What Can You Expect at Our Local Farmers Market This Weekend?

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses experiences and considerations related to participating in local farmers markets, particularly focusing on food sampling, booth displays, and the overall benefits of such events for Pampered Chef consultants.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, mentions they are renting a space at a local farmers market and considering food samples to highlight products.
  • Another participant shares their experience of selling at farmers markets but chooses not to bring food due to concerns about sampling behavior.
  • One participant questions whether to include alcohol in the mojitos, suggesting an alcohol-free option for safety.
  • Another participant notes the importance of having a visually appealing display rather than focusing on food.
  • One participant expresses concerns about food safety and the potential for attracting people only interested in free samples.
  • Another participant shares their experience of not bringing food but using inexpensive produce for demonstrations.
  • One participant recounts a positive experience at a farmers market, resulting in bookings and new contacts.
  • Another participant describes significant business growth attributed to their participation in farmers markets.
  • One participant inquires about booth fees and logistics related to attendance.
  • Another participant discusses the potential for selling spices at an upcoming fall festival, considering both catalog sales and cash & carry options.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the inclusion of food at booths, with some participants advocating for displays without food, while others consider food sampling as a potential draw. No clear consensus emerges regarding the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and opinions based on their involvement in local farmers markets, highlighting the diversity of approaches and outcomes.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants considering participation in farmers markets may find insights into the benefits, challenges, and strategies discussed by their peers.

P
pattikake
Messages
429
My recruit & I are renting a space at our local farmers market this weekend. This is a new venture for us, as well as our community - usually the closest market is 18 miles from here.

We would like to have some food samples to highlight some of the products. I'm thinking the triple citrus mojitos, as I am overloaded with mint! What else, if anything, would you suggest?
 
I sell from time to time at a local farmers market. Although it draws a lot of people I do not bring food along due to the fact that people will just sample it and move on...
 
This may be a stupid question but are you going to put the alcohol in the mojitos?? I would leave them alcohol free to be on the safe side.
 
You do not have a food service license so do not serve food unless you want to be fined.
 
Why serve food? You should be working on a beautiful display to get people to your table. At booths you are looking for contacts, too, not necessarily sales.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
Thank you for all the replies .. I spoke with the coordinator today and she said food was fine - but will re-think this now -- thanks for bringing up the food service license. This is all new to me, so I wouldn't have thought of this.

We are having a display as well - featuring summertime and grilling season. And yes, we are there to gather leads/contacts.
 
Food gets in the way, can spoil, can give people food poisoning, brings people to your booth that are only there for the food, etc. I don't even like to have wrapped candy at my booths. However, there are mooches who will eat ANYTHING - even raw, unwashed potatoes that were sliced by the UM and have been sitting out....ewww
 
I have a booth at the Farmer's Market, for every Saturday, and I never have food. People do not even expect it. I do take a couple potatoes, if anyone wants to try the mandoline or food chopper.
 
For displays at trade shows, etc. I always bring some potatoes / turnips / onions (inexpensive produce) to demo the UM, crinkle cutter, apple wedger, food chopper, etc.
People can "play" with the tools.
 
Sorry to sort-of hi-jack, but do you actually benefit from doing the Farmer's Markets? I was actually just contacted about one locally, but I'm trying to decide if it would be worth it or not.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #11
Ours was in a very small community, for 2 hours on a Sunday afternoon. We ended up with 2 bookings, 2 orders and many new contacts .. It was worth it for us.
 
I am amazed by what The Farmer's Market has done for my business. I moved to the area in March, started the Farmer's Market 1st of June, and it has been incredible. An extra $1000 in sales a month, tons of new contacts and referrals, etc. Besides that, it is FUN!!!!!!
 
Sorry to sort of hijack, but mrssyvo, how much do you pay for your booth? Do you pay weekly or monthly?
 
I only paid $100 for the entire season (1st Saturday in June until the last Saturday in October) That is only $5 a week!!!!!! I have paid $400 for a bridal expo for 3 hours !
 
mrssyvo said:
I only paid $100 for the entire season (1st Saturday in June until the last Saturday in October) That is only $5 a week!!!!!! I have paid $400 for a bridal expo for 3 hours !
Click to expand...

Wow, that is awesome! What happen's if you have other plans one of those Saturday's do you just not show up or do you let them know in advance?
 
mrssyvo said:
I am amazed by what The Farmer's Market has done for my business. I moved to the area in March, started the Farmer's Market 1st of June, and it has been incredible. An extra $1000 in sales a month, tons of new contacts and referrals, etc. Besides that, it is FUN!!!!!!
Click to expand...

For those of you who do Farmer's Markets...do you sell from the catalog or do cash & carry?

I'm doing a local one in October and supposedly it's supposed to be really big. I was thinking of having all the spices for sale. I was going to send in my own show for spices. Do you think it's too big of a risk? Or do you think they will sale?

It's a fall festival.
 
I think that a spice show would be a good idea, but I would also have some of the favorite handy if you're doing cash n carry. I would think some Season's Best, Food Choppers, etc.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of products will be available at the farmers market?

You can expect a wide variety of fresh produce, homemade goods, artisanal products, and local crafts. Many vendors offer seasonal fruits and vegetables, baked goods, jams, honey, and handmade crafts, ensuring there's something for everyone.

Are there any special events or activities planned for this weekend?

Yes! This weekend, we have several activities planned, including live music performances, cooking demonstrations featuring local chefs, and children's activities. Check the market's schedule for specific times and details.

Will there be any Pampered Chef products available at the market?

Absolutely! We will have a booth featuring a selection of Pampered Chef kitchen tools and products. You can explore our latest offerings, get cooking tips, and even participate in live demonstrations.

What are the market hours and location?

The farmers market will be open from 8 AM to 1 PM this Saturday, located at the downtown park on Main Street. Make sure to arrive early for the best selection of products!

Is there an admission fee to enter the farmers market?

No, there is no admission fee to enter the farmers market. It's a free event, so bring your family and friends to enjoy a day of local shopping and community fun!

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