Farmers Market Booth Success: Proven Tips from Experienced Sellers

[DebPC]

Has anyone had good success with these?

 

[jendill]

I do! I am there most saturday mornings from 8-12. I sell between $200 and $500 (in orders) each week. I've also gotten party bookings, bridal showers, and loyal customers!

 

[DebPC]

Is your farmers market inside or out? I'm always hesitant to do outside ones because of rain and bugs.

 

[JessSellman]

What kinds of products do you take? Do you have fresh salsa or anything for sampling?

 

[pchockeymom]

Yes, I would love to hear details of how you set up, if you do demos, etc. Please share!

 

[byrd1956]

I do! I am there most saturday mornings from 8-12. I sell between $200 and $500 (in orders) each week. I've also gotten party bookings, bridal showers, and loyal customers!

WoW! This is amazing. I too would like to know the details.

 

[jendill]

I do buy veggies from the farmers and use a variety of tools for demonstration only. The Health Department required that I take a food safety certification class and have a portable hand washing station. I am also not allowed to give out samples of salsa. I do often sample the oil dip seasonings and sell those regularly. We are outside and are required to have a 10X10 covered tent. We take our own tables and all other supplies. I do order some things under a personal supply order to sell while I'm there and then I reorder them in the customers name so they will still have the warranty. I have many customers who have told me that it is great I am there because they don't know anyone locally and it is so nice and easy to pick up needed items without attending a party. I LOVE it! This year is my 3rd year.

 

[byrd1956]

what products do you take. It seems whatever I take I end up bringing most of it back home. People seem to think cash & carry means yard sale prices.

 

[jendill]

I take a Large round stone, mini serving spatulas, Mix N Chops, Grilling Products, rubs, different peelers, scrapers, batter bowls, Cool N Serve, Corn Cob Knobs, Corn butterer, Food Chopper. I also post a sign that says: Don't Delay! Take me hope today with FREE shipping! Everything is priced with tax, since I paid the tax. Again, I reorder the items for my inventory in their name so they will still have the warranty and submit it as a show. Anything I don't sell, I save for the Christmas Season when I am called regularly for items. We will be out of town this weekend, but I will take a picture on June 15 and post. I am so happy there is so much interest...I feel like I am finally giving back for all the great ideas I've gotten from this site!

 

[DebPC]

Please post a picture and thanks so much for your feedback. It's always great to learn from others.

 

[californiacook]

It sounds as if there is a fee to set up at the Farmers Market? I live in CA and have tried to get in a couple markets, but they only allow Certified dealers. Has anyone just set up a table (in the parking lot) near the market? I think I'm going to give it a try. Hopefully, if it's not allowed, I will get a warning and not a fine.

 

[tayzeanna]

What verbiage do you use to get the Farmer Markets on board with allowing PC there? I want to get in at one of mine and would like some tips.

 

[jendill]

I think I lucked into the market the first year because the Market Master was a HUGE PC fan. I had to take a Food Safety Class to be able to demo the tools. In my initial request, I said that I would have the tools needed to prepare the fresh produce that the people were there to buy. I think I am just grandfathered in because we have had a new market master each year. I just always send in my registration and money and no one told me I wasn't welcome! I did take a pic, but haven't been able to get it uploaded yet. I'll take one with a regular camera this week and get it up.

 

[tayzeanna]

I just contacted one of the local farmer markets and I was denied because the products are not made/grown in Michigan. Bummer!

 

[DebPC]

Just like craft fairs- I'm not surprised each Farmers Market had their own rules for who can and can't get a booth. If there's more than one in your area, try another one. Around me there are about 6 different ones.