Farmers' Markets are one of our favorite things to participate in. We get to meet our communities, chat with them about our passion and products, and find ways our lives connect. Hearing about how consumers enjoy our products and our fellow vendors, brings us such joy that we are a
part of something bigger than ourselves.
We have learned several things being vendors at a farmers market and we want to share them with you to maybe help someone who is thinking about doing it.
Preparing to attend a farmers' market as a vendor is a bit of work. Not gonna lie about the work it takes. Not only are you making the product, but you have to do the market, pack your vehicle, unpack at the venue, store set up, learn how to sell then reverse the process break down your store,
load your car and unload when you get back to your home or business and that is
just market day.
There are many waysto prepare and that will depend on you, some of us are list takers, others get
advice from others and others just wing it BUT all of us have a whole lot of things to manage to make each event a success. Being a vendor is never the same, whether you are at another market venue, different market managers, have different vendors around you, times of day, weather or just forgot something we needed. Learning to roll with the punches becomes the state of mind that will
get you through.
Set ups range from simple to elaborate. But all consists of some universal basics: tables, tent, weights, signs and ways to display your products. You are literally setting up your “store” and breaking down your “store” with every event. How much you have to bring in addition to your products depends on how you want to present you products.
Vendors wear so many hats. We are creators, purchasing, marketers, movers, set designers, sales aficionados, business managers and many more.
We give so much credit to those who week after week decide to be a farmers market vendor sharing something they love. They deserve every opportunity for success, which is why we also became farmers market managers.