farm stand vs market

I am considering getting a farm stand together vs going to a market this summer. I have no market experience so i figure i will try first with a farm stand by the road and go from there. Any ideas of suggestions or experiences with a farm stand?

Keep in mind that I have no experience with either, just plans for when the trees finally produce.

A farm stand, I assume, requires some things. 1) adequate traffic. 2) a place to pull off and park. 3) a lack of thieves.

Our road doesn't have any of those things. It's far in the country on a back road. Not a place to pull off and we have thieving neighbors. So I've decided farmers market will have to be it for me.

I wanted to do the stall, but I was stupid enough to call the council to see how it has to be set up. They said it is not allowed. But I would still ask your home owners insurance or your business insurance.
I would do both. You cannot expect much from a road stall.

Angelika Maier wrote:I wanted to do the stall, but I was stupid enough to call the council to see how it has to be set up. They said it is not allowed. But I would still ask your home owners insurance or your business insurance.
I would do both. You cannot expect much from a road stall.

Ah the joys that are the Australian fun police.....dont get me started....actually I will, one word - hemp

OP - honesty box or staffed? weigh up traffic to each and transport costs to market etc.

hau Blaze,
Other than the considerations mentioned by Elle; are there any other stands on your road or the road where you plan to put your stand?
If there aren't any others and there is lots of traffic, along with easy to get permission to build a stand there, then the answer is perhaps.
The reason for that is you will need to be present to do any selling of produce and that means you will be there every day you are open for as long as you are open.

Farmer's markets may cost some money for a stall but they come with a ready to buy client base, so selling will be easier and the hours are set for you.
Our farmer's markets are open two days a week from 7 am to 5 pm, some people stay the whole open time, some sell out and go home early.
Farmer's markets have fewer "window shoppers" but there may be more people who spirit way your goods. These "bad" folks depend on your attention being on someone else.

Redhawk

Hi,

Farmstands are best for areas that are frequented-- on a road to cottage country or outside a town or city.

Also, consider that the products you grow will be different.  Farm stand don't require as much diversity-- they require a reputation for having some specific foods people want, and usually these store well with cooling.  They should also be the freshnconveniene vegetables or fruits- ones people can pick up and enjoy.  A good option is small yellow watermelons.

Farmers markets allow you to access a larger clientele immediately.  But you have competition and can have more waste with perishables like salad.

Consider also having events and attracting people to the farm or do a farm Hop with neighbouring farms To attract people to come out and buy at each stop.  Fun space that are multifunctional can serve to draw in a crowd.  For us we have a great rootcellar, walking trails and a yurt.

🌿Zach

hmm much food for thought and great advice from all, thank you

I will report back with any results after this summer

Contemplating building one myself. I have been surprised how many locals on my road are excited about it. I don't know if your just starting out like I am but I think it's great for the first-second year. Just to see how many people will come to you.
We want to see how big of a customer base we can get via farmstand, hoping that they may translate to CSA customers in the future that will pick up at the farm because that are already used to coming out in the first place.
We are going to build one with scraps only, that way our investment is minimal if we have no or too few customers. We're going at it not expecting anything. Hopefully we will be pleasantly surprised!
Don't know if this helps. Good luck!