| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| therusticcottage |
Posted - Dec 29 2007 : 8:58:09 PM
I've decided to take the leap and do the Battle Ground Farmer's market in 2008. It is a small (but in the 4th year and building a following) Saturday only market that runs from April 12th through October 18th. I am trying to decide how much to commit. I'd love to do it every Saturday. I am really working on building my business this next year. If you do any type of market would you mind sharing how often you do it?
I know that if you're there on a regular basis people will become familiar with you and look for you. I also work 5 days a week and I just don't want to over extend myself. But if I commit to at least 2 Saturdays a month then they will not bring in other soap vendors on the days that I'm there.
Just looking for some advice. Thanks.
My Etsy Shop http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
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PROUD FARMGIRL SISTER #100
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| 6 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Forrester Farm |
Posted - Jan 08 2008 : 1:59:09 PM
Kay,
I'm so excited that you will be doing that! I think that every Saturday is the best way to go too. It is quite a commitment, but customers start to expect to see you. I had someone cover for me twice last year. It was funny to hear how many people were looking for me on those weeks....and they told me all about it when I returned.
Will your daughter join you too? We added blueberries this past year and doubled our booth space. My husband and kids went every time while the berries were in season. It was so good for them to be a part of it!
Can't wait to hear more about your adventure!
Ann
http://annforrester.tohe.com |
| therusticcottage |
Posted - Dec 30 2007 : 6:27:01 PM
It is the same cost no matter how much I'm there. Also, if I commit to 24 Saturdays then I am guaranteed the same spot for my booth at each market. So I think I will do that. It will still give me a few days off during the summer. Thanks for the input.
My Etsy Shop http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
The Rustic Cottage Blog http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com
Farmgirl Flair Etsy Team http://farmgirlsonetsy.blogspot.com
PROUD FARMGIRL SISTER #100
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| nashbabe |
Posted - Dec 30 2007 : 10:21:19 AM
My guess is that with soap a couple times a month would be fine. You can be consistent about what weeks you are there and tell your customers what weeks you'll be there. Soap is not something they will need each week like vegetables so you will probably make just about as much being there every other week as you will make being there each week. You may want to compare the prices to have a spot there full time and what it would cost to just be there every other week, and perhaps it won't make a difference and you can tell the market manager when you'll be there and when you won't. Then perhaps if you get ambitious beyond that you can look for other markets as well. I have been doing a farmers market for several years now, and I sell candles, soaps, air fresheners, aprons, scarves, etc. It is better to be in different locations if you can with that kind of product as you need more groups of people seeing your product rather than the same group of people each day.
On the other hand, if the farmer's market is an enjoyable, relaxing time for you as much as it is a chance to make extra money, you may enjoy coming every week. Farmers' market vendors can be some of the nicest peeps around and your Saturdays may be a welcome respite from the week.
If you're new to doing this, I'd suggest a regular schedule that isn't every week, and then look for other sales opportunities as you are ready and interested. Hope that helps! :-)
Crunchy crafty goodness and psychoses...;-)http://nashbabe.blogspot.com
groovy stuff 2 buy...http://www.alittlesplurge.etsy.com |
| therusticcottage |
Posted - Dec 30 2007 : 10:03:52 AM
Thanks for the suggestions! And I my new apartment will only be 2 blocks away from the Market so gas will not be a problem! I could walk if I had to! My feeling was to do it every week but just want some other opinions.
Hugs,
Kay
My Etsy Shop http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
The Rustic Cottage Blog http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com
Farmgirl Flair Etsy Team http://farmgirlsonetsy.blogspot.com
PROUD FARMGIRL SISTER #100
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| Alee |
Posted - Dec 30 2007 : 07:13:33 AM
Kay-
I would suggest going every week. I know it can be draining, but as long as you take a chair with you, at least you can sit down while you are at the market.
I found that when I was selling my soaps and Milk Bath Powder at the Farmer's Market, that I got more business if I came on every week. I think sometimes people see your product but it isn't payday or they go home without it and then regret not buying it, so they return the next week wanting to get whatever it was that caught their eye- and if you aren't there then they will find someone else to buy from. I have had several people say "I saw you last week but didn't have a chance to drop by..."
During Farmer's Market season I actually end up enjoying sitting and watching the crowds and chatting with my customers. I find that actually can be very re-charging. I go home afterwards and take a nice hot bath and then kick back for the rest of the day and by Monday I are ready to go again! :D
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
Please come visit Nora and I our our new blog: http://FarmgirlAlee.blogspot.com |
| carmeniris |
Posted - Dec 30 2007 : 05:48:53 AM
Hi, Kay. I sell at a small farmer's market, that started last year, most Saturday and sometimes on Wednesdays (the two days it's open). I go on Wednesdays more to support the friends I've made there. We don't get much movement on that day. I also sell soaps along with some vegetables. I live just two blocks from there so gasoline is not much of an issue, for other people that is the number one thing eating up profits. |
