This past summer of 2018 was my first season as a farmers market vendor. Boy, was that a learning curve. I had read so many articles and seen so many tips on how to be a successful vendor, but even so, I’ve learned so much this year.
Here are seven lessons that I learned:
1. I have learned to assume that nobody will notice my signs. I’m glad I paid attention to the numerous articles that screamed “signage, signage, signage”. But many people just don’t see them. Remember: the signs are only there for the introverts who study from afar and then pop over to make a quick purchase with as little interaction as possible.
2. An actual cashbox pays for itself. It’s just really handy – trust me on this one.
3. Keep the selection of meat cuts simple. For the first year, I went with a “bring as wide a variety as possible” approach when it came to cuts of beef. And honestly? I’m glad I did. Now I know what’s popular and what’s most price effective. But in 2019, I’ll try to keep it to a pretty small selection. For example, while Flat-Iron is a specialty cut, I’ll still offer it. People here like it. But Denver steak? No thanks, not in Greene County!
4. Give out samples. I never gave out samples to try at the market (unless it was something simple like cherry tomatoes or blueberries), but instead I would give out a sample to take home. If someone had never tried a lemon cucumber before, I’d give them one to take home. People remember these things. I had many
customers come back again and again to buy more of what I gave them (and eventually other products).
5. Speaking of lemon cucumbers, grow crazy stuff… but be ready to teach! People like to learn, and like to try new things.
6. On the other hand, I learned that crazy stuff sells best if it’s recognizable. Currant tomatoes (“These are just miniature tomatoes”) are a hit, where as squash blossoms (“Well, these are…”) take some convincing.
7. Offer at least one thing consistently each week. The inspiration for this one struck when I was reading a cooking magazine. The author described how she couldn’t resist this one vendor who had a pile of radishes each week. Aha! I chose herbs. By the end of the market I was surprised at how well the consistency paid off.
At the end of the year, I’m glad that I read those all those articles on successful marketing. But I never felt completely prepared, and now I realize that’s fine. I still don’t feel completely prepared! Who cares? Just dive in – experience is the best teacher.
This is really helpful, thanks!