skip to main content

Is it Farmer's Market time?

14 years ago

Teresa I was just wondering if you have started doing the Farmer's Market. Awfully nice weather lately, but a good bit of wind which is not your friend at an outdoor function. I hope you have a good season and a lot of "repeats".

jude

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (12)

Lars
14 years ago
We have farmers' markets 12 months of the year, and so I tend to become complacent and not go as often as I should. It's easier for DB to go on Tuesdays because he works in Culver City near the Culver City market, which is open Tuesdays 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM all year. I sometimes go to the Hollywood market, which is on the week-end, or else the Santa Monica market, also open on week-ends. There is one in my neighborhood of Westchester, but I don't remember which day is it. I think it used to be Fridays.

Lars
teresa_nc7
14 years ago
The market where I sell my breads started up the first Saturday in May. That day was pretty good for me, but last weekend was a bust! I had 12 loaves of bread and only sold 4. I think that people just aren't in the "market" frame of mind yet. No one around me did very well last Saturday, but I'm hoping for better sales tomorrow.

I finally caved and made some sourdough bread last night. Guess I got tired of hearing people ask for the sourdough. We'll see how tomorrow goes.
Related Discussions
Miller Mackenzie Edible Landscaping / Farmer's Market
Q
Comments (7)
I have been driving by this place forever and like someone said earlier in this post that there are lots of nurseries on 714. I stopped because of his photovoltaic system and was overwhelmed by his container growing. Everyone in the area should use his market for produce if you are not growing it at home :>) Publix have beefsteak tomatoes for $3.99 and John usually gets 1.99 but today they were .99. Publix brandywine are 5.99 per pound and I am getting them out of my garden now, whoopee!
...See More
Making Money at Farmers' Markets -- a class
Q
Comments (10)
After marketing for 11 years now, I may be able to answer some of your questions. Keep in mind that I am a natural salesperson, but a bit shy in my past years. When I first started with my farmers market stand, I found that I needed to be as knowledgeable as possible on what produce that I had. Plus I said 'hello' or 'good morning' to EVERY person that passed ANYWHERE near my stand. Most people will respond back and also look at the person speaking to them. Once they actually seen me, some would stop to see what I had. My first year, I had several market days with little or no sales. One day I remember I sold a whopping $1.45 (yes there is a demical). But I kept coming back. That year I sold $1700 of produce, not much but I was happy. Of course, that was sales not profit. Each year got better and now after 11 years, I still have some of the same customers buying from me. I have also found that several 'newer' vendors have taken lessons from me. I have heard the exact wording on some of their 'speeches' to their customers that I used in the past. Evidently I was doing something right, in their eyes at least. Farmer marketing takes time to build customer relations, and whatever you do, don't lie to the customers. The lies will come back to bite you later. My idea is that if you can make 1 customer happy, that customer will tell 2-3 friends. Make a customer unhappy, that customer will tell 20-30 friends. You want the happy customers.
...See More
Adding a market
Q
Comments (11)
Thought I would share my "research" into the larger markets in my area. The large one in the capital city had over 100 vendors and the crowd was packed. Couldn't walk side by side with my kids there were so many people. People appeared to be purchasing or at least talking with vendors because the front of most booths were full. There are openings, but not many. Good news is that it requires 75% agriculture and only 25% prepared food and crafts vendors. Stiff competition in general produce and plants but appears to be missing cut flower merchants, which is the direction I was leaning towards. So...I'm going to apply. The other established larger market had a great mix of vendors but on this beautiful sunny day seemed to be lacking customers. Talked with two vendors that go to my current small market (there is only 10 vendors at my current market so we got to know each other quickly) and they would go to the larger one if they could get in, but both are craft vendors. I thought driving 45 minutes was a bit far but there are booths from several businesses from towns over 2 hours (100 miles) away. I'll keep the forum updated on how it goes.
...See More
Farmers Market starting time
Q
Comments (11)
I sell at a flea market instead of a Farmer's Market in part because of the starting times. Flea market opens at 9am whereas the Farmer's Market has lots of customers at 6am (you have to be there in line to get a drop in booth at 5am). I prefer to eat breakfast and double check everything before spending a day with the masses so I choose the later times of the Flea Market. One thing I noticed right off the bat is that there are early birds getting in the way of set up. At first I thought they were just insomniacs trying to get first peek at the wares, but now I realise that some of them are con artist trying to confuse you with tons of nonsensical questions while you are busy setting up hoping to trip you up and get a special price for something. Got screwed once. Learned my lesson. Now I block the front of my space until I am ready for customers. If someone asks me a question I politely tell them that the market opens at 9.
...See More
dirtgirl07
14 years ago
Most of the main markets here in Atlanta area start in May but I forget about them way too often because they run only on Sat from 7:00 am to noon. Wish they were all day markets on Sundays instead.
jude31
Original Author
14 years ago
We have numerous markets starting the first of May, here in Knoxville area. The days of operation are staggered so that you have an opportunity several days of the week. They are only open a few hours a day in the weekday afternoons with Sat. markets in the morning. A couple of them are really nice with quite a variety of produce etc. Right now it's strawberries and the spring veggies plus herbs and artisan breads.

jude
kelpmermaid
14 years ago
Lars, I think Westchester FM is on Wednesdays, now at the park at Manchester & Lincoln, not the Triangle. I sometimes go to the one on Friday in Hermosa.
teresa_nc7
14 years ago
Today was a good day at the market! Started out with 14 loaves, sold 12, traded one for a dozen farm eggs, and came home with one loaf! Woooo Hooooo! And, it is a beautiful sunny day out, had lots of fun talking to other vendors, and see my faithful customers. Who could ask for more?

Teresa
bcskye
14 years ago
Way to go, Teresa! I will probably set up at the one closest to me next Saturday morning. Hope I'm as lucky as you.
kelpmermaid
14 years ago
Teresa, maybe Mother's Day was the problem last weekend. I can see where a holiday could be either really good...or bad.
Lars
14 years ago
Thanks, KelpMermaid. I'll see if I can check that out some Wednesday, but Lincoln & Manchester is much further from work than my house is. The one at the triangle was not too far, since it was east of Sepulveda, and I work in Inglewood. The one in Hollywood is fun because of the people and also because we shop in Hollywood or on Melrose while we're up there. There's a mushroom vendor at the Hollywood FM that I haven't seen at other markets.

Lars
plllog
14 years ago
The Westchester market is in the morning.

There's a list.
jude31
Original Author
14 years ago
Alright, Teresa!!!! Glad you had a good day. Should be more to come, with your regulars returning and picking up new customers as well...sounds very encouraging.

jude
annie1992
14 years ago
good for you, Teresa, I'm glad the second day was better than the first.

I'm hoping that soon you'll be sold out ever single time and your regulars are placing orders for more!

Annie

Related Stories

FARM YOUR YARD Houzz Call: Home Farmers, Show Us Your Edible Gardens

By Stacy Briscoe

We want to see where your tomatoes, summer squashes and beautiful berries are growing this summer

MOVING Tips for Winning a Bidding War in a Hot Home Market

By Christine Tusher

Cash isn’t always king in a bidding war. Get the home you want without blowing your budget, using these Realtor-tested strategies

DECORATING GUIDES Book to Know: 'Flea Market Chic'

By Vanessa Brunner

Think flea market finds are just old junk not fit for a modern home? If so, it's time for a read and a rethink

SHOP HOUZZ Shop Houzz: Graceful Flea Market Flair

Get a collected-over-time look without trekking through endless stalls

0

EDIBLE GARDENS Why Grow Quince? For Beauty, Fragrance and Old-Time Flavor

By Marianne Lipanovich

Delightfully perfumed fruit and lovely spring blossoms make this apple and pear cousin worth a spot in the garden

FUN HOUZZ Houzz Quiz: How to Find Your ‘Me Time’ Place

Looking for the best place in your house to soothe away your stress? We’re here to help

EVENTS 5 Big Trends From This Week’s High Point Market

By Becky Harris

Learn the colors, textures and shapes that are creating a buzz in interior design at the market right now

How to Get That Paris Flea Market Look

By Becky Harris

DECORATING GUIDES Hot Looks From the Spring 2013 High Point Market

By Pangaea Interior Design, Portland, OR

Get an eyeful of some of the colors, textures, materials and more taking a big stand at North Carolina's huge furnishings trade show

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: 19 Standouts From High Point Market

By Kristy Woodson Harvey and Beth Woodson

Let these metallic and nature-loving pieces inspire a spring decorating makeover and a bright outlook

Sponsored

NME Builders LLC

2 Reviews

Industry Leading General Contractors in Franklin County, OH

More Discussions

Holy Ham! Hubby bought a 14 pounder!

12

Does anyone forage? Wild food favorites

17

A crisp not too sweet gluten free cookie/biscuit

11

omelet cheeses ... your fave

35

Mailable ‘Spanish’ treat - cookies?

6