How to Start &

Grow Your

A Vendor Handbook

Published by

Farmers Markets of Nova Scotia

Businessat a Farmers’ Market

Published by Farmers Markets of Nova Scotia

July 2011

Written by Corrie MelansonEdited by Rowena HopkinsPhotography by Rowena HopkinsDesign by Deborah McGowan

2011, Farmers Markets of Nova Scotia

Cover photo: Elmridge Farm, Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market

Table of Contents

Selling at a Farmers’ MarketStarting your businessCreating a business planFunding Sources

The Basics of Your BusinessRegisteringBusiness ModelsHST and Income TaxPermitsInsurance

Farmers’ Market Guidelines Policies

Market RolesInvesting in Your MarketDealing with Conflict

Building a Successful BusinessPricingDisplaysMarketing

Growing Your BusinessSelling more at the marketSelling at multiple marketsPromoting other services

Introduction

You will benefit from this guide if you:think you might be interested in being a farmers’ market vendor but don’t know what questions to askgrow produce or create arts and crafts and want to try selling at a farmers’ markethave sold at a farmers’ market before and want to increase your sales, or grow your business through farmers’ markets

The most popular form of ‘direct marketing’, farmers’ markets are growing rapidly in size and diversity. They are cherished spaces in their communities- providing a huge selection of tasty and nutritious food, beautiful and unique arts and crafts.

Benefits of Farmers’ Markets:

Incubator and testing ground: A. Farmers’ markets are a venue where small businesses can “test the waters” to see how popular their products are with customers. Vendors receive immediate feedback from customers about taste, quality, packaging, price, and customer service.Guaranteed crowd and location: B. Farmers’ markets attract much larger crowds than individual businesses, making your potential customer base much larger. Group advertising:C. Farmers’ markets provide group advertising for the market as a whole which benefits all vendors. Learning opportunities:D. Vendors can learn from people who have been in the business for many years.Price: E. Farmers’ markets vendors set their own price, eliminate layers of marketing, and receive immediate payment.Minimal start-up costs:F. Costs are typically much lower when compared to setting up your own retail business in the community.

IV

Elmridge Farm, Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market

Section 1: Selling at a Farmers’ Market

Participating as a vendor in a farmers’ market is exciting and deserves careful thought and preparation. Know your goals, strengths, and limitations. Gather your support, know what markets are available in your community (Visit www.farmersmarketsnovascotia.ca), and decide which products you would like to sell. Exploring these issues now allows you to make the best decisions for you and your business.

1

Are there funding

sources?

Are there other

supports?

How do I create a

business plan?

How do I start a

small business?

What can I expect

in the first few

years?

Helen B’s Preserves, Truro Farmers’ Market (FMNS stock photo)