How to Market and Sell your Produce

You know you can grow it, but can you sell it? This was perhaps the most intimidating aspect of starting a farm, but over the years I've found that sales is not something to be feared and that it doesn't involve any high pressure tactics or other schemes. It's really about developing a positive relationship with potential buyers and demonstrating how you bring value to what they do.

In this episode, we are going to talk about packaging, labels, setting your prices, creating an availability sheet, as well as how and when to approach potential buyers.

As always, please submit any questions in the comment section down below and I will do my best to answer them. Thanks for watching!

Growing microgreens outdoor:

Growing microgreens indoor:

For clamshells, cooler bags, etc:

Bag sealer:

Bags:

Label Maker:

Business cards:

Availability Sheet:

[s]

"Sales is developing relationships with other people." Nailed it!

[kevindolan]

As a chef, business school graduate, and future garden farmer, this is actually some really high quality advice.

[dmazz]

Good Start Packaging sells certified compostable PLA clamshells. They have a nice microgreens packaging page too with all the options.

[IanCrouse]

Chefs usually have the power to buy products. They know the food cost and will always be looking for something better, not always cheaper, or different to add to their creations. 

The best time to hit up a chef is between 7a-10a or 2p-4p. The morning time we spend planning the menu and prepping their mise en place (putting in place).

my produce was dropped off at 530a everyday. I would arrive around 5a and await my order. It was always nice to find extra things and products in my order.

[BigAlSparks]

those of us who are serious, we love those guys who never come back around, persistent, consistent, and positive, sells more produce than any else from markets to stores to restaurants

[IanCrouse]

You are a great marketer. The key points were spot on. 

As a chef who just sold his Inn and restaurant after 20 years, I am jumping to the other side. Why? Because of the lack of quality in my area. I have 5 acres of river bottom and I am doing a lavender and Market Farm also microgreens.

I will say this, you are dead on with the 'sales/relationship' statement. You also said, 'to bring value to what they do.' That is my motto. "Create the value." That can be anything from giving a sample of a new product to bumping up their order with a few more microgreens. Let them know that you aren't there to just get their money.

[smokyplantationfarms]

Nice video. Grew up growing vegetables that are worth selling since I can remember. I noticed as a young child SELLING was the hardest part. My grandfather and I would go every weekend to the market when produce was ready and we'd sit all day. Some days were hardly nothing, sometimes we'd leave early with an empty truck bed. This year I set a goal to start selling at markets again. It's been years since I've been to one. My daughter and I have always grown stuff together. She's 10 and great with numbers so hopefully I can introduce sales to her but mostly the memorable moments with her father.

[kylepope]

30yo bootstrap farmer hand shoveling 120tons of compost to start my beds, thank you so much for this information, liked subscribed and excited for more.

[Moxartz]

I'm 12 years old and I'm planning to grow 2, 20 feet greenhouses of bazil for money

[mikedudley]

We use bio select PLA containers
We also tried the wood pulp bags for greens and they wilted in 5 days now we use clam shell for greens too from good start packaging

[WinsomeWinslet]

They say the average person will say yes after five tries. Great video! :)

[nancyfahey]

Princeton Microgreens has a youtube channel with cornstarch containers. They cost a little more but biodegradable is worth it.
I like how your labels are simple. Sweet.
Love that low tunnel/hoop house!
New sub.

[thomascotter]

Hey great video. I'm just starting microgreens in Massachusetts and I need all the help I can get. Your video is very informative and I appreciate it so much.

[jeffreyholland]

One of the best videos I have seen thanks for doing what you do.

[racheltenneson]

This is an excellent video. It was exactly what I was looking for! Thank you!

[caravanlifenz]

Awesome video. Great to hear your honest experience and mistakes.

[morganhoogstratenpersonal]

You have really packed this video with value. thank you!

[michaelfelder]

Saw your creek... dude Check out Turbulent Hydo. They developed a vortex micro hydro power plant that can totally run your entire farm and home, and still have excess to sell back to the grid. We will be installing it at our new franch.

[amatueranatoly]

I'm a small farmer struggling to make sales. I sell everything from sunflowers, garden flowers, hot peppers, pepper plants, etc. I agree selling is the biggest challenge.

[mixedmediaartgirl]

this idea is a WHOLE IDEA, that would really take some thought and design but kombucha leather, or scobys can be made as thin or thick as you like in any shape you like (w container) and they're next to free to produce. But as far as the processing, design, working out sanitation, regulations, possibly patents, that's revolutionizing packaging