[But, I could not call it my own if it wasn't. Just me. - Annette ]
This is where I stand too.
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Last year I was sold out before spring.
When the spring farmers market started I didn't have anything to sell at a table.
Consequently, someone else (out of state) came and was selling honey.
Illinois has much stricter food laws than Indiana - no license for farmers markets.
I would not have felt so burnt, but the family was selling someone else's honey.
They did leave his label on the jars, but it still was from out of state.
I suppose they still have maintained a market for me.
People still have it in their mind that they can goto "Market X" and find a honey guy.
Just next year or later in the year it might be me.
I am on good terms with this individual and his family, so I don't make waves.
Eventually, I may need this outlet for my honey.
I will not feel the least bit bad if I encroach upon them, after all, I am local (less then 5 min away).
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One thought about selling someone else's honey.
I am going to have several out yards among my current county and other adjacent.
That is going to be a very broad area of 'local honey'.
I suppose that I bought from other local beekeepers whose bees service the same area, it nearly the same as my product.
There are the questions of chemical treatments and sanitary honey handling.
Which raises JP Point:
[...issue here would be whether or not your friend's honey is of a quality that you feel can be represented under your own label.]
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[Dont ask dont tell......]
This can be problematic, especially if you have return customers.
I may sell my product at the beginning year when I have some.
If I were to switch to another persons honey, the buyer may return and assume the same conditions.
I know the world is ever more adopting the attitude of buyer beware.
And people shouldn't assume anything, but...
Everything else about my operation is honest and above board.
I doubt my buyers would bat an eye if I told them it was someone else's local product.
Especially if it someone that I mentor.
My thought is that my good product build a reputation and standard of quality.
The buyer probably makes another assumption that my decision to sell someone else's must mean its equally good.
In this instance, I may use a second set of labels, perhaps more generic looking.
I'd probably not use the producer's name, address, or label - just my own.
I might declare myself as the packager with my name address instead.
I would not want to loose my customer base because of a label.
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Labels can be used a marketing ploy too.
You could sell your own honey for 50 cents more.
The perceived idea that yours is better may make you a bit more money.
You'd also not loose tightwads wanting a bargain honey either.
This mix is something to consider as your honey stock depletes.
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I'm not even going to touch the issue of 'Local'.
The local bee club drives 4 hours out of state to buy what they sell as 'Local' at the fair.
This is what they sell after club member's honey is sold out.
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Just some opinions and options,
-Jeff