Customers shop at farmers’ markets because they want to meet the people who grow their food, or make the products, and they want fresh and high-quality products.Invest your time wisely:
- By preparing and leaving enough time for travel.
- Be ready to sell at opening bell. The majority of your sales may occur within the market’s first hour.
What to Bring
Careful planning for market is essential to your success. Be on time and ready to sell by the opening bell. The majority of your market day sales may occur within the first hour of the market. Make a checklist! Examples of items to include:
Canopy (white is best) and 20# weights for each leg of the canopy (Most market stalls are a 10’ x 10’ bare piece of concrete. )
- Stall structure: tables, table covering, racks, shelves
- Display containers for your product
- Plastic and paper bags
- Cash box and bank (be ready to make change for $20 bills!)
- Licensed scale
- Hand washing station
- Miscellaneous display items: sign making materials including chalk, paper, cardboard, markers, scissors, tape, pens, bags, price tags, pocket knife, duct tape.
- Check out items: pencils, pens, calculator, sales record/receipt book, note pad, bags, boxes, flats.
- Trash can, broom
- Signs: the more personal, the better. Consider using pictures!
- Large sign or banner hung at eye level or above with your farm’s name and location.
- Individual product names and prices alongside of the items—how the item is sold (by weight, piece, quantity)—highlight different varieties, heirlooms, product qualities (sweet, spicy, bitter), storage tips, etc.
- Signage extras: recipes, how-to’s, seasonality information, new item, product information.
- Information about your farm, CSA or other on-farm activities, promotional materials, business cards—you never know when you will meet a chef!
- Personal comfort items: weather gear, gloves, hats, rain wear, and drinking water.
- Your customer service personality—a big smile is your best asset.
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