FARMERS' MARKETS

By far the largest percentage of our sales come from farmer's markets.​

Pro's:​

• Very sifted group of shoppers attend this venue each week.​
• People here want what you have or they wouldn't give up their Saturday morning to shop in this fashion.​
• Open 50 weeks out of the year.​
• Gives you access to literally thousands of unique customers.​
• New customers show up every week.​
• Many customers developed here become bulk customers.​
• Customers are genuinely interested in speaking with the farmer and learning how they raise the food they are selling.​
• You get the full retail value for your product.​
• A well run market will be vibrant and very worthwhile to attend.​
• Benefits of networking with other farmers and businesses.​

Con's:​

• There are no guaranteed sales.​
• Weather can be your friend or your enemy!​
• A four hour market is usually about a 9 hour investment of time.​
• It's hard to “pay yourself” for this time (in my mind).​
• You will most likely have to hire help to cover the farm while you attend the market.​
• Hiring help to cover a market generally does not produce good sales results.​
• You will find politics very much at play in the farmer's market scene.​
• Management changes can devastating.  ​
• When you get home from the market, it's time to go to work!​
• Can have a negative affect on family activities and personal social interactions.​
• In the end, this is a “retail” outlet.​