Author Topic: Farmers Market (Read 4181 times)

Brian MCquilkin · « **on:** June 30, 2021, 10:04:15 pm »

I decided to register at the local farmers market, the organizers of the market explained that there was someone else also selling honey at the market.
Went down to the market today not to sell but introduce myself to the other beekeeper selling honey. He was there and I talked to him about selling at the market on the days he wasn't. Basically, he blew his stack and told me it wasn't done and if I was to go to the market he would leave and sell elsewhere. Yep, that will work as well. I have been to other markets and seen more than one beck selling. My intention was to work with him not to undercut him in any way.
Anyone else sells at markets with more than one beekeeper at the market?

.30WCF · « **Reply #1 on:** June 30, 2021, 10:08:16 pm »

Only hearing one side of the story, I?d find better jars, a better label, and charge $3 less. Might even hire a pretty girl to work the stand depending on how bad he rubbed me.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The15thMember · « **Reply #2 on:** June 30, 2021, 10:38:58 pm »

I used to buy at markets with more than one person selling honey.

Oldbeavo · « **Reply #3 on:** July 01, 2021, 05:31:39 am »

We sold at 2 markets that had another honey seller, but these markets were 200+ stalls and so were big enough to handle 2.
We did have a good run when our opposition had a break for 3 months.
Try to make your self different, one market the opp. didn't sell 500g, only 1kg, so we sold 500g jars and squeezies, he didn't sell creamed or whipped honey but we did. our 3kg buckets were $3 cheaper than his. In short we survived and did very well.
At the other market the opposition was 10% cheaper than us but only sold one variety, we stuck to our prices but would take 4 - 5 varieties plus creamed and also whipped honey.. We would also sell comb honey. We took top quality wax in 100g, 500g,and 1kg. while he sold a dirty grey brown bar about 150g.
Quality and variety is a winner at markets.

BeeMaster2 · « **Reply #4 on:** July 01, 2021, 06:26:12 am »

I tried to sell at a large farmers market. They had two honey sellers and I was not allowed to sell there even though friends told me quite often there were no honey sellers when they went.
Another way to set yourself apart is to give free taste of your honey. We use crackers and spoons. It only costs us 1/2 of a honey bear and the crackers and plastic spoons. We usually get a sale from 70 to 80% of the people that try it.
Jim Altmiller

rast · « **Reply #5 on:** July 01, 2021, 08:39:29 am »

What kind of crackers Jim?

BeeMaster2 · « **Reply #6 on:** July 01, 2021, 08:42:01 am »

Quote from: rast on July 01, 2021, 08:39:29 am

What kind of crackers Jim?

Saltine, you want a light flavor so that it does not over power the taste of the honey.

Ben Framed · « **Reply #7 on:** July 01, 2021, 09:13:05 am »

Quote from: BeeMaster2 on July 01, 2021, 08:42:01 am

Quote from: rast on July 01, 2021, 08:39:29 am
What kind of crackers Jim?
Saltine, you want a light flavor so that it does not over power the taste of the honey.

I have never considered this combination. Thanks for the tip.

AustinB · « **Reply #8 on:** July 01, 2021, 09:40:18 am »

Quote from: BeeMaster2 on July 01, 2021, 08:42:01 am

Quote from: rast on July 01, 2021, 08:39:29 am
What kind of crackers Jim?
Saltine, you want a light flavor so that it does not over power the taste of the honey.

I have to admit Jim, I'm suddenly motivated to try honey on a saltine!

guitarstitch · « **Reply #9 on:** July 01, 2021, 12:09:30 pm »

Quote from: .30WCF on June 30, 2021, 10:08:16 pm

Only hearing one side of the story, I?d find better jars, a better label, and charge $3 less. Might even hire a pretty girl to work the stand depending on how bad he rubbed me.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I like the way you think.

Ben Framed · « **Reply #10 on:** July 01, 2021, 01:10:23 pm »

Quote from: Brian MCquilkin on June 30, 2021, 10:04:15 pm

I decided to register at the local farmers market, the organizers of the market explained that there was someone else also selling honey at the market.
Went down to the market today not to sell but introduce myself to the other beekeeper selling honey. He was there and I talked to him about selling at the market on the days he wasn't. Basically, he blew his stack and told me it was't done and if I was to go to the market he would leave and sell elsewhere. Yep, that will work as well. I have been to other markets and seen more than one beck selling. My intention was to work with him not to undercut him in any way.
Anyone else sells at markets with more than one beekeeper at the market?

Mr MCquilkin, I have not yet sold at the local farmers market. There are sometimes as many as three honey 🍯 sellers there at the same time. There are also, at times, numerous vegetable sellers, more than one sorghum seller etc. I would not be concerned with the fellow with the tyrannical attitude. If I was inclined to set up and sell, I would do so. If he leaves and doesn't come back oh well, those type people exist.

Adding, if the official who runs the market refuses to let you sell remind the official of allowing more than one vegetable seller. You may need to remind the market director that honey is a farm product recognized by the US Department of Agriculture.

Bob Wilson · « **Reply #11 on:** July 01, 2021, 06:37:03 pm »

Ben x2

Brian MCquilkin · « **Reply #12 on:** July 01, 2021, 09:44:35 pm »

Great replies everyone. The organizers have approved our application and we will be selling at the market. We will be selling Honey and any products we make from our colonies. Also, we will be selling produce also as my wife has a big garden. It should be a fun experience ill keep you up to date as to how it goes.

.30WCF · « **Reply #13 on:** July 01, 2021, 11:18:19 pm »

Quote from: guitarstitch on July 01, 2021, 12:09:30 pm

Quote from: .30WCF on June 30, 2021, 10:08:16 pm
Only hearing one side of the story, I?d find better jars, a better label, and charge $3 less. Might even hire a pretty girl to work the stand depending on how bad he rubbed me.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I like the way you think.

That was a joke, but don?t put it past me.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Oldbeavo · « **Reply #14 on:** July 02, 2021, 07:17:07 pm »

We do a 3 day farmers expo and use 2 of our daughters to help, both are very attractive and i tell you a pretty girl with a smile can sell honey. Even to some of the young guys who didn't think they needed honey.

Bee North · « **Reply #15 on:** July 03, 2021, 04:17:04 am »

Ha ha that's funny Oldbeavo.

I often sell at markets and do very well. Like any business there is always going to be competition.

Its all about the product...my honey being the "best in the world" raw, rainforest, clean etc...and as already mentioned I give them a tast of it and its sold.

Honestly, I dont think a dollar or two makes any difference. I am happy to pay an extra dollar for a quality product and I think most people are. People comment on the honey never the price.

Unfortunately I dont have any daughters to help me out but my 5yo boy is pretty cute when handing out honey samples.

yes2matt · « **Reply #16 on:** July 03, 2021, 08:15:56 am »

Quote from: .30WCF on June 30, 2021, 10:08:16 pm

Only hearing one side of the story, I?d find better jars, a better label, and charge $3 less. Might even hire a pretty girl to work the stand depending on how bad he rubbed me.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Don't you dare charge less. Ever. Charge three dollars MORE. You'll sell more honey and make more money too.

Sent from my SM-J737P using Tapatalk

Ben Framed · « **Reply #17 on:** July 03, 2021, 10:15:42 am »

Matt I think 30 was just kidding about charging 3 dollars less. A little humorous sarcasm I am thinking. 😊

I for one, understand the suggestion of not charging less. I had a friend who was a Farrier. He told me the more he charged, (Within reason of course), the more the folks seemed to respect his work.. quote Makes then feel good and fuzzy all over unquote . He said he suspected they felt like they were getting a higher quality of work for a little more money. He braggingly stated (and they are).

lol

The15thMember · « **Reply #18 on:** July 03, 2021, 11:04:50 am »

Quote from: Oldbeavo on July 02, 2021, 07:17:07 pm

We do a 3 day farmers expo and use 2 of our daughters to help, both are very attractive and i tell you a pretty girl with a smile can sell honey. Even to some of the young guys who didn't think they needed honey.

Quote from: Bee North on July 03, 2021, 04:17:04 am

Ha ha that's funny Oldbeavo.

Unfortunately I dont have any daughters to help me out but my 5yo boy is pretty cute when handing out honey samples.

So it sounds like the ultimate marketing scheme is this: pretty girls to sucker the guys, and cute kids to sucker the girls.

Ben Framed · « **Reply #19 on:** July 03, 2021, 11:25:20 am »

Quote

So it sounds like the ultimate marketing scheme is this: pretty girls to sucker the guys, and cute kids to sucker the girls.

Ha! Now we know how you and your sisters sell so much honey lol.

The15thMember · « **Reply #20 on:** July 03, 2021, 07:08:47 pm »

Quote from: Ben Framed on July 03, 2021, 11:25:20 am

Quote
So it sounds like the ultimate marketing scheme is this: pretty girls to sucker the guys, and cute kids to sucker the girls.
Ha! Now we know how you and your sisters sell so much honey lol.

You would, if we had sold any yet!

Hey, congrats on becoming a moderator, Phillip. I noticed it a day or two ago on your profile.

It's nice of you to help Jim out. Now that he's the head honcho around here, he just can't be bothered with the meaningless day to day stuff anymore.

Ben Framed · « **Reply #21 on:** July 03, 2021, 07:46:13 pm »

Quote from: The15thMember on July 03, 2021, 07:08:47 pm

Quote from: Ben Framed on July 03, 2021, 11:25:20 am
Quote
So it sounds like the ultimate marketing scheme is this: pretty girls to sucker the guys, and cute kids to sucker the girls.
Ha! Now we know how you and your sisters sell so much honey lol.
You would, if we had sold any yet!

Hey, congrats on becoming a moderator, Phillip. I noticed it a day or two ago on your profile. It's nice of you to help Jim out. Now that he's the head honcho around here, he just can't be bothered with the meaningless day to day stuff anymore.

Thank you Member.

beekeepinglove · « **Reply #22 on:** July 07, 2021, 05:57:40 am »

pretty girls to sucker the guys, and cute kids to sucker the girls

BeeMaster2 · « **Reply #23 on:** July 07, 2021, 08:23:35 am »

Welcome to Beemaster
Jim Altmiller

Beeboy01 · « **Reply #24 on:** July 07, 2021, 10:35:56 am »

I've just started selling honey at a smaller local flea/farmers market. I talked to the operator about other people selling honey and was told that they don't have any regular honey sellers although some of the other flea/farmers markets in the area have regulars that show up every week. Since I am pretty much a small time hobby operator I call ahead and ask about any competition before I reserve a table. So far Saturdays seem better for sales but I've only been there three times so far.

Michael Bush · « **Reply #25 on:** July 11, 2021, 10:54:51 pm »

Actually I would give free samples and price my honey at twice as expensive and explain that it's treatment free and raw and you can taste the difference.

Ben Framed · « **Reply #26 on:** July 15, 2021, 01:27:13 am »

Quote

Hey, congrats on becoming a moderator, Phillip. I noticed it a day or two ago on your profile. It's nice of you to help Jim out. Now that he's the head honcho around here, he just can't be bothered with the meaningless day to day stuff anymore.

Again, Thank you The15thMember. I considered this is an opportunity to give back a small portion of what has been given to me here at Beemaster. Showing my appreciation to not only Beemaster2, Robo and staff, but all my friends here from all over the world who have helped me in my endeavor to succeed as a beekeeper. I have learned so much here since I joined and later began posting (mainly questions) here. From major things to handy things that I would not have thought about on my own. For example, I learned from Oldbeavo that a freshly painted box can be easily prevented from sticking if we simply use our own beeswax to coat the edges. This tip has been tried and proven by me in my experience. Even little tips as this can mean a lot in everyday beekeeping experiences.

I consider it an honor to be a member here at Beemaster. My aim is to help Jim, Rob, and all the Staff; Striving to keep beemaster moving forward in the time tested valuable tradition and service to beekeepers as intended by the founder, Beemaster1. A good wholesome family friendly sanctuary for all who desire, seek, discuss, and enjoy our gift; The honey bee.

Brian MCquilkin · « **Reply #27 on:** July 17, 2021, 09:43:45 pm »

Thought I would give an update on the farmers market. I've been a few times now and have done well. The Other Guy is still there and all is good.
The only thing I need to do is adjust my pricing up on my honey straws and quart jars of honey. Still working out what the market will accept.
It has been fun and a great way to network and meet new people while creating awareness of your business.

Ben Framed · « **Reply #28 on:** July 17, 2021, 09:58:42 pm »

Glad to hear that you are basically settled in.... I went to a farmers market this morning as a shopper and had an opportunity to talk to a nice young lade selling honey from Cortland, Mississippi. I told her about beemaster bee forum. I hope she will join. Her husband was really the bee person of the family but business calls his attention, and she is now the primary responsible beekeeper of the family! She, I, along with my wife, had a lovely bee conversation....

Adding she is keeping 60 hives!

Ben Framed · « **Reply #29 on:** July 17, 2021, 10:03:47 pm »

Quote from: Brian MCquilkin on July 17, 2021, 09:43:45 pm

Thought I would give an update on the farmers market. I've been a few times now and have done well. The Other Guy is still there and all is good.
The only thing I need to do is adjust my pricing up on my honey straws and quart jars of honey. Still working out what the market will accept.
It has been fun and a great way to network and meet new people while creating awareness of your business.

Keep up the good work Mr MCquilkin, it is good the other beekeeper accepted you. You will get the details figured out. Sales to you!!