Best
Again, people can buy their produce anywhere including their local supermarket but the advantage of a farmers market is freshness and quality. Protect your product from the blazing sun and consider using blemished produce in value-added products such as jams and pickles.
6. Share Stuff
Who doesn't love a freebie? Can you offer samples of your product? Or maybe some interesting recipes printed out on card stock to send home with your customers--this is especially useful if you are offering an unfamiliar product.
7. Converse
Engage with your customers. Learn who they are and what they are looking for. You are the difference between your customer's supermarket experience and their market experience. Let them see how much you enjoy what you do!
Happy Market Days!
Every success story begins with the first step--showing up. Quite likely the customers you see at the first market of the season will be there at the end of the season. Attending the local farmers market and supporting local food are important to your customers. If you are set up on a consistent basis with a quality product, your customers will look for you every week.
2. Critique Your Display
Does your display invite customers to stop and look at your product? Is it clean with no clutter? Be sure to get out from behind your display throughout the day to make sure it's looking its best.
3. Price it Right
Hopefully your customers are looking at your product first but secondly, they will look for price. Be sure to label everything clearly and consistently. Customers don't want to guess at prices and many won't ask!
4. What's Your Story
People can buy their produce anywhere but they come to their local market because they want to know where their food comes from--they want to know you--the farmer. Let them know why you are doing this and how you got here.
5. Only the Best
Again, people can buy their produce anywhere including their local supermarket but the advantage of a farmers market is freshness and quality. Protect your product from the blazing sun and consider using blemished produce in value-added products such as jams and pickles.
6. Share Stuff
Who doesn't love a freebie? Can you offer samples of your product? Or maybe some interesting recipes printed out on card stock to send home with your customers--this is especially useful if you are offering an unfamiliar product.
7. Converse
Engage with your customers. Learn who they are and what they are looking for. You are the difference between your customer's supermarket experience and their market experience. Let them see how much you enjoy what you do!
Happy Market Days!