Farmers Market Complaints
Last week was the opening of my Farmers Market for the season. Wow, it was a great turnout! All the vendors were on time with an amazing local spread, the crowd was huge, the live music was perfect, and of course a couple great food trucks were serving up delicious fare. As a market manager, I could not have been more pleased. However, there were a few that came up to the information booth a little frustrated.
This got me thinking, how many of you have had a frustrating farmers market experience? What made you not want to come back to your local market, if anything?
I will be answering and addressing your complaints. Simply share a comment below and in a couple days you’ll see another post “Your Market Complaints Answered.”
Here are a few of the complaints that I heard last week:
- Why aren’t you open longer? I can’t get off work till 6 which means I never get here in time.
- I’ve been waiting for strawberries and by the time I got here they were all sold out. The farmers need to bring more.
- I didn’t bring cash, and now I have to leave to go to an ATM. I won’t be coming back because of the traffic.
What are your complaints?
I think maybe we need more education to let people know that the farmer’s market is NOT like the grocery store. Farmers only bring what they’ve been able to harvest, and when they’re out, they’re out! And though many farmers are working to take credit card, to assume they will is not smart. Cash, people!
My only farmer’s market complaints are logistical. One of my favorite markets has literally no parking unless you get there right at 4 p.m., which is GOOD in that it’s become quite popular but BAD for me and my schedule
Also, the closest market to my house wasn’t open until last weekend and, seeing the produce at markets that opened earlier, I bet my local market could have opened at least two weeks earlier than it did.
The 12th South Farmers Market is just a little bit too AWESOME. Could you tone down the AWESOME just a little bit? Thanks.
Other than the fact that I wish I could walk there, I think it would be kind of grand if all the vendors had a printed statement of their farming practices. What do they feed the animals, what, if any, pesticides are used, that sort of thing.
Of course, and I’ll address my own complaint here, one could always ask the farmer! It’s a great way to get to know the people who grow your food.
I think this is a great idea! Customers ask the same question at every vendor booth, and vendors answer the same question several times each market. Might as well post it!
Let’s see – you could send me reminders to leave work in time to not be there JUST before closing so that I am not missing out on the stuff that sold out. But then, that is my own stupid self that is responsible for this problem as are people that don’t bring cash (though a majority of the vendors take credit so it’s a matter of asking/education).
Seriously, smaller markets like 12th South and East Nashville are pretty darn perfect. I agree that education of people that aren’t regulars so that they understand what a market is really about is the key – setting the expectations.
The traffic and parking situation is very good compared to other Saturday markets and yet I get most of the ‘Saturday only’ vendors that I love. The vendors at these markets are an almost perfect selection/mix of the ones I would hand chose if I had to. They are very family and lifestyle friendly. More fun, educational and feel roomier, less crowded (but still busy), safer and cleaner. They aren’t as stressful and in fact invite you to take time and enjoy the market as well as the activities like yoga, free massages and such that help you relax and let go of your busy work day.
Well now that I think about – how ’bout some adult beverages to round out that end of day stress relief?
Since I seek out markets when traveling whether in the US or abroad, these two local markets are really pretty top notch and perfect as they are.