Recipes
September 30, 2024
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What’s up, y’all! I had an amazing time at the market this weekend, and I’m here to spill the tea on how to make vending at a farmers market or event run smooth like butter on a hot biscuit. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned vendor, these top 10 tips are gonna help you slay your setup, keep things running smoothly, and make sure you leave with empty trays (because who doesn’t love a sell-out day?). So, let’s jump into it:
1. Plan Your Menu Strategically
Don’t show up with everything in your kitchen. Focus on a few star items that are easy to transport and serve. Think cupcakes, cookies, and bars that don’t need refrigeration. Remember, most people eat with their eyes. So go bright and bold!
Go for treats that are crowd-pleasers and snap-worthy for social media!
2. Showcase Variety Without Overwhelm
While you want to stick to a few signature items, it’s important to showcase the variety of what you offer. Have a clear display that highlights different flavors or versions of your treats. Create mini signs or labels with short descriptions so customers can easily see what’s available. This way, they can visualize their choices without getting overwhelmed, and it might tempt them to grab more than one item!
Our specialty is Pound Cakes and Cookies so we take 2-3 flavors of our top selling pound cakes and cookies and 1-2 flavors we want to try and introduce to our customers! My secret is half recipes. This way you can increase the variety without making tons of recipes and burning yourself out before the event. Trust me I’ve been there.
This tip will keep your booth looking full and inviting while giving customers options to explore!
3. Set Up Early
Listen, you don’t want to be that person still setting up when customers start rolling in. Aim to get to the market early and set up with time to spare. A smooth setup leads to a smooth day.
This is one tip I’m still working on. It does take some practice but with proper planning and following these tips, it will help you to
4. Bring Enough Change
Not everyone is going to swipe that card. Bring plenty of small bills to make change. And while we’re at it, set up your payment systems early too (Square, Venmo, Cash App—whatever you’re using).
In 2021 i did a pop up event and got $100 singles and $100 in $5 bills. I’m still recycling singles until this day but it brings me ease knowing that if a customer brings cash, I have change.
5. Make Your Booth Eye-Catching
You will build on items along time if farmers market is your thing. When you love it, you’ll invest in items that will make your table stand out. Until then you can find things in your home like a wooden crate, wicker basket or you can even wrap packing boxes to give your items some height on the table. This will stand out to your customers as a yummy display.
Think of your booth as your runway. Set it up to turn heads with a clean, organized look. Use fun signage, pretty dessert displays, and a pop of color to draw people in. Make it Instagrammable, because you know people love a good market post!
6. Offer Samples
Samples are the golden ticket. People love a free taste, and once they get a bite of your goodies, they’re more likely to buy. Just keep those samples bite-sized, and have a quick way to serve them.
What I will say is to know your market. Certain customers are just looking for freebies, and that’s ok. You never know where that sample will lead your business.
I’ve taken samples with me to my hair and nail appointments and have gained leads and custom orders for future occasion’s. Samples are a way to give your customers a sneak peek of the goodness you provide.
7. Engage with Customers
Smile, wave, and talk to folks! People love to meet the face behind the treats. Share your story, give them a little background on what you do, and build that connection. Oh, and don’t forget to have business cards or QR codes handy for people to follow you online.
8. Price Wisely
Keep your pricing clear and simple. Ain’t nobody got time to ask for prices. Make sure your prices are visible and easy to understand. And remember to price your goods based on quality, not just quantity!
This is not an easy area. A lot of bakers price base on how much they “THINK” someone would pay or what they can afford. But I’m here to tell you the there is one thing that will make your customers love and remember you and that’s a deal! I talk more about this in my Pricing Blog for Bakers and Treat Makers!
9. Bring the Right Supplies
From a solid table to a cash box, the right supplies are crucial. Don’t forget paper towels, trash bags, hand sanitizer, and extra containers. A smooth day requires having all the little essentials covered.
There have been some many times I have rushed out the door without my square reader and one time i left my cash box. I could never get into groove because the minute I do, that one thing I left comes to haunt me. I had to create a list to make sure that my truck was packed with all my essentials and I’m wasn’t missing out on any sales. Check out my farmers market list of essential items that make the best vending experience
10. Pack Smart
You don’t want to be scrambling in the back of your car trying to find your cake boxes. Organize your baked goods in bins or trays to keep everything easy to access. Make sure your transport game is on point too—use coolers or insulated bags for items that need to stay cool. I like to use the paper charcuterie boxes due to their easy stacking. I absolutely love the way they stack in my cooler and how they don’t move or shuffle around. Check them out in my Amazon Store Front!
11. Promote Yourself
Market day isn’t just about making sales—it’s about growing your brand. Snap photos, do a few quick IG Stories, go live on Facebook and ask happy customers to tag you on social media. Make it a vibe, and your audience will grow!
Don’t forget to let your audience know that you will be attending a market at least 1-2 weeks before the market. Don’t just say it once. I’ve learned the hard way that the best way to get a good turn out is to promote yourself. You may not have a lot of followers or know how to promote yourself. My best tips would be to show behind the scenes footage. Show the delicious desserts you are going to make. Get the crowd interested and ask for their opinion in what to bring to the next market. You give your community something to look forward to!
Bonus Tip: Have Fun!
The market is an experience, so enjoy it. Make sure to network with fellow vendors, play some music(if there isn’t any playing already), and vibe with your customers. The energy you bring is just as important as the product you’re selling.
My Must-Have Items for a Smooth Vending Trip:
Here’s a list of the top items that make my market trips a breeze:
That’s it, y’all! These tips will help you crush your next farmers market or event or set you up for your first one! This list will help you stay ahead of the game and make sure you’re prepared for anything that comes your way. Remember, it’s all about having fun, making connections, and letting your desserts shine. Now go out there and sell those treats like a boss!
Passionate About Dessert!
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