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Entrepreneurship:  New ideas for Farmer's Market  |
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Thistlewoodmanor
True Blue Farmgirl
51 Posts
Deb
Geneva
IA
USA
51 Posts |
 Posted - Aug 13 2005 : 4:42:52 PM
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I've been selling vegetables and baked goods at Farmer's market and doing ok, but could be better. One thing I've noticed is that alot of our customers are senior citizens, and are looking for diabetic friendly baked goods, which no one sells. So, I want to start making them and am looking for good recipes.
The second thing I've noticed is that we only have about 100 people show up for Market, in a town of 4,500. Mostly older people. What can I do to encourage more people to come out? I did write a letter to the editor which all the vendors really liked, and a few people came that week prompted by my letter; but people tell me they forget, or don't have cash......so any suggestions?
Thanks!
Deb
http://www.home.earthlink.net/~annavon431/ |
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Clare
True Blue Farmgirl
2173 Posts
NC WA State
USA
2173 Posts |
Posted - Aug 13 2005 : 5:37:58 PM
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Does your farmers' market have someone who oversees it? They should be doing public service announcements, getting on the radio to be interviewed about the program and vendors. Putting fliers in the health food store and senior centers or any other likely places would be helpful, too.
**** Love is the great work - though every heart is first an apprentice. - Hafiz
Set a high value on spontaneous kindness. - Samuel Johnson****
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Thistlewoodmanor
True Blue Farmgirl
51 Posts
Deb
Geneva
IA
USA
51 Posts |
Posted - Aug 13 2005 : 7:50:37 PM
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Yes, it is part of the Iowa Extension service. There are signs up all day of market day, and it's in the paper every week. Which is why it surprises me that more people don't come.
http://www.home.earthlink.net/~annavon431/ |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Aug 14 2005 : 12:00:56 AM
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If you want to help you stand grow, you could print off some cheap dated coupons to give out like 25% off or what ever-
Then you could give them to your customers when they come by and give them a few extra to hand out. That might help bring more people in. I have noticed that if people have an incentive to come they are more likely to come rather than just out of curiosity.
Ciao
Alee
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BlueEggBabe
True Blue Farmgirl
417 Posts
Susan
PA
417 Posts |
Posted - Aug 14 2005 : 03:43:14 AM
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Deb,
I sell my things at a farmer's market every Saturday, too.
Not sure how new your market is, but here, local grower markets are slowly making a comeback ....
Our market is 3-4 years old but really struggled to get going.
However, they have really promoted the idea of buying local, supporting organic farmer's, etc. and people are starting to get it.
I have sent a link to our market to give you an idea of the monthly promotions, festivals, children's activities,newsletters,recipes, etc.
I just takes time, patience and mostly,word of mouth advertising.
I found that featuring something different in my booth every week or giving out a free recipe every week brings people back.
Anyway, I hope the website gives you some ideas that are useful.
www.phoenixvillefarmersmarket.org
Sue
"If more of us valued good food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world place."
J.J.R.Tolkien |
Edited by - BlueEggBabe on Aug 14 2005 03:46:13 AM |
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kydeere40744
True Blue Farmgirl
1132 Posts
Jessica
Kentucky
USA
1132 Posts |
Posted - Aug 14 2005 : 09:25:54 AM
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The Lexington Farmer's Market has really taken off recently. Does a local radio talk show have a "gardening" segment or something with homemaking? They have a "Farmer's Market Segment" with one of the vendors who tells about the farmer's market and even gives advice on how to grow different things.
They also have activities at the farmer's market, such as children's tables to keep them active there while the parent's shop & musicians to entertain the crowd (they play for tips). They have a HUGE advertisement in our Friday paper telling that they are open on Saturdays.
Their website is www.lexingtonfarmersmarket.com and they have increased the number of days they are selling as well. Also, find out if the extension office in your county has a farm field day and see if the farmer's market could set up a booth that advertises the market with sample products so that the community will know about it, plus farmers that are interested in it also know how to get involved.
That is an EXCELLENT idea with the diabetic friendly products. In the health concious world we live in today, everybody is looking for fresh and healthy products. You could also have a brochure or a flyer with sample recipes with your products.
Does your State Department of Agriculture have a directory of other farmer's markets in your state? You could also pay a visit to them and see what is different with theirs compared to yours and get in contact with the people in charge and network your ideas.
Do you have a health food store in town? See if they will assist in putting up flyers about your farmer's market.
I hope this information helps! :-)
Jessica~Miss Wilma's Niece
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Thistlewoodmanor
True Blue Farmgirl
51 Posts
Deb
Geneva
IA
USA
51 Posts |
Posted - Aug 14 2005 : 5:23:08 PM
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Thanks! No health food store in town (I'd like to start one, but that's another story....) However, I really like the coupon idea, and I have several friends who are business owners who would put them on the counter for me...that would draw in some new people. I like the idea of a booklet featuring farmer's markets in the state....I found one for MN when I visited my mom this week. I'm going to suggest it to our extension agent as I don't know of such a thing for North Iowa.
http://www.home.earthlink.net/~annavon431/ |
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Photobugs
True Blue Farmgirl
363 Posts
Pamela
Post Falls
Idaho
USA
363 Posts |
Posted - Aug 16 2005 : 6:30:25 PM
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Out little town (well it's not so little anymore), but anyway, a Farmer's Market has been trying to get going. They tried to have it in the library parking lot last year. But I went and it was a dud. I found no veggies, or little to none. But they ahve moved and when I went two weeks ago I got ther just as the vendors were leaving and bought some veggies. My problems is that I forget...which is pretty bad as I get up early to go yard saling every Friday and Saturday. So I am already out and about. I need some kind of draw that makes me want to go so badly I won't forget. Like big signs all over town to get my brain to remember it! They are even offering the booths to vendors for free to get the interest up.
The market in Coeur d' Alene does very well. It is or neighboring town. It has been successful for many years. Many of the vendors have a following. I think they have just perservered (Sp?)and stuck it out and now it has paid off.
Pamela
"I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!" |
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Thistlewoodmanor
True Blue Farmgirl
51 Posts
Deb
Geneva
IA
USA
51 Posts |
Posted - Aug 17 2005 : 08:36:45 AM
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Well, I gave out almost 100 coupons Monday and not a single one was returned last night at market. Sigh...... We had a really slow night, maybe 50 people came. There were 12 vendors, with a large variety of veggies and fruits and baked goods. There were signs up downtown... the big one is up all day and 3 smaller ones are up all the time. There were tomatoes, summer squash, onions, beets, zucchini, apples, peppers, pies, cakes, breads, rolls......
So what does it take to get people there? Don't they eat???
http://www.home.earthlink.net/~annavon431/ |
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lurban
True Blue Farmgirl
61 Posts
Vermont
61 Posts |
Posted - Aug 17 2005 : 09:09:05 AM
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This must be so discouraging.
Here are some other ideas:
Are there musicians who can play at the market? In particular, are there young musicians whose parents would come out to see there kids perform and maybe buy stuff while they are there? Think about music schools in the area -- would any of them want to give an open air performance? It would be good advertising for their students too.
Are there other businesses that might be able to cooperate in a similar way? Since it is an evening farmer's market, what about a storytime put on by a local independent bookstore? Would they promote the event and market to their customers?
Ads in the local paper aren't as effective as articles. Has your farmer's market been written up recently? Could you invite a reporter to share your booth next week and do a story on the experience? Is there a local radio station that might do the same? Listings in church papers can help, too.
Is the location of your farmer's market readily apparent to everyone? Do people know where to park? Sometimes simple signage can help folks to get over the tiny hurdles that stop them from checking something out. And don't be afraid to use the methods perfected by fundraising carwashers everywhere -- people (esp. cute girls or kids) with signs waving people to your location.
Can you make one week really special? Is there something really neat about your town that you can capitalize on and create a festival atmosphere around it? A crop that your area specializes in (lets say pumpkins) that you can build an event around? Pumpkin pie bakeoffs? Pumpkin carving contests? Pumpkin hurling? A Pumpkin princess? Photos in a pumpkin patch display for kids? Pumpkin storytime? Pumpkin look-alike contests? Pumpkin percussionists? You may be able to get more publicity for such an event and then you can use the event to "teach" people about your site location and the kinds of things your farmer's market carries?
A bigger question: who is your competition? Are the folks in your town buying their produce at a grocery store? At farmstands during the week? At Walmart? Or do they grow most of what they want in their own gardens? Once you know this, you may be able to position your market to take advantage of whatever it is that your competition can't provide, whether that is diabetic products, organics, baked goods or a fun place to go on a Tuesday night.
I've rambled enough. Hope something here helps. |
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MBurns
True Blue Farmgirl
1852 Posts
Marlene
Swisher
IA
USA
1852 Posts |
Posted - Aug 17 2005 : 12:39:05 PM
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Where is Geneva, Iowa? I live between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City. Cedar Rapids has several farmers markets and they are two early evenings and on Sat mornings early 6-10. The sat ones are so crowded
you have to wait to park. They have a huge variety of things like hand made potholders, doilys,jewelery, baked goods-pies and cakes, cookies and rolls and jellies and jams and kolaches (very popular) and all kinds of breads- fresh produce most popular is tomatoes and plants to plant like herbs and flowers and soaps and teas, and fresh flowers which really go fast, fresh popcorn. There aren't any coupons but it is advertised widely. They need fresh coffee to go with the rolls. People do use food stamps also. Location is a big things I think. Many vendors where I go will give you extra tomatoes or sometimes they will do a buy 1 get 1 free. A theme like pumpkins is a good idea with fall coming. |
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Thistlewoodmanor
True Blue Farmgirl
51 Posts
Deb
Geneva
IA
USA
51 Posts |
Posted - Aug 17 2005 : 1:24:55 PM
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Hi again. Those are some great ideas! We are a small town, about 4,500 people, and the only shops are specialty or gift shops. Only one grocery store in town. We do have some vendors who bring guitars and play and sing, but maybe some outside music would be good. I asked the local newspaper to write us up, but they haven't yet.
Marlene, Geneva is southeast of Hampton, which is where the market is. The other vendors are disappointed too, and say it wasn't always like this. They are talking of pulling out and going to other towns for market, which would be sad for Hampton. |
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bramble
True Blue Farmgirl
2044 Posts
2044 Posts |
Posted - Aug 17 2005 : 2:22:33 PM
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Deb- Is your farm market in a central location, with good parking and some way to have "curb appeal"? Our main one is a garage like structure where the vendors can pull up their trucks and the doors to unload. The inside has paved aisles that you can stroll along to check what everyone has before you decide to buy!It does not have alot of curb appeal and many people are drawn to the more quaint farm stands all over the county. The one exception I can think of is the "farm market" that they have one day of the week in front of a small coffee shop in Hopewell. The farmers that come there bring very nice products and usually something gourmet to discover that you might not have found at the big market.What are you selling? Can you package it in a way that stands out from everyone else's? Is your display multi leveled? Cover some boxes with vintage tableclothes and sell flowers from canning jars.Put fat herb bunches in colorful tomato cans. Make whatever you have to sell look like it is the cream of the crop. After many years at street fairs and artisan shows, getting someone to look is the first step and I won a few best in shows for my display and I almost always did well even when other vendors were complaining. Maybe you have to set up in a location where the money flows more freely, sadly seniors will not be your best customers.Good luck!
with a happy heart |
Edited by - bramble on Aug 17 2005 2:29:21 PM |
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Clare
True Blue Farmgirl
2173 Posts
NC WA State
USA
2173 Posts |
Posted - Aug 17 2005 : 2:52:42 PM
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Excellent ideas, Bramble! You are a wealth of experience!
Ours is held in a parking lot at the riverfront park. They do have several signs placed stratically at major intersections to direct new people there. The each bring their own canopy if they desire shade.
I walked through our farmer's market today and saw several interesting vendors...in addition to the produce vendors (of whom only one said organic!)... one lady had made the cutest bird feeders from old plates on the bottom, glued or drilled (not sure) an aluminum feeder (ala the feed store) to the plate.. this had a jar size opening in the center, to which she screwed in canning jars, and topped that with an old bowl or a dish with curved edges turned down to shed the water and wire hanger with beads on it. They were the cutest things selling from 45-60 dollars each.
Then another creative lady welded old farm machinery and garden tool parts together to create all sorts of wonderful yard art objects. Too cute! Range in price was $15-$150.
Last week there was an apron/sewing vendor lady there. Her aprons were smock pullover reversible types selling for $12 each, which I thought was a bit low. She had about 50 lined up there, which I thought was maybe a few too many (looked like she never sold any).
What I observed is that most of the produce vendors were not very creative with their displays. I think Bramble's ideas would help them out alot. Some of them didn't even have displays. One farm worker came in with a pickup truck load of cantelope and corn on the cob. I followed him in early and when I went back on my lunch break, he was about half empty. I guess he was doing ok for not having any marketing skills... (I hope he spoke English).
I think there is a big learning curve to this direct selling/marketing niche.
**** Love is the great work - though every heart is first an apprentice. - Hafiz
Set a high value on spontaneous kindness. - Samuel Johnson****
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Thistlewoodmanor
True Blue Farmgirl
51 Posts
Deb
Geneva
IA
USA
51 Posts |
Posted - Aug 17 2005 : 4:56:39 PM
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| Clare and Bramble, thanks for the marketing ideas. All the vendors have complained of it being slow this year, but nobody really does any displays, so I could shine there. Everybody sells out of the back of their truck or on card tables. Nothing fancy. We are in a grassy park on the corner of main street with parking on two sides. It's quite easy for customers to walk up and down each side to see everyone's items. No one else has any craft/artsy items. I have been bringing my tote bags and small quilts, but they are pretty much ignored. Several of us have brought fresh herbs, but they don't sell. However, I have sold alot of bags of fresh catnip for $1 each....it grows as a weed out here on the farm! |
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JoyIowa
True Blue Farmgirl
273 Posts
Joy
273 Posts |
Posted - Aug 18 2005 : 4:55:00 PM
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Deb,
There is a booklet published each spring in Iowa regarding Farmer's Markets in the state. Check to see that Hampton is listed, ours wasn't for a couple of years. Also, if you make an acordian room divider and put either pegboard or nails on it, and use it to hang a banner (Neatly painted on a hemmed piece of fabric would do it)across the top and then hand some of your veggies on the pegs or nails, it might help you distance yourself from the others. A friend of mine started this about a month ago, and realized almost double sales since then. Go figure. Have you thought about making catnip mice? taking a triangle of cloth, sewing on long piece of yarn for a tail, folding it in half and sewing down the long side, add a painted eye and stuff it with dried catnip? Also catnip scratching boxes are really big here: a beverage flat packed with strips of cardboard laying so that the /\/\/\/\/\/\/ is up and sprinkled with catnip? These cost literally nothing to make and the young ladies that make sell them here get $10 each!!!! If you have a rotary cutter, ruler, and mat cutting the strips wouldn't be a big deal either.
Good Luck!
If it's not illegal, unsafe, or immoral, why not try anything once? Who knows? You may come back for a second helping! |
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kydeere40744
True Blue Farmgirl
1132 Posts
Jessica
Kentucky
USA
1132 Posts |
Posted - Aug 18 2005 : 6:58:22 PM
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Deb,
I just realized something...am I correct, is your market at night? That may be one reason why it is slow. Families are usually going out doing night activities (movies, shopping, bowling, etc). The one here in Lexington starts bright and early in the morning (about 7 I think) and goes until about noon or so. Folks are already out looking for bargains yard selling, thus they would be willing to get stuff that early too. Plus, there is a huge advantage of getting that farm fresh product and cooking/eating today compared to tommorrow.
Ya'll have so many ideas indeed! We have such a creative group!! :-)
Jessica~Miss Wilma's Niece
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Thistlewoodmanor
True Blue Farmgirl
51 Posts
Deb
Geneva
IA
USA
51 Posts |
Posted - Aug 18 2005 : 8:31:43 PM
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Yes, it's 5-7 pm, Tues and Friday. I don't know that I can do anything about the times, it's set by the Iowa Extension office that sponsors it. I might ask tho. Or I could ask if any of the vendors are interested in trying a Sat. morning at another location. Most of them go to Iowa Falls or Cedar Falls on Sat. morning to sell and say they do well at those.
Joy, thanks for the great ideas, I like the catnip mice one esp! I will have to think on the accordion divider one, our cars are parked 2 feet apart on each side, so there's not much space for more than a long table.
http://www.home.earthlink.net/~annavon431/ |
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TwoWildflowers
Farmgirl in Training
25 Posts
Kathleen
Penn Valley
Ca
USA
25 Posts |
Posted - Aug 18 2005 : 9:58:16 PM
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Dear Deb,
I read with interest your quest for diabetic friendly baked goods. If I can help you let me know. Not only do I have a diabetic son who has had diabetes since he was 3 (Now 24) but I am also a Home Economist. This web site you might find helpful with your baking since it has excellent hints on reducing fat and sugar content of foods. One thing I have learned: when a diet is restricted out of health requirements, presentation of the food is extremely important!
http://www.fitnessandfreebies.com/food/articles/holidaybaking.html
Kathleen
Friends are my flowers in the garden of life |
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Kim
True Blue Farmgirl
146 Posts
Kim
Pflugerville
Texas
USA
146 Posts |
Posted - Aug 19 2005 : 06:09:32 AM
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What I wouldn't give for an evening Farmers Market! All the ones in my area are during the day and I work! 
farmgirl@heart
Be at peace with yourself and the rest will follow |
Edited by - Kim on Aug 19 2005 06:09:57 AM |
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Thistlewoodmanor
True Blue Farmgirl
51 Posts
Deb
Geneva
IA
USA
51 Posts |
Posted - Aug 19 2005 : 1:20:18 PM
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Thanks Kathleen! I started with sugar free peach and apple pies this week using Splenda. I also made sugar free orange rolls using splenda in the dough (1 tsp of sugar to feed the yeast) and sugar free orange marmalade. They are yummy!
http://www.home.earthlink.net/~annavon431/ |
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teresa
Farmgirl in Training
17 Posts
teresa
marysville
wa
USA
17 Posts |
Posted - Aug 21 2005 : 06:58:33 AM
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No ideas here but I was surprised that so many of the states some of you are from aren't really popular for Farmers Markets. I'm from Washington state, Seattle area and Farmers Markets are soooo popular all over around here! Maybe because alot of people  don't grow their own fruits and veggies? Anyways, good luck!
The best is yet to come! |
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cookinkaren
Farmgirl at Heart
5 Posts
Karen
Troy
North Carolina
5 Posts |
Posted - Aug 24 2005 : 5:47:17 PM
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I have a couple of ideas. My family has a produce stand(25 years).
* Have a sign: Special Today.
* Let customers taste a sample of....
*Use red anywhere you can. It drows the eye!!
*Instead of table lining the road make the table line a "u" where the customers have to walk into your space. That way they don't walk to fast passed you!!
*MAKE BIG DISPLAYS. If you have to put something in the bottom of the baskets to raise the the produce up.
*My family sends out a weekly e-mail to customers letting them know whats in this week.attach is a recipe!!!
*Have something that smells good. We pop popcorn, roast p-nuts, in the winter we spray orange scents to sell our citrus!!!
Hope this Helps,
Karen
www.pamperedchef.biz/karensaunders
Sept. 1 You can order from my site!!
10% off to ALL Farmgirls. E-mail for Details. Thanks EVERYONE!!!!!!!! |
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mellaisbella
True Blue Farmgirl
1862 Posts
melanie
living on Anne of Green
Gables land
Canada
1862 Posts |
Posted - Sep 05 2005 : 07:12:19 AM
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Wow!! all of the ideas here are just fantastic. My question would be, are there any colleges/universities close by? Our farmers market is near both and "starving" students seem to be on the look out for healthy produce as they like to know where there food is coming from. And perhaps they could tell two friends and they'll tell two friends......
"I wanna touch the earth, I want to break it in my hands, I want to grow something wild and unruly" |
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potterygirl
Farmgirl in Training
14 Posts
Tracy
Ironton
Missouri
USA
14 Posts |
Posted - Sep 17 2005 : 07:22:41 AM
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I realize that no one has been on this chat for a little bit, although, I have read through each and everyones concerns and ideas! Great thoughts!!! In our little town located in Missouri, we have never had a big market...this year and last there was nothing. All summer long I have thought about trying to get the Market up and going but, never seem to have the time. There is always next year to get things up and going and allow myself the winter to try and get more people involved and to get organized. After reading all of your messages I am very interested and hope to put this even top of my list for next year!! I do hope each of you keep writing how the last month has gone.
Tracy |
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SDPogue
Farmgirl in Training
27 Posts
Sara
Pullman
Washington
USA
27 Posts |
Posted - Sep 18 2005 : 1:35:10 PM
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We were vendors at our local farmer's market - it had problems too. I think that you have to give it time and let it build and don't get discouraged.
I wanted to go back to your diabetic recipes. We have a permit to do baked goods and quite often I make sure we have a diabetic friendly something every week. We have lots of recipes we use and some tricks if you are interested. I am just not sure this is the best topic to share them.
Sara
See what I have been up to in my community. www.geocities.com/sdpogue |
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Entrepreneurship: New ideas for Farmer's Market |
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New ideas for Farmer's Market
