August 2024 - 25

the staff congregates to socialize while customers are
left to fend for themselves. "
Does the staff have knowledge about the products in
the market? Do they know who has answers to certain
customer inquiries? You don't want to hear an associate
say " I don't know " and not offer a solution. This is why
training is crucial.
Welcome customers at the door.
As soon as that customer comes through your door
they should be greeted with a smile and a simple " hello, "
" welcome " or even better, by their name if they are a regular
customer - even if you are assisting another customer.
Make staffing management a priority.
Many markets have staffing issues, but we don't want
our customers to see or suffer from the shortages -
particularly when it comes to the checking out process.
We want our customers to linger as long as possible in
our markets but when they want to check out, they want
to do it quickly. That said, a line of customers waiting
to checkout is not necessarily a bad thing if the line is
moving, as it is an opportunity to sell more products.
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Comfort and amenities.
Consider the customer experience at your market and
you will notice there are opportunities for the customer
to linger and enjoy the market. Here are three such
strategies you can utilize.
1. Seating Areas. Provide seating for customers to
rest, especially the elderly and families.
2. Refreshments. Offer refreshments or samples to
enhance the shopping experience.
3. Restrooms. Ensure restrooms are clean and
accessible.
By implementing these strategies, you can effectively
manage increased customer traffic at your farm market,
ensuring a positive experience for both your customers
and your staff. This will not only help you handle the
current influx but also build a loyal customer base for
the future.
Brian Moyer is an educational program associate with
Penn State Extension. As founder of PA Farm Markets LLC
and founder and manager of the Skippack Farmers Market,
Moyer specializes in assisting farmers markets, retail farm
markets, direct-to-consumer sales, and new and beginning
farmers with marketing, business and regulatory issues.
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August 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of August 2024
