When you have a homestead, one of the most pressing agendas can be finding ways to make money. In order to do that successfully, you generally need to establish a number of different sources of income. One of the most popular options is selling produce. With the popularity of farmers markets growing and growing, the opportunity is there, either to just make enough money to tide you over or to start expanding into a brand. In this post, you will learn how you can make money from your produce at the market.
How To Make Money From Your Produce At Market
The Benefits Of Trading At Market
Farmers markets are a huge growth sector. They represent a chance both for you to make money from your produce now, and to expand in the future should you want to. Consumers are now more educated about food than ever. Many are now actively seeking out additive-free or organic produce. They want to limit their environmental impact by shopping locally. Many are also extremely interested in the provenance of their food. They are wanting to know where it’s been produced and the story behind it.
In many ways, there’s never been a better time to make money from your produce. You will also be selling your product directly to the public. With no middle man, this means more of the profits come to you. This can be crucial to make trading on a small scale economically viable. You will also get to know your customers. This provides you with a ready-made focus group of people to give you feedback on products and tell you what they would like to see more of.
A busy farmers market can act as a testing ground for that new variety of carrot or type of cheese you’ve been trying your hand at producing. This means lower overheads and lower risk than a shop setting. It’s a great way to increase income from your homestead at a relatively low cost. You get control over your pricing, unlike selling through a shop. You get the chance to establish your wares as a brand that customers can get to know and love. And from there you can develop customers into loyal brand advocates who keep returning and recommending you to their friends.
So why not try your hand and make money from your produce at the farmers market now?
Setting Up Your Stall
Farmers markets are springing up all over the place, so there is likely to be one near you. The local tourist board should have a full list of markets locally. Visit one and have a chat with traders about how they got started and what exactly is involved. Due to the nature of their work, most are very approachable and should be happy to talk about what they do. They should share how you too can make money from your produce at the farmers market.
Although getting started is relatively low-cost, you will need some equipment – which you could rent, borrow or buy.
- a folding trestle table,
- legal for trade scales,
- a pop-up gazebo,
- a trailer to store your stuff in,
- display stands
- a banner with your name and details on.
You will also need to make sure that you have the relevant permits in place – these vary according to where you live. So check first – and appropriate insurance, too. This could include public liability to insure against accidents, and product liability in case someone falls ill as a result of your products. You want to make money from your produce and try to eliminate paying out for problems.
Making A Success Of Your Venture
The number one ingredient you need to make it all take off is something you undoubtedly already have – a passion for your produce and what you do. That enthusiasm that led you to set up a homestead in the first place is the key thing to pass on to your customers. Market trading can also fit comfortably around your other duties and responsibilities too. Having passion and enthusiasm will help you make money from your produce.
Before you begin, look into what other stalls there are selling at your local markets. You want to try and identify a business niche – a gap in the market that you can make your own. That way you reduce the competition and have a unique selling point.
It can also make it easier to secure a spot. For example, if there are already two other stalls selling honey, you are unlikely to secure a spot however great your is. Free-range eggs, however, could be a great success. If you already have a specialist area, like your secret recipe chutney, that you know you can make a success of, it’s probably best to stick to that and find a new market or other outlets to trade. Think carefully about how you can make your business stand out from the rest and appeal to customers.
Have you considered ways in which you could make money from your produce on your homestead? Please share some ideas you have used in the past for our readers.
Great post on selling produce Annie – thanks for posting on the Homestead Blog Hop!
Selling fresh produce is definitely on my list. This is one of those articles that will get printed and put in my notebook! Great info!
Selling produce is a great way to make money on any homestead! I am so happy you enjoyed the post!