Determining what price to put on your produce is certainly hard enough, but putting some price on your produce is itself an important aid to selling. No matter how appealing your display, how luscious looking and tempting, by not displaying a price on it you are losing sales. There are shoppers who may like the […]
November 2014
Who says, “Eggs is eggs?”
November 28, 2014 CategoriesThat was my response in 1987 when a customer remarked that my eggs were too expensive; that supermarket eggs were less than a dollar a dozen, and that, after all, “eggs is eggs.” I marveled at the wisdom embedded in this homily, not for its truth, but for the comfort it provided the speaker when […]
To tent or not to tent
November 28, 2014 CategoriesI’ve been offered a raincoat more than once while setting up on a rainy morn. Many market members protect their stands with some kind of sun and rain protection, or “tents” as they are generically referred to. You may be using one, or you may be considering getting one. For five years I set up […]
Farmers’ markets as community resources
November 28, 2014 Categoriesby Sue Sergeant, Brunswick Farmers’ Market (article from 1990’s Selling Outdoors) I have been thinking about farmers’ markets as community resources and thought some experiences we have had at the Brunswick Farmers’ Market might be worth sharing. At first glance a farmers’ market may seem to be just an outlet for several small businesses. Look […]
Why leaving attracts customers
November 27, 2014 CategoriesI am sure you have noticed. And I am sure you have commented to others in your market. In our market it is a commonplace understanding among those who have attended any length of time. The phenomenon in question is this: No matter how long a lull in customers you have endured, as soon as […]
Selling by variety: Does it work?
November 27, 2014 Categoriesby Jeanne Boelsma, Bethel Farmers’ Market Two main reasons customers shop at Farmers’ Markets are freshness and taste. I have found that by planting specific varieties with excellent taste and other outstanding characteristics, I can enthusiastically recommend a variety, knowing the customer will be back for more. I like to plant the sweetest, corniest flavor […]
When does your market’s season begin?
November 27, 2014 CategoriesWhile over a dozen Maine farmers’ markets now stay open year-round, others do not open for the season until June or even July, still others close for the season by mid-September. The reasons for late openings and early closing often—but not always—has to do with the market being dependent upon summer people and tourists. Markets […]