Farmers' markets are growing in popularity and become a place used by many people to look for groceries. Shoppers love getting access to fresh groceries while meeting the producers face-to-face. If you like to grow crops or get into the agricultural business, you can grow your business rapidly by selling at farmers' markets. Find out the different segments of buyers around you and determine which one is the best to sell. After that, register your product. If selected, prepare your best product, create a flashy sales banner, and engage with customers. By leaving a good impression, you can get a lot of loyal customers for the products you sell.
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Part 1 of 4: Finding the Right Market
Step 1. Find a farmer's market near you
As a first step, find out if there is a farmer's market near you. If you already know the location of the nearest traditional market, you don't have to bother looking anymore. Apart from that, there are many options for finding this market.
- In the United States, the government maintains information on all farmers markets in the country. You can find it by typing your local postal code into the website
- You can also search for “farmers market near” the name of your city to find the location.
- You can go straight to the farmer's market, but remember that your produce must stay fresh when traveling long distances. If you have perishable products, look for the nearest market.
Step 2. Decide in which category you fit as a seller
Farmers' markets usually have a variety of sellers, ranging from farmers, artists, to beekeepers. The registration form will most likely require you to fill in a product category so that you can be placed in the right location. Find out what products you sell and what you want to bring to the market so that they fall into the right category.
- Commonly found categories are: producers, i.e. farmers and ranchers; value-added food, namely people who sell food with raw materials and local food ingredients; ready-to-eat food, namely for bakers and food sellers who use non-local food ingredients or ready-to-use food ingredients, and artisans, namely people who sell handicrafts.
- Some markets have specializations for certain sellers. Check if your chosen marketplace has specific seller preferences, or anyone is free to register.
Step 3. Compare farmer's markets that interest you
You may have several farmers' markets to choose from, and each offers different benefits. Think carefully about the pros and cons of each location to determine which market is best for you. For example, one marketplace may sell your product exclusively, but it is far away. Meanwhile, other markets are closer, but have higher selling rates. These factors should be taken into consideration when you make a decision.
- Keep things tidy by creating spreadsheets and entering relevant information about your chosen market. The information may include location, distance traveled, costs, and materials required to register.
- Pay attention to the costs demanded by each market. The essence of selling in the farmer's market is to make a profit. So, everything should be according to your budget. If not, your participation can actually make you lose.
Step 4. Prepare the required documents and send the form to the manager
All markets have their own registration process which is usually listed on their website. However, you are usually asked to complete several documents, such as a registration form, a copy of your selling license, proof of business insurance, and a seller's approval letter. Prepare all the necessary documents in advance before sending.
- You will need to register your farm business before registering with the farmer's market as most operators require that you have a legal business.
- Look for business insurance as your farm needs to be insured before it can sell products on the market.
- Keep in mind that every farmer's market has a registration deadline. If you pass it, you will have to wait until next year to re-register. Pay attention to the collection time and prepare the necessary documents for registration.
Step 5. Plan your trip to the market
Location is an important factor when choosing a farmer's market as you will be distributing perishable products. If you are traveling long distances, be sure to have a refrigerated truck ready to prevent spoiled food on the road. Spacing is also important because if you run out of supplies, you will have to restock them. If you have to travel 4 hours to your farm, this can be difficult.
- Also take into account the cost of transportation. Expensive gasoline prices can reduce your profits.
- In addition, also consider the travel time. Do you have to get up at 3 am every day to sell to the market? Are you ready to do that?
Step 6. Contact the market manager if you have any questions
Even if you have come directly to the market, you may still have questions. If so, don't hesitate to ask the manager. They are the ones responsible for keeping the market running smoothly and they will definitely want to answer the questions that are on your mind.
Market websites usually include a person's name and contact information, or the manager's phone number. Apart from that, ask clearly so that you get a clear answer too
Part 2 of 4: Preparing to Sell
Step 1. Find out your stall size
This information is very important because you will know how much inventory can be stored in the stall. Find out how much land you have so you can manage your inventory as needed.
- Farmers' markets generally measure 3x3 square meters. Use this size as a reference to determine how much you can carry.
- When you know the size of the stall, calculate how much inventory can be stored in the tent. You must be able to balance the number of products sold with a neat and orderly space management.
- Figuring out the ideal amount of your inventory is a process. You can look up data on the number of market visitors over the past year to estimate the number of customers you will get. Adjust the method used if necessary. For example, if your inventory runs out during the day, you can plan to bring more items the next day.
Step 2. Practice setting up and tearing down your tent
When selling, you have to look at disassembling the stall yourself. Make sure you know exactly how to arrange a stall and other equipment so that it is ready to sell without problems.
- The market usually has regulations on how to install tents for selling. Obey all applicable rules for mutual safety.
- Make sure everyone who helps you sell can also set up and remove the tent. If you get sick one day, you need to entrust the stall to someone else.
- In addition, make sure all the equipment used is functioning properly. If you're going to use a refrigerator, sink, or stove, practice setting them up and making sure they all work perfectly.
Step 3. Choose your best product to sell in the market
Regardless of what you're selling, you have to make customers see that your product is the best. Choose the products you want to sell carefully and get rid of any damaged or bad products.
If you're selling groceries, look for products that are bulky and brightly colored to grab the attention of shoppers. Wash the product under cold running water to make it shine
Part 3 of 4: Selling in the Market
Step 1. Come to the market on time
The farmer's market is open early in the morning, usually before 8am. Arrive before opening time so you have time to clean up. That way, your stall will be ready when customers start arriving.
Dress neatly. Read the weather report and be prepared. If the weather is sunny in the morning, but it rains in the afternoon, you should prepare yourself by bringing a raincoat that can be worn
Step 2. Arrange your booth to attract attention
There are many competitors in the farmers market. So you have to try hard to be different. Remember that selling at a farmer's market is a form of “advertising” for your business. When people like your product, your merchandise will be more in demand. Work hard to design your booth as attractively as possible so that customers will stop and see your products.
- Start by making a large, brightly colored sign. Include your farm name and business logo so all visitors can see who you are. Remember to comply with the regulations regarding the size of stall signs that may be posted.
- Use a smaller size to describe the uniqueness of your product. For example, “just picked this morning!” will appear more attractive to customers looking for fresh ingredients.
- Organize your products to look presentable in front of customers. Don't just put stuff down. This will make the stall look messy. Customers prefer neat stalls.
Step 3. Set the right price for your product
Pricing a product can be difficult at times, but it is very important. If the price is too high, the customer will leave. However, if the price is too low, you will lose. There are many things to consider when setting a price.
- Carefully calculate how much the production price of each product will be. After that, add the profit percentage to that price so you can make a profit.
- Look around the market and see if there are other sellers offering similar products. If the price you give is much higher than the competition, you will lose.
- Consider providing special prices for bulk buyers. For example, you can set a price of IDR 10,000 for every purchase of 0.45 kg or IDR 25,000 for 1.4 kg. This will make the customer buy more than usual.
Step 4. Communicate politely to all customers
Practice good customer service to earn your farm a good reputation. Greet all customers and speak politely. Always thank them when they come, even if they don't buy anything.
- It's good to have a warm chat with customers, but don't be long-winded because the conditions in the market are very busy. Other customers who want to buy something could be upset that you ignored them.
- Be friendly to other sellers! Even if you're competing with them, there's no reason not to be nice and polite to your neighbors.
Step 5. Get rid of products that are starting to look ugly
Your product inventory should look fresh throughout the day. Look closely at the product inventory and see if there are any products that look bad. Chocolate stains on groceries, for example, can drive customers away in search of something fresher.
- Keep a stockpile of spare products in your truck or at your stall. In this way, you can easily replace damaged product supplies.
- Consider selling old products at low prices to lure customers looking for discounts.
Step 6. Provide free samples where permitted
Giving away free samples is a powerful way to attract buyers' attention. If you sell food, try distributing small samples to demonstrate the quality of your product.
- Put on gloves and wash all food samples thoroughly before giving them to customers.
- Some farmers' markets don't allow you to share samples for hygiene and legal reasons. Do not do this if prohibited by the manager.
Step 7. Keep your money box in a safe place
You will earn a lot of cash from transactions at the farmers market. Record everything, especially what goes into the money box. Lock the box when not in use and do not leave it unattended. If you have to leave, leave the box with someone you trust.
- This is why you should always bring a partner or assistant to market. You can take turns guarding the stall and the money when one of you needs to eat or go to the bathroom.
- Also, be prepared to accept payment by credit or debit card, if allowed. Most people don't carry a lot of cash with you, and you could miss out on a profit opportunity if you don't accept debit or credit card payments.
Part 4 of 4: Get Bigger Profits Off-Market
Step 1. Distribute the business card in your booth
A beautifully designed business card can grab a visitor's attention and make them remember you. Leave a deck of cards in front of the booth so people can pick them up. In addition, place the cards in the shopping bag when the customer makes a purchase. This can keep happy customers with your product coming back.
- The business card should include your farm's name, address, contact information, and social media pages.
- Don't forget to design a good logo. If you can't design it, find a friend who can. You can also visit various websites, such as Fiverr, to find freelancers who can design your logo.
Step 2. Compile a list of email addresses
Building an email list is a powerful way to stay connected with customers. Leave a piece of paper on the counter so customers can write down their email address and name. Give it a catchy title like “Get our best deals!” Then, enter the email address you wrote down into a list.
- Use the email list to share promotions, offers, or activities on the farm.
- Don't overuse a list of email addresses. Limit sending email to a few times a month. Otherwise, people may get annoyed and block you.
Step 3. Ask customers to follow and share information about you on social media
Most of today's promotions are done through social media. Show them your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest pages and invite customers to post something to those accounts. If a customer takes a photo, ask them to tag your account.
Don't be shy about asking for customer reviews. This is your business. Advertise
Tips
- If you win an award for a product you sell, take it with you and flaunt it for everyone to see.
- You can sell more than one product in the marketplace, but you need a team to do it. Hire people you trust to open different stalls.
- Don't forget to bring food and water when selling at the market.
