Comments on: 20 Ways Farmers Can Improve Their Marketing Chops

By: David

David — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:38:39 +0000

Thanks for your comments. Not everyone should work in retail that’s for sure. But farmers then have hire people who will represent them well. With the right connection you can get a customer for life or loose them in a heartbeat.

By: Lisa Wilcox

Lisa Wilcox — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:16:17 +0000

I have worked in customer service. Eye contact, acknowledgement, and smile go a long way. Throwing in a deal (like #13) always helps when I make an purchase. The problem in a lot of retail is that the “cashier” is not the owner, therefore, they don’t see the purpose or care to go “above and beyond when it comes to customer service.

Recently a friend of mine went into a snowboard shop. They were the only customers and were planning on buying some ski apparel. The cashier talked on the phone the entire time that they walked down all the isles, not acknowledging them once. They left. I know the owner, and she will be mortified if I tell her this story.

Being personable isn’t hard and also makes you a valuable employee.

I enjoyed reading this article. thank you.

By: manorfarmersmkt

manorfarmersmkt — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:48:13 +0000

An attractive display and decent signage is everything. If you can’t lure the customer over to your table, you really can’t do anything else.

By: David

David — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 02:55:16 +0000

It’s a bit of a mystery to me too. Signs can be printed and laminated. Will last a season or longer. Then use a grease pencil to write the current price. Or do what the French do write it on a piece of chalk board.

By: Caron Case

Caron Case — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 02:48:40 +0000

Great tips! I am amazed at the number of farmers at the market who don’t bother with signs. I grow, sell and buy at the market. I don’t want to ask the price, I want a sign! A potential customer can read about my product while I am busy helping another customer. Customers tell me they appreciate the signs too.