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- Tip for better pop-ups and shed businesses - December 5, 2021
- Small town business idea: cat grooming - November 15, 2021
- Community engagement planning: old way vs. Idea Friendly way - October 3, 2021
- Boost your maker economy with a “Made in” day - September 17, 2021
- How a ghost town made something from nothing with a folk festival - September 3, 2021
- Rural business idea: sell foraged fruits and more - August 3, 2021
- Best practices for rural housing - July 19, 2021
- How to be more open to new ideas #IdeaFriendly - July 3, 2021
- Market your small town as a movie filming location, attract movie and game fan tourists - June 28, 2021
- Survey of Rural Challenges 2021 results, analysis of themes from 2015 through today - June 7, 2021
I live in a small town and I would love to start a community Farmer’s Market that would be on the line of a “Flea Market”. Where do I start?
First you need to decide whether you want a Farmer’s Market or a Flea Market. They are not necessarily the same thing. Although, they may each have features of the other.
Try your County Extension Agent for ideas on the Farmer’s Market. The Agent may be willing to work with you and can run interference with local authorities. Then try to learn who in your area is actually growing more produce than needed or who is willing to. Maybe there is a garden club devoted to vegetable growers. On second thought, fresh flowers would be a very nice addition to a Farmer’s Market.
For a Flea Market, once again, you will need to find who is already doing this sort of thing. Maybe a geographic search for your town or county on one of the auction sites might tell you who has “stuff” they are wanting to sell in your area. They might be interested in a “show.”
For either type, you will need to ORGANIZE. Find a location; map out each site; decide how much rent to charge for each site; determine the local laws regarding your location; check your liability for accidents or incidents; get insurance if necessary; pick a date; advertise; advertise; advertise; if your location is outside, find a “rain” location (do everything again for the optional site); advertise; advertise; advertise; keep good records of which seller will be where and double check their understanding of the agreement between you and the seller; advertise; advertise; advertise. This is just a start.
Good luck.
Just started following you on Twitter via my friend Sarah Page.
Promise Pizza opened its doors barely 6 months ago and is a BIG success story thanks to social media tools. Most of our advertising is via social media, Twitter, FB, etc.. and our interactions with our customers is the key to our success.
http://www.promisepizza.com