We had our first 'Short Market' today. The weather was horrible! It was in the low 40's this morning, cold, wet and gray. Well, I guess it could have been worse... sigh !! Could have been further north. I really feel for you guys!
Anyway, we had one of those 'helluva' storms last night; and, the lightening, itself, was absolutely breathtaking! Right before the poop hit the fan, I managed to shove all the seedlings that were tender into the greenhouse, and left the rest to the mercy of the gods, with a prayer that for each leaf lost, may two grow forth. I could tell that the plastic weather wrap wasn't going to hold a candle to the force! The wind was completely thorough in its ferocity and there was a bit of hail pounding. It got pretty scary for a bit there! Everything was okay, though! So, we opened today for our first Short Market (that's what I call the Porch Stand between our actual Market Days) this morning at 10 a.m.
We had some great weather troopers come out through the sogginess, and we met some beautiful souls...we've all got something in common. It's the realization that we've got to come together as community, to support and care about each other. They're all proud to be the guardians of the products they promote, and I'm proud to be their Mama Jeani, the Tree Hugger, in Chief. Some of our sellers are friends for many years; some are brand new, to me. This is my first year at actually sourcing for a Farm Market. I have no idea what kind of demand I will have...this isn't the "if you build it, they will come" type of town. It's demand-centric here. I have full faith that the demand will build. So, I'm starting out on the smaller end...just a few of a variety, each, of the cheeses. I may have to adjust my buys lower; or set some back for a later Market Days. I just love finding the unique stuff you don't find in the regular grocery store.
I was able to secure everyone that I needed, the last of which, was my farm fresh egg/chicken supplier. These guys came through today like gangbusters! Their market in Ennis was slow...weather dropped like a bazillion degrees overnight! So they gave our stand the first batch for free! How awesome is that! So, I'm passing the bounty along to any who did or does brave the cold dreariness to find our little patch of cheer.
We managed to generate enough excitement to have a few pre-orders, so we didn't have to depend on tenacity of our potential guests to carry the day! And, for as slowly as the Garden Gate Spice Blends moved, at first, the absolute adorable-ness of them is finally gaining recognition! Yay! I'll, seriously, have to restock on the apothecaries. It's a good investment. The bottles end up costing 75 cents, with the cost of 3 ounces of whatever blend. I mark them $5 and sell them for $3 as a Farm Stand or Market Days Special. If using organic spices, the retail would, of course, be higher. Our market won't go there.
I've got one more person to come pick up bread...and I've been working on some marketing. I've told you about the populace, in general, here. Ya gotta push, gently...like the shepherd's staff, to guide, not to beat into submission (although, I MUST admit, there are a few...) . We're catching on, though, and I'm glad! Taste buds are expanding, knowledge is blooming!
I've gotten our pricing lists pretty much worked up...oops, got to insert that "prices may be subject to change without notice" thing on there...because it can. Weather conditions, disasters, anything can affect our tomorrows in a heartbeat! A small piece of advice...some customers will hold you to that last price they saw thing like it's a soup bone! That one little sentence at the bottom of your page will save you a world of grief...because shit will happen! And you never want to be in the middle where you lose out just because you're the middleman.
This one's from last week, my friends. I'll get some update pics up on the 'Rooftop Garden 2018' this coming week, as my crazy schedule allows! The peach, plum and pear saplings are beginning to get their leaves, and that makes me smile! The berries are taking root well, for the most part, too! It's going to be such a happy garden!
And, with that, I'm going to leave you...the last customer came for her bread, and she was such a cool lady, too! She has milking goats and I brought up my making some home crafted goats milk ricotta. So, I think we're going to be just fine!
Do feel free to incorporate any of my ideas for jazzing up your Farm Market marketables...we're all here for the same reason! Peace!
Everyone have a beautiful night...Steem on!
For Previous Posts on our Market...and the steps we've taken
https://steemit.com/newbieresteemday/@mamajeani/the-path-to-our-csf-community-supported-farming
https://steemit.com/newbieresteemday/@mamajeani/bounty-baskets-on-my-mind
https://steemit.com/homesteading/@mamajeani/a-csa-alternative-the-garden-gate-bounty-box
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