The festive season in South Africa is well and truly upon us. With most South Africans looking to enjoy time outside under the sun, a great way to do that is going to the farmers market. In places like Johannesburg, farmers markets have become a hugely popular hangout spots for many people. If you’re looking to make extra cash during the festive season (and afterwards), you can start a farmers market.
A farmers market is a marketplace where local farmers and entrepreneurs gather to sell their products directly to consumers. In the modern day, farmers markets are more than just a marketplace. They provide food, live entertainment and even activities for small children.
If you have a product that you make yourself, you might want to start thinking about starting a farmers market. With the festive season here, you can take advantage of all the outside time people want and increase your sales.
This article will serve as your guide to starting your own farmers market.
Step 1: Select a Location
Finding the right location is the hardest part of starting your own farmers market. You need to find a place that’s big enough to accommodate vendors and customers, and it needs to be accessible to customers.
The location must also complement the agricultural atmosphere. Most farmers markets are set in locations which are surrounded by natural features. For example, the Fourways Farmers Market has a small river next to it where people can sit and enjoy the water.
Other things to consider when looking for include:
Location must be close to customers/target market.
Location must have parking available for customers and vendors.
There must be cover for any weather conditions.
Location must be able to accommodate seating for socialising and any other activities.
Location must be able to accommodate those with pets.
Ensure that you also apply for the correct permits and licences needed for your farmers market. This is crucial as the location can play a big role in whether or not your new venture goes ahead.
Once you have found your location, you will be able to start onto the next step which is finding your vendors.
Note: You don’t have to find a new location for your farmers market. You can just rent an existing space especially if your farmers market will be a monthly event instead of a continuous one.
Step 2: Find Your Vendors
In order for your farmers market to be successful, you need to find a good mix of vendors. The vendors must bring different products to the market. You will need to find vendors for different types of food (including desserts), beverages and also those who bring fresh produce like fruits and vegetables.
You also want vendors that are equipped to operate outside their normal stores. This means the vendors should have portable equipment, easy and quick to prepare meals as well as things such as a portable point-of-service machine.
Lastly, you will need to ensure that the vendors you want are compliant. Your vendors must have the right trade licence which shows that they meet all the requirements of public safety standards and health requirements.
Once you have found your vendors, the next step is one of the most important when setting up your farmers market.
Step 3: Community Buy-in
Community buy-in is the support and engagement that your community has towards your upcoming farmers market. Because farmers markets involve getting local vendors and suppliers, you need them to be willing to commit and support your farmers market. Additionally, if your farmers market is located next to a residential area, you need the residents to support it as the activitiesof the market will affect their day-to-day lives.
Lastly, community buy-in from locals, local government and businesses will help your market grow and will also contribute positively to the surrounding communities.
Once you have your community’s support, your vendors and your location, you are ready to start marketing your new farmers market.
Step 4: Marketing Your Farmers Market
Most exciting part about a new business venture is the marketing of it to the public. This is also the most crucial because you need to build hype around your farmers market, so people get excited about going.
You will need to utilise social media a lot because most people get their event information there. You can also go on local radio stations, put up posters and possibly use influencers to market your farmers market.
You might want to also look into posting on community boards, newsletters and leveraging the power of word-of-mouth. If people hear how exciting your farmers market is, they will want to come.
Now that you have these steps, you can get started on your new farmers market. If you are struggling with anything, refer back to this article for guidance. Additionally, if you need funding for your farmers market, you can apply for government funding or a business loan to help you with your new market.
If you want to enter the agriculture industry but not with a farmers market, read our article for more information on how to start a farming business.
The festive season in South Africa is well and truly upon us. With most South Africans looking to enjoy time outside under the sun, a great way to do that Read More
