Farminar recording available: Increase your Farmers Market Sales

John Wesselius from Sioux Center, IA along with Dru Montri from Bath, MI led the latest Farminar (February 7, 2012) on how to “Increase your Farmers Market Sales”. 80 live viewers attended to share ideas and ask questions of the farmers.

The farmers recommended the three big things to see greater sales:

1. Know your current Farmers Market sales and costs
2. Set Clear Expectations and Goals for your farm
3. Develop and experiment with strategies and techniques to improve sales

Strategies shared included:

• Be professional
• Focus on your display/appearance
• Set the right price
• Educate your consumers

Stand out in the crowd with:

• Eye catching display including fun signs and photos of you and your farm
• Engage in conversation with shoppers (leave your lawn chair at home)
• Always have abundant quantity and variety of products throughout the entire market
• Provide samples (being sure to follow State food safety regulations)

Further ideas:

• If you have the production to fill the space, consider reserving a double stall at market to increase sales
• Accept Food Stamps; the programs vary by state, but may include: Women Infant and Children (WIC checks) and Senior Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Pick the right market for you, do your research of all markets to see how they are managed, how they bring in customers.
• Consider offering Credit/Debit/EBT food stamp transactions

Watch the entire recorded Farminar available online! Follow this link…

Join us again for more Farminars starting February 21, 2012 through March 13, 2012

Supported by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA, Grant # 2010-49400-21843