It Was Great While It Lasted...

As part of my beginning stages of approval to finally launch this catering business, I wanted to really jump into something that would be a good ground-up on introducing myself, what my culinary background can offer, and to showcase options for multiple walks of life. I went into this with an open mind, an almost 100% ironclad focus, and knew how I wanted to approach it. But, starting small was the best thing I could choose to do for myself. That's why I opted for the Manchester Farmer's/Maker's Market here in Manchester, NH.

The weeks leading up to this Farmer's Market, I hustled to make sure I had what I needed. It was perfect that they offered access to electricity and handwashing stations. Those were two items I didn't have to worry about. I had already started planning meals to offer. I knew what I wanted to get to make that happen. Offering halal meats that everyone could enjoy. Vegetables/fruits were coming from local NH farmstands. Offering a vegan/vegetarian version so there were options for them. After the first two weeks, I was able to upgrade to a much larger hot station and have a much better set-up. I focused on my line of spice rubs as a way to showcase them in the cook for both standard and vegan meals. Talk about a win-win! Those spice rubs sold REALLY DAMN GOOD! By the third week, I had already sold out of three of them. So, back to the kitchen to make more to sell! I had been selling out all of the foods offered. Made slight adjustments to the amounts but kept them generally the same. Going through the motions in very familiar territory paid off! That is, while it lasted. During this two-month endeavor, there was a sincere concern about how people had no idea there was a Farmer's Market happening! People who worked in buildings directly above the location would come down and ask, "What is going on here?" I even had one person who was pissed and approached me about the loud music and finding multiple vendor tents. No one knew about anything to do with the Farmer's Market at all. Even after my recommending folks follow the FB account for the venue, I took this feedback to the Event Coordinators to let them know. The response I received was that they had been advertising. The big banner on Elm St., posters in business windows placed all over. Their FB account was also a tool they used. But - even I have to side with the customers. Although I did see the banner, I had no clue about this event at all until I looked up a City of Manchester official page. I had never seen anything for this farmer's market. That is what concerned me real quick. It didn't matter how much I would tag the group or use hashtags dedicated to this group; I felt like I was going crazy. I wanted to really try to push this and get the word out with the hopes that SOMETHING would help, right? During all of that, I still had customers coming up directly to my vendor booth and asking me, "When did this begin? I had no idea you guys were running this!" - That is a major problem if by the middle of July, you are still getting this feedback from customers.

An email comes in from the Event Coordinator that a decision was made to shut down the Farmer's Market after July 29th. I must have read that email three separate times. But it does make sense. Vendors stopped coming. More and more customer feedback kept coming in every-damn-Wednesday that they had no idea this farmer's market was going on. You know what that means? There was not enough substantial advertising ***for the market***. Some of the remaining vendors began chatting with each other, myself included. We all agreed that there was very little, next to no true advertising FOR the market. More and more vendors began dropping off like flies.

As it is, July 29th being the last day, the weather is showing a massive downpour is coming for the entire day. I'm definitely not going to be in attendance where I need access to electricity for food. I won't be caught in the rain. And let's be realistic here: who the hell goes outside to shop farmer's markets when it's pouring down!? I spent a little time today looking through all of the posts to gauge things on how the event was marketed. Honestly speaking, there was hardly any activity I could find at all. We had maybe three or four of the vendors showcased in a post. A few paid advertisements, but nothing showing on a regular basis at all. That absolutely sucked seeing so very little activity FOR THE MARKET.

In the next chapter of my roaming activities, I am really hoping I can find something soon because we are now in Fair season. That leads to Fall Festivals, big outdoor events, craft fairs, assemblies, etc. I need to get in on this, and going at it so late in the season is going to be a huge challenge. One that, at least I know, other markets are heavily into marketing and advertising on a regular basis. Stay tuned!