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Becky started Small Biz Survival in 2006 to share rural business and community building stories and ideas with other small town business people. She and her husband have a small cattle ranch and are lifelong entrepreneurs. Becky is an international speaker on small business and rural topics.
Anonymous says
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?
maesz says
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.
Promise Pizza says
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