Growing fruits and vegetables for some farmers is easy compared to selling the produce through farmers’ markets, community supported agriculture (CSA) or road-side stands where earning the customers’ trust and loyalty is important. Winning customers over can take time, but can be financially rewarding.
Below
are some suggestions:
1-Look neat, clean and happy to see your customers. You only have a few seconds to make a good
impression. People will judge your products by your appearance. If you are a
farmer, look the part; wear clean jeans, a fresh shirt or coveralls. Identify
yourself by wearing a name tag or a shirt with your farm’s logo.
2-Engage customers quickly. Always assume a standing position, instead of a
sitting position. Standing allows you to
move toward the customer with a greeting. Greet the customer with a “Hello,
good to see you today,” or “What are you hungry for today?” These questions
will help you begin a dialogue with the customer. Tell the customer your name
and ask theirs if they do not volunteer it. Ask them what types of fruits and
vegetables they like. Let them know what you have today and what you plan to
have throughout the season. Ask them how they like certain vegetables. Do they
like their summer squash large, or small and tender? Do they normally shop early in the day or do
they shop just before meal preparation time. How do they like their peas? Do
they like to buy in small quantities and shell them or would they prefer to buy
fresh peas shelled in bulk? These are just a few of the questions that can help
you establish a relationship with customer. Remember customers who feel valued,
buy and return again and again.
3-Keep consistent
hours. Arrive when the market opens; stay until
the market closes. If you are experiencing growing problems due to drought or
too much rain, let customers know that you are experiencing problems which may
keep you from having their favorite produce. Suggest where they can purchase
until you have those products again.
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