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Entrepreneurship:  Road Side Stand?  |
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sweetproserpina
True Blue Farmgirl
535 Posts
meg
Vinemount
Ontario
Canada
535 Posts |
 Posted - Aug 05 2008 : 08:05:44 AM
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Hi all,
I've decided I'm going to sell some pickles and things from the roadside (we're on a good road, and so many cars turn around in our driveway anyways!) but I need your advice..
What do you think will sell well? I'm planning on starting with dill pickles, maybe do some bread and butter pickles, and chile sauce. I'll also put out some of my needle crafts. Baked goods?
Any good tips for setting up a stand? Any of you girls have one?
Thanks!
-meg
"Isn't it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive--it's such an interesting world."
http://quaintandkeepinghouse.blogspot.com New Homekeeping Blog!
http://theprimroseway.blogspot.com/ |
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lacisne88
True Blue Farmgirl
1181 Posts
Chelsey
Lake Stevens
Washington
USA
1181 Posts |
Posted - Aug 05 2008 : 2:48:32 PM
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Hi Meg! I don't have a stand but that is such a great idea! I definitely think it would work, especially because you are on a good road with a lot of cars. I think the pickles are a good idea. I'm not quite sure what bread and butter pickles are. I definitely think that baked goods would sell! Any kind of baked item would be good to sell, from cookies, to brownies, to bread, chees twists, etc... the list can be endless. Have fun with it and let us know how it goes.
Chelsey
Farmgirl Sister #283
http://farmgirlpleasures.blogspot.com/ |
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electricdunce
True Blue Farmgirl
2544 Posts
Karin
Belmont
ME
USA
2544 Posts |
Posted - Aug 05 2008 : 3:30:35 PM
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Homemade bread and butter pickles are SO good, I don't know if I would bother with dill pickles, but that's just me. I'm sure whatever you put out there will fly off the stand, people are usually so excited to get something handmade...
Karin
Farmgirl Sister #153
"Give me shelter from the storm" - Bob Dylan
http://moodranch.blogspot.com
http://domesticnonsense.etsy.com |
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lilwing
True Blue Farmgirl
1403 Posts
Brooke
Fulshear
Texas
USA
1403 Posts |
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K-Falls Farmgirl
Chapter Leader
2096 Posts
Cheryl
Klamath Falls
Oregon
USA
2096 Posts |
Posted - Aug 06 2008 : 10:01:16 AM
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Good Luck Meg, I love roadside stands with any fresh homegrown produce,berries, jams, salsas & Love pickles of all kinds.
I think people who stop have a real taste for freshness and country love. We support many roadside stands throughout theyear , different seasons bring different products. * even Farm fresh eggs....you go girl!
Keep life simple, to Simply live. Life is too short to worry about it. |
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lilwing
True Blue Farmgirl
1403 Posts
Brooke
Fulshear
Texas
USA
1403 Posts |
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sweetproserpina
True Blue Farmgirl
535 Posts
meg
Vinemount
Ontario
Canada
535 Posts |
Posted - Aug 06 2008 : 10:22:26 AM
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Thanks for the encouragement girls! I was feeling abit out of my depth but I'm determined to make a go of it!
I'll take pictures when I've got it up and running, you girls are great :)
"Isn't it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive--it's such an interesting world."
http://quaintandkeepinghouse.blogspot.com New Homekeeping Blog!
http://theprimroseway.blogspot.com/ |
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Bear5
True Blue Farmgirl
13055 Posts
Louisiana/Texas
USA
13055 Posts |
Posted - Aug 06 2008 : 6:03:59 PM
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Hi Meg:
Lots of luck in your roadside stand. Keep us posted on how it goes. I ditto the bread and butter pickles. I'll buy them any time I see them. Also people will pick up any kind of hot sauce or hot tasting pickles, etc... Keep that in mind. Marly |
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deeredawn
True Blue Farmgirl
2306 Posts
Dawn
Cordova
TN
USA
2306 Posts |
Posted - Aug 07 2008 : 5:18:03 PM
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Hey Meg: we have a roadside stand here in Ohio. Your jars will sell for sure... I do fresh salsa, jams, and pickled eggs. People buy em like crazy. i also have my crafties for viewing pleasure as well, but they aren't great sellers. I am planning on hosting a Harvest Hop this fall to create more exposure...we have alot of Amish around that do the same thing, but i can't vouch for the cleanliness.....not a slam, I have a friend who "jumped the fence" as we say and left the order... and she's told me some doozies. Anyhow, farm markets are all the rage right now. Your HIP.
"I figure if a girl wants to be a legend, she should go ahead and be one!"...Calamity Jane
www.harvestthymefarm.com
Sister #279 (big grin!) |
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ruralfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
4309 Posts
Rene'
Prosser
WA
USA
4309 Posts |
Posted - Aug 07 2008 : 10:04:47 PM
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Meg,
What a fun idea! I hope for you great success..I personally love road side stands and stop at everyone I come across. I think they are just jewels...
Rene~Prosser Farmgirl #185
"Despite the gardener's best intentions, Nature will improvise. ~Michael P. Garafalo
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sweetproserpina
True Blue Farmgirl
535 Posts
meg
Vinemount
Ontario
Canada
535 Posts |
Posted - Aug 08 2008 : 3:18:11 PM
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Yay!
Well girls, I made another 2 dozen jars of dills today, and I'm making Nana's chile sauce tomorrow morning. I think I'll be ready to go on Sunday! I've decided to start with chile sauce, dill pickles, cinnamon buns, and my sewy stuff - tea cosies and pinkeeps. Keep your fingers crossed for me :)
"Isn't it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive--it's such an interesting world."
http://quaintandkeepinghouse.blogspot.com New Homekeeping Blog!
http://theprimroseway.blogspot.com/ |
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lacisne88
True Blue Farmgirl
1181 Posts
Chelsey
Lake Stevens
Washington
USA
1181 Posts |
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LeslieAnne
True Blue Farmgirl
71 Posts
LeslieAnne
Shallowater
Texas
USA
71 Posts |
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craftychick06
True Blue Farmgirl
71 Posts
Darlene
fennville
Mi
USA
71 Posts |
Posted - Aug 11 2008 : 6:41:27 PM
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Not to burst your bubble Meg by no means just KNOW your state laws!! We went thru a big big stressful mess a couple of years ago with our little stand!! NO BAKED or CANNED goods are allowed in MI without proper kitchen use and knowledge of canning and proper licensing. Now i know it sounds like i am being nasty but believe me i am trying to save you the worry of what i went thru!! plus there are fines now and if you dont comply with department of ag rules they can and will prevent you from ever gettin your food license. I was so scared because i wasnt aware of these laws before putting some baked goods in our stand and salsas but we learned by recieving a nasty SPECIAL INCIDENT REPORT posted in our farmstand and a sign stating we are not licensed by the state and that there will be an investigation. When i got home and found this my heart stopped!! I can fill you in on everything if you wanna email me but it was scary!!
So please before anyone says anything or if you are already licensed by the state this is just an FYI message and i do wish you the best of luck with your new adventure!! we have had a super season at market with our jams/jellies and baked goods and have actually gotten a couple of local restraunts calling for deserts, we have seen a huge influx at the 2 markets we attend and it is getting bigger every year. AND what a way to get your name out there!!
GOOD LUCK!!
**LIVE LIFE JOYFULLY** |
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sweetproserpina
True Blue Farmgirl
535 Posts
meg
Vinemount
Ontario
Canada
535 Posts |
Posted - Aug 12 2008 : 06:21:25 AM
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Thanks Darlene!
Don't worry, I researched it all out before I started. I was worried about regulations etc. especially because it's a canned product. Here in Ontario we have a 'farm gate' exception. So if you sell it at the roadside on your property it's all right, but if you sell it at a farmer's market, down the street, to a restaurant etc. it's a whole 'nother story. Then you have to be inspected and so forth. However, there is a big push here to get 'farm gate' exemption at farmer's markets too, since the idea of it is simply to get a whole bunch of 'farmgates' together in one place for the convenience of the customer.
We live smack dab in the middle of a huge fruit producing area, so we see lots of similar stands on a daily basis, my grandpa who lived in our house before me always used to sell at our roadside :)
Had the sign out yesterday but no buyers :( Must be patient I guess!
"Isn't it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive--it's such an interesting world."
http://quaintandkeepinghouse.blogspot.com New Homekeeping Blog!
http://theprimroseway.blogspot.com/ |
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craftychick06
True Blue Farmgirl
71 Posts
Darlene
fennville
Mi
USA
71 Posts |
Posted - Aug 13 2008 : 12:23:41 PM
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SO you are open~~~ YEAH~~
I am a big advocate as well as you guys in getting the word out about roadside markets/farm markets and am so happy to see it advertised on tv more now to buy local!!! Why should people go to grocery stores to buy produce when it is so available!!! You are among the elete in taking the plunge and selling good for you!!! WOW! Our rules are so dang strict almost too much so but when you deal with peoples food i understand totally but geeeezzzzzzzzze we went thru alot to get a kitchen and then be licensed. You know our inspector came out and made me make a batch of jam for him so he can see i know what i am doing!! also had to show him the proper way to wash hands~~ I work in a hospital and thank goodness flew thru handwashing 101~~~LOL
BEST OF LUCK TO YOU WITH YOUR MARKET~~
**LIVE LIFE JOYFULLY** |
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lacisne88
True Blue Farmgirl
1181 Posts
Chelsey
Lake Stevens
Washington
USA
1181 Posts |
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NatureNymph
True Blue Farmgirl
73 Posts
Tracy
Barrie
Ontario
Canada
73 Posts |
Posted - Sep 14 2008 : 11:24:13 AM
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Sounds great! What part of Ontario are you in? We live near Barrie and Blue Mountain (Meaford/Thonrbury) has a huge amount of farm gate businesses...mostly apples and related products. We got there every year for our apples. I didn't realize that about our laws here. Will you apply for a license to sell at farm markets later on?
As for dill pickle or bread and butter...Mmm! I love 'em both.
"Everybody likes to go their own way--to choose their own time and manner of devotion." Jane Austen, Mansfield Park |
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sweetproserpina
True Blue Farmgirl
535 Posts
meg
Vinemount
Ontario
Canada
535 Posts |
Posted - Sep 15 2008 : 06:53:40 AM
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Hi Tracy! Glad to see another ontario farmgirl 'round here :) I'm down near Hamilton/Stoney Creek, just up on the Escarpment.
I've had my little table out on the roadside as often as I can (it's been hard with all the rain we've been having) and I've sold quite a few jars of dills and chili sauce. I think I'm going go 'glean' the orchard and see if I can't sell some pears that the pickers missed at the roadside too.
I don't think I'll be trying for the farmer's market next year. Right now, it's enough to try and get all the home canning done that needs doing and next year I want to ramp it up even more!
"Isn't it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive--it's such an interesting world."
http://quaintandkeepinghouse.blogspot.com New Homekeeping Blog!
http://theprimroseway.blogspot.com/ |
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Contrary Wife
True Blue Farmgirl
2164 Posts
Teresa Sue
Tekoa
WA
USA
2164 Posts |
Posted - Sep 15 2008 : 07:02:23 AM
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Good for you, real food for real people is what I say and you're making real food available to people.
wish you success,
Teresa Sue
Teresa Sue
Farmgirl Sister #316
"Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly." The Dalai Lama |
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NatureNymph
True Blue Farmgirl
73 Posts
Tracy
Barrie
Ontario
Canada
73 Posts |
Posted - Sep 19 2008 : 07:25:11 AM
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I grew up in Cambridge...but am now near Barrie. We're moving to PEI though where land is cheaper.
There will always be a demand for food. That is something people will always need, no matter what happens. That's the way I look at it. Good luck with your stand. I'm sure you will do well.
"Everybody likes to go their own way--to choose their own time and manner of devotion." Jane Austen, Mansfield Park |
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knittingmomma
True Blue Farmgirl
106 Posts
Tonya
Vermont
106 Posts |
Posted - Sep 19 2008 : 08:03:03 AM
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My husband built us a small stand and we have had great success with tomatoes, cucumbers, home baked cookies, peppers, carrots, squash, some lettuce and kale. I added curtains, a table cloth and make nice cards labeling each item. We just have an honor jar for the money.
we live on a dirt road and still have had over $500 in sales with just a small amount of produce available. Next year, we plan to double our farm size.
Blessings with yours. I know one of the best parts has been meeting people. Oh, and the odd thing we have found is that 90% of the people that stop are men.
Warm wishes,
Tonya - Mom of 6
Natural Earth Farm - Natural, Handmade Toys and Home Goods http://www.naturalearthfarm.com |
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pmorello
True Blue Farmgirl
56 Posts
Patricia
Montgomery
NY
USA
56 Posts |
Posted - Sep 27 2008 : 4:12:46 PM
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A good way to get your name out locally, that has worked for me, is to print up or hand print lots of little index cards with the info and the address. I put them on every bulletin board (yup, even outside the supermarket) within 30 miles. Whenever I stop for gas, up goes another one. There's usually community boards all over (at least in my corner of the world), also in the schools.
Pat |
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
Posted - Sep 27 2008 : 6:29:43 PM
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Meg - what a wonderful idea! This is always what I wanted to do when we lived in the country. All you canned goods would sell as well as fresh stuff. I love to stop and buy from these kinds of places.
Handmade Soap and More! - http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
The Rustic Cottage Blog http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com
PROUD FARMGIRL SISTER #100 |
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sweetproserpina
True Blue Farmgirl
535 Posts
meg
Vinemount
Ontario
Canada
535 Posts |
Posted - Sep 27 2008 : 7:54:27 PM
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Would you believe ladies I'm almost all sold out of my pickles and chili sauce! And I've even gotten feedback from a few of the folks that picked up a jar or two. The guy who delivers our water had them when company came over and they were great, one of the 'car guys' emailed my fella to say they reminded him of his grandma's pickles. So neat!
I'm trying to get into a weekend church bazaar in November to sell. The lady my mum talked to sounded really pleased to have me (she was happy I wasn't selling jewelry, lol). I have to get a form from the health department to sell my pickles/jellies etc. off farm, but it sounds pretty easy from what was said. Now, I just need to get a hold of a few more bushels of cukes and I'm raring to go :)
Patricia- great idea about the cards! I think I may have to do that next season :)
"Isn't it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive--it's such an interesting world."
http://quaintandkeepinghouse.blogspot.com New Homekeeping Blog!
http://theprimroseway.blogspot.com/ |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
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Entrepreneurship: Road Side Stand? |
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Road Side Stand?
