Skip to Content.
Sympa Menu

market-farming - Re: Table and umbrella position

market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org

Subject: Market Farming

List archive

Chronological Thread  
  • From: Willie McKemie <mckemie AT austinfarm.org>
  • To: Market Farming <market-farming AT franklin.metalab.unc.edu>
  • Subject: Re: Table and umbrella position
  • Date: Sun, 1 Sep 2002 09:23:44 -0500


> I'm interested in if there are examples where a table position underneath an
> EZUp-type canopy makes a difference. My tendency is to put my stuff in the
> middle, sheltering the customer as well. It also seems that this makes more
> of a "boutique" and the customer has to come (just a little). I find if I
> can talk to them and tell a story, I am more likely to get a sale.
> the umbrella.
>
> For me the main things is protecting the produce, but there is plenty of
> room for everyone.

First, I'm speaking from hell, that is Texas. OUR first priority is to
protect the product, then the seller, then the buyers. However, with a
10' EZUp, there is usually room for all three. A guy that is working
for me has been trying a new configuration: a 8' table across the
stall and a 6' table at the end. This leaves a shaded alcove for
customers with table space on two sides. It also leaves the seller
with scant shade. Personally, I prefer an 8' table across the middle
of the stall with about 4' of shade for me and about 4' for the
customers.

We try to position things so that the rear edge of the tent is over the
truck's camper shell which helps keep rain out of the truck. That is,
the tail gate is under the tent. Rain? I wish!

We use the 10' EZUp only for mid-day, busy, full sun markets. For slow
markets, or early in the day markets, or late in the day markets, we
make do with a 8' or 9' "market" umbrella. Much quicker set up. And
take down.

Thanks for the attempt to keep things on topic!

Incidentally: some time ago, I mentioned that we were using mesh bags
to pre-package product for markets. This has worked well for us,
though some customers are skeptical that the product in the bags may
not be homegrown because it looks too "professional". Using the
pre-packaging allows the seller to handle many more sales in a given
amount of time. It also discourages customers from over handling the
product and switching items in sale batches; no more "I don't like this
tomato, can I swap it with that one?" We have done tomatoes, okra,
potatoes, green beans, and pears in the mesh bags. Also pre-packaged,
but in plastic bags, we sell spinach and shelled southern peas.

--
Willie Onward! Through the fog!
Are YOU an html abuser? http://www.expita.com/nomime.html
Linux system uptime 111 days 23 hours 22 minutes




Archive powered by MHonArc 2.6.24.

Top of Page