Contacting and Choosing a Farmers’ Market
Advice for new farmers market vendors on finding the right fit

Looking for a Market —

þ Use the Web! The Oregon Department of Agriculture’s farmers market list can be found at www.oda.state.us/admd/ofm.html.

þ The Oregon Farmers Markets Association is at www.oregonfarmersmarkets.org.

þ A good resource to read regarding market research is at www.smallfarms.orst.edu.

Selecting a Market —

þ Every market has a different personality. Try to visit several markets before selecting one.

þ Days and hours of operation are critical factors in your schedule as is the distance you are willing to travel.

þ Markets are located in all sorts of places — downtowns, parks, parking lots, near highways and at county fairgrounds.

þ Market size varies from 5 vendors to more than 125 vendors.

þ The population and demographics of each market is different.

þ Some markets are pure farmers’ markets while others allow crafts.

þ Markets are organized in many different ways, including all-farmer Boards, community Boards, and downtown associations.

þ Stall fees vary considerably — some markets charge a flat fee while others a percentage of sales.

þ Many markets have membership fees.

Tip: Just because a market is large and busy does not always guarantee you will sell the most product there. It is important to find the right fit!

Questions To Ask —

þ Ask what products the market needs. Market managers are looking for different products to add variety to their markets. Try to find out what you can supply that is unique.

þ How many people are selling the same products as yours? A little competition is good, but too much of the same product will flood the market and lead to price slashing.

þ How does a vendor load-in and load-out? Where do you park? Do you have to pay for parking?

þ Will you need to off-load your products or can you sell directly from your vehicle?

þ Is there a source for water? Electricity?

þ What are the specific product rules for the market? All market organizations have different rules.

Tip: If you are leaving a phone message, speak SLOWLY and SPELL your name. Tell something about what you grow. That way the market staff will be ready with the correct information and advice.

Market Managers Want to Help You Succeed!

þ Ask the market manager questions — lots of questions.

þ Ask for both layout and display tips.

þ Ask what state and local regulations apply to your products.

þ Ask them to clarify any rules you don’t understand.

þ If they say there is no room, please do not show up anyway.

Tip: Be patient — market managers are generally juggling many tasks!

What to Expect on Market Day —

þ To grow your client by cultivating a local clientele — customers shop at farmers markets because they want to meet the people who grow their food and they want fresh, high quality products.

þ To get top prices when you have top quality products.

þ To achieve success by delivering excellent customer service.

þ To encounter friendly appreciative customers.

þ To invest your time — preparation, travel and time at the market.

þ To bring everything you need — most market stalls are a 10’ x 10’ bare piece of concrete.

Tip: Be ready to sell at the opening bell — the majority of your sales may occur within the market’s first hour.

What to Bring to The Market —

þ Careful planning for the market is essential to your success. Make a checklist! Examples of items to include are —

þ Canopy (white is best) and heavy weights.

þ Stall structure: tables, table coverings, racks, shelves.

þ Display containers for your products.

þ Plastic and paper bags.

þ Cash box and bank (be prepared to make change for $20 bills).

þ Licensed scale.

þ Hand washing station (see Farmers Market Minimum Food Safety Guidelines for details).

þ Display items — sign making materials including chalk, paper, cardboard, markers, scissors, tape, pens, bags, price tags, pocket knife, duct tape.

þ Check out items — pencils, pens, calculator, sales record/receipt book, notepad to record notes, bags and boxes/flats.

þ Trash can, broom, paper towels, spray cleaner.

þ Signage — the more personal, the better. Farm pictures are great!

þ Large sign and banner with your farm name and location, hung at eye level or above.

þ Individual product signs with names and prices alongside each item including how the item is sold (by weight, piece, quantity); highlight different varieties, heirlooms, product qualities (sweet, spicy, bitter), storage tips, etc.

þ Signage extras — recipes, seasonality information, new items, product information.

þ Information about your farm, CSA or other on-farm activities, promotional materials and business cards — you never know when you may meet a chef (or other valuable business contact).

þ Water mister to keep produce looking fresh.

þ Personal comfort items — weather gear, gloves, hats, rainwear, suntan lotion, sunglasses, drinking water, snacks.

Tip: Bring your best customer service attitude — a big smile is your best asset.!

Prepared by Dianne Stefani-Ruff,
Portland Farmers Market,
Dianne@portlandfarmersmarket.org
March 7, 2005