CARTOONS BY CHRIS BRITT

– “FARMER’S” MARKETS –
These markets go by many names: community markets, local markets, neighborhood
markets, craft markets and, of course, farmer’s markets. Some of these markets are
extremely popular in
communities and vendor
stalls are curated to
keep an appropriate
mix; others are much
smaller and their rules
more fluid. Still others
are crop based and allow
only products that can be
consumed.
Even so, there have
been many businesses
started with the profits
from these weekend
Opportunity is missed by most people because
it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.
markets. They can offer you a low buy-in and a good testing ground to refine products,
adjust pricing and research the ideal audience. Plus, they have a low cost in terms of
marketing, since the market itself is the draw. You just need to hone your pitch and patter
to get shoppers to stop by and view your wares.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Before you ever fill out an application you should research the different markets
around you. Visit them on weekends and see what types of products and services vendors
are offering and try to find a market that fits what you are selling. Keep in mind that
the goal of most markets is to showcase local growers, food and beverage retailers and
handcrafted items. Many markets require a season-long rental and many have a waiting
list, so this is not a short-term solution for getting your business up and running. In
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