Setting up a Self Serve Farm Store to Bring in Retail Sales: EP17

Text me a message!The Ag Engineering podcast is a conversation with small scale fruit and vegetable farmers to discuss tools, tips or techniques to improve the sustainability of your farm. In this episode, we visit with Kyle Doda and Betsy Simpson of 1000 Stone Farm (https://www.1000stonefarm.com/) about how they set-up an on-farm store. 1:41 Farm Store vs. Farm Stand5:27 How does self-serve work?10:23 Price lists for high-end products11:23 Pre-built structure*Photo/Video gallery at agengpodcast.com12:16 Insulated and open year-roundHolding inventoryConsistent messaging and easy to remember hours: 8-8, every dayCost: $9k in the building, ~$17k totalROI is on track for a timely returnThere is a demand for this in the area17:11 Market research & business decisionsRespectful and thankful communityAdvertising: Facebook ads, word of mouth, Front Porch ForumDidn’t want to skimp or cut cornersVariety is beneficial for customer satisfaction23:36 Capital InvestmentVermont Farm Fund for a low-interest loanNeed money for the site work, building, inventory etc. “The simplification aspect is huge for the customers and the farmers. Don’t make it more complicated than it needs to be and make it as easy for the customer to access the product as possible, on their terms.”27:22 Multi-Use building - Farm store & CSA Pick-up27:57 Regrets or changes on these decisions? Need to increase the branding and messaging for both their farm and the local, organic, high-quality products they stock in their store.31:16 Final thoughts - Customers enjoy shopping alone in a low-stress environment. Support the showVisit the website to see photos/videos from the visit: https://thefarmersshare.comFollow the show on Facebook and Instagram: @thefarmersshareSubscribe to the YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thefarmersshare