How to Thrive as a Farmer?s Market Vendor

Posted by Payscout Inc. on August 8th, 2018

A booth at the farmer’s market is an excellent way to flex your entrepreneurial muscles. With the right planning, you can create a business that flourishes and produces a healthy income. There are definitely a few things to consider before you take the leap, as maintaining a booth is a huge commitment that can involve several months of your time. Do your research, prepare in advance, and keep things speedy with mobile payment processing and you’ll blossom at the market.

Visit the market

Deciding to operate a booth at the farmer’s market seems like an excellent idea, especially if you enjoy people. However, it is a great deal of work, so you’ll want to do research before you commit to an entire season. An investigative visit to the market you’re interested in will help you grasp what you’re getting into. Rather than going to the market as a shopper, go and observe as a potential vendor and ask yourself:

• Will there be a product overlap? Or will your product be the only of its kind?

• How is the pricing?

• How is the vibe of the market?

• How intense are the displays? Will your booth require a great deal of decoration?

• Does it stay busy all day?

• How happy are the other vendors with the market?

Offer something different

In order to be profitable as a farmer’s market vendor, you’ll want to offer at least some items that can’t be found from other vendors. When it comes to food and crafts, Farmer’s Market shoppers are looking for unique items and ingredients.

If there is an overlap in products, be sure to evaluate the price of similar items, so you don’t underprice and annoy other vendors. For example, you and Susie’s Farms both sell banana bread, she lists her loaves for five dollars---you don’t want to sell yours for three dollars and price her out of the market. Instead, list yours at the same price as hers.

Lure shoppers in with exciting visuals

Spend the time on details that make your booth stand-out. Creative, colorful signs, varying display heights, colorful tablecloths and accents, really anything that draws the eye of shoppers is fair game. Just keep in mind that you’ll have to set-up and tear down all décor every weekend.

Label it

Not having clearly priced items might be the quickest way to lose a sale. The majority of people will not inquire about the price of an item, this is especially true if you are busy interacting with another customer. Labeling the price of your items in a clear way is a must.

Speedy checkout

Long lines make customers walk away—so maintaining a steady flow in your booth and keeping lines short is imperative. The ability to accept payment via your smart phone or tablet will not only expand your customer base, but it will also keep your lines short. Choose mobile payment processing that allows you to accept credit and debit cards quickly.

About Payscout

Payscout is a global payment processing provider covering six continents and connecting merchants and consumers via credit, debit, ATM, and alternative payment networks. They support the nonprofit community with nonprofit payment processing. Offering mobile payment processing that aids your business in achieving quick, easy payment. Their mission is to support the entrepreneurial dream one transaction at a time. From keeping utilities on track with utility payment processing to omni channel processing, Payscout will help your business thrive.

Discover how to mobilize your business at Payscout.com