I pulled this information together with Charlotte based on her website and conversations we had. I added additional notes to help you start building an email list, and find additional avenues for selling your products.
We are in trying times, right now aren’t we? The Corona virus is affecting all of us, all over the world (not just our farm, or our town, or our country… all of us).
During this time of quarantine, getting your products into the hands of the people who need them most can be a challenge. I want us all to get through this together. So, in my latest podcast I share the exact process I use to get products in the hands of people when markets close, like they’re doing all across the country right now.
The podcast includes:
• The logistics of getting deposits and payments
• How I set up drop sites, including examples of places that might work for you, and how to make sure people show up and are on time.
• Prepping for delivery, from packing orders to making paperwork efficient
• My technique to make sure my costs are covered while still offering “free delivery”
• Tech tools to make invoices, on-site payments, etc, even easier
One of the most important things I cover is building and maintaining relationships. Relationships with customers are what make us successful, and relationships with each other are what will get us through these difficult times, even when we have to stay 6 feet apart.
Here’s the link to listen to the podcast at my website. If you prefer listening on iTunes, Android, or other platforms, you’ll find links there. You’ll also find a link to download a checklist of everything I talk about on the podcast, in case you miss something in your note taking.
Take care during this challenging time full of unknowns! We will get through it together.
Charlotte
A Note From Kathy
In her podcast, Charlotte talks about using the email list that you’ve been building over time. If you don’t have an email list yet, don’t panic. There are some other things you can do to make contact with potential customers.
1. Contact your neighbors and let them know you have product available. They can reach out to their friends and neighbors as well to help spread the message. You can do this by phone, or by email. And if you do it by email, hey, you’re starting to build your email list!
2. If you’ve been working with a farmer’s market check in with your contact there. I’ve read of many of them figuring out options.
3. Check in with your State Department of Agriculture. I’ve also gotten notices of ways they are working to connect farmers with food to the people that need it.
Don’t know what to charge?
Charlotte has a free online course that might be helpful to you. In fact, she’s got a list of free courses here that can help you set up your website, develop an email marketing system, and more. Here’s the link to check them all out.
