View Full Version : My first foray into retailing
Nicolas Naranja
11-14-2011, 03:51 PM
So I gave selling fruit at the Green Market a try. It was a moderate success. I sold 5 finger hands of Nam Wah for $1.00 and Plantains for $0.50/finger. I had no takers on the Kandrians which essentially look and taste like Platano Burro.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=46797&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=46797&ppuser=4368)
Dalmatiansoap
11-14-2011, 04:05 PM
Dont give up!
Its allways like that with "every first time":ha:
:nanadrink:
This is so cool, don't give up. Once people get to know you I bet you'll be selling lots!:woohoonaner: I wish I was closer, I'd be your best customer!
momoese
11-14-2011, 06:26 PM
I'd be buying from you too!
Hey Bob!
trebor
11-14-2011, 06:26 PM
Haaaa Well your on the right track. But try to remember the general public don’t know anything about bananas. It ‘s up to you to educate your customers as they purchase something from you .. Believe me I have been rite where your at . Not with Produce but live stock/reptiles . And ya need to bring a few potted plants with ya to sell so your customers can grow there own..
OH and dont give up ! Keep smiling at them ...
The Hollyberry Lady
11-14-2011, 06:29 PM
Yes, people should buy from local growers as often as they can. Good for you and I sure wish you well. If I was there I would buy lots from you too. :D
: )
oakshadows
11-14-2011, 06:47 PM
Wish we were closer. Right now the only thing available is store bought. Would certainly be a regular since I eat one every day and feed the peel to one of our cows. She got out a few days back and consumed a good part of our mystery banana.
Hang in there and educate the people.
RAINFOREZT
11-14-2011, 07:36 PM
Are you going to be there every saturdays? One of these saturdays I will try to show up there to buy bananas.:bananas_b
CTPalm
11-14-2011, 07:49 PM
congrats and good luck!
sandy0225
11-14-2011, 08:04 PM
This sounds weird, but you might want to raise your prices a little.
It sounds counterintuitive, but if you sell things too cheaply and people don't know you in addition, they think what you have to sell is just not worth anything. So they don't buy it.
It also helps to move merchandise if you do price breaks to encourage more spending. Like your hands of 5 are 1.50 each, but if you purchase 3, it's only $4.00.
Nicolas Naranja
11-14-2011, 09:11 PM
There was actually someone else selling thai bananas as well, so the price was kind of set on those. I may make some plantain chips as a sample next week. I actually sold a lot of plantains, but only about 10 people bought them. One person bought 10 plantains. I think I am actually going to dig some peepers and sell peepers. Before I give up my current farm I may dig a bunch of suckers and pot them to sell at the market. It would be nice to get a good following for thai bananas in South Florida, and maybe a little public research into them because right now we are all blindly growing fruit with no real guidance as far as pest control and fertilization.
trebor
11-15-2011, 06:08 AM
There was actually someone else selling thai bananas as well, so the price was kind of set on those. I may make some plantain chips as a sample next week. I actually sold a lot of plantains, but only about 10 people bought them. One person bought 10 plantains. I think I am actually going to dig some peepers and sell peepers. Before I give up my current farm I may dig a bunch of suckers and pot them to sell at the market. It would be nice to get a good following for thai bananas in South Florida, and maybe a little public research into them because right now we are all blindly growing fruit with no real guidance as far as pest control and fertilization.
That's it bring a little of everything . And lots of Musa :)
I bet you will sell some pups . Craig s list might help you also ..
Where is it exactly this market is located? is it monthly or weekly
Nicolas Naranja
11-15-2011, 09:59 AM
It's a weekly market in Wellington next to their village hall on Forest Hill. I'll be there this Saturday, but not the next two. I have no family in South Florida except my wife so I go out of town for Thanksgiving. And the next weekend I have had marked off for almost a year because I was able to get a cabin in Bahia Honda after years of trying.
Gabe15
11-15-2011, 05:47 PM
One of the most critical factors I have found in people buying banana fruit or not is ripeness. It's totally silly to the banana grower, of course we know they will ripen, but to the general public, it is extremely important that they know for sure they are "good", which means they are either totally ripe or part of the hand is ripe/ripening. I have tried everything, and all it comes down to is people want ripe bananas. Some people also are looking for snacks, so they want to be able to eat them right when they buy them. This is all basically because of how grocery stores work, they rarely but out totally green bananas, they keep those in the back and only display ripe ones, so people are trained to buy ripe bananas, green bananas are too weird or mysterious much of the time.
I would recommend holding onto to some and trying to get them timed so that they are ripe on the market day. The best way to do this though is not very easy, you need to keep them at about 57-60°F. They won't be damaged at those temps, but they can be held green for a relatively long time. A few days before the market, you take them out and let them ripen. If you have access to a storage chamber or room of that temperature, you can put them in their right after harvesting and then figure out how long it takes each variety to ripen after you take it out. Alternatively, you can let them sit in normal temperatures until they just start to ripen and then put them in the fridge, and only take them out on the day of the market or a day or so before to finish up. They will still ripen in the cooler temps a little bit, but it is dramatically slower.
Nicolas Naranja
11-15-2011, 09:58 PM
Yeah the ripe aspect is totally different than what I am use to with wholesale. Usually, the wholesale buyer wants them green. If I cut a bunch of Nam Wah on Tuesday they will usually start to turn by the end of the week. The Cavendish stay green forever it seems. The Hua Moa seem to have a lengthy green life as well. I suppose most places in the country selling plantains at a green market wouldn't go over well, but down here even the gringos know what to do with a plantain.
sandy0225
11-17-2011, 03:20 PM
I didn't even think of the ripeness factor. That was good advice.
It's like that here with the tomatoes in the summer too. They have to be ripe-ripe, or they have to be green with no hint of ripe for frying. Nothing in between.
And they have to be perfect. No spots cracks, etc. Even on heirlooms. Pretty hard to do.
momoese
11-17-2011, 03:59 PM
Samples can really help at open markets.
Nicolas Naranja
11-19-2011, 08:37 PM
I gave out samples of ripe Hua Moas, uncooked, and sold out. I'll have to admit they are pretty good. I actually had Gran Nains today and there were a few takers, but I traded most of them for two loaves of banana bread. Nam Wahs are the big movers.
momoese
11-19-2011, 08:50 PM
Nam Wahs are the big movers.
People love the small dessert bananas. Were they ripe this time?
Nicolas Naranja
11-19-2011, 09:53 PM
People love the small dessert bananas. Were they ripe this time?
I had some ripe ones and some green ones. Most people told me they would be using them over a few days so they preferred green. The Nam Wahs don't have much green life when harvested at mature green.
Dreaminofthetropics
11-21-2011, 07:31 PM
You'll have to keep us updated on how you do. I've been trying to get to the market to sell plants but have had too much going on! BAHIA HONDA I'M SOOO JEALOUS!!! I haven't been in about a year and a half and used to go there and camp twice a year! Take some pictures for me! Have you thought of making a small handout that just describes the different bananas and tastes/uses? I don't think it would be that expensive and people could read/learn/educate themselves at your booth and then possibly buy more!
Nicolas Naranja
11-22-2011, 01:40 PM
At a market what would be a good price to sell potted bananas.
oakshadows
11-22-2011, 04:10 PM
Check the local nurseries and see what they charge for similar plants. We hope to expand our income a bit with potted plants, both fruiting and ornamental. If you can afford to keep the price 20% lower you may enjoy a jump in sales. Of course, I believe if you can get them to try your fruit the sale of potted will probably increase. As mentioned it is good to educate your buyers since many think that they can't grow and harvest fruit. Good luck and hope to get down your way sometime.
Nicolas Naranja
11-22-2011, 07:32 PM
I figure before the farm comes to an end I might want to harvest a whole bunch of small suckers and peepers. With 2000 mats I obviously have a pile of them.
Dreaminofthetropics
11-22-2011, 09:54 PM
Well here they go from 7.00 up to 20.00 normally for a 3 gallon plant between 2ft and 5ft. These are of course unnamed varieties and I have learned selling here locally that 90% of people don't care what named variety it is all they want to know is will it make "bananas" Just my experience. However when selling online you find more collectors who will pay more for named varieties.
momoese
11-22-2011, 10:44 PM
I sell rooted potted pups here in LA on Craigslist for $20 each.
trebor
11-23-2011, 08:14 AM
Home Depot and Lowes as well as WallMart sell DC on a regular basis for as low as 6.99 . I just this week went to all three stores and looked at prices . I’ve seen other varieties in these retailers but not to often. There are a few nursery’s here locally Ft Lauderdale area that sell Musa. I saw a 8 foot plant being sold for $135.00. When I asked about the name I was told “it’s a banana” I think there is a industry standard as far as pricing goes and Going Bananas has a great price list online.. But who am I amyway!
Ive worked retail shows for well over 30 years . Yes Im an old guy .. What you do at a temporary retail show is different than a concrete store or a online store. Mostly people just shop for price! And when some one at your plants, your rather large price tag will tell them the amount it is selling for . YES LABLE YOUR ITEMS Use a stake in the pot that you can remove but make sure the price is visible .
Remember
“these plants grow fast”
“Best in full sun but not necessary”
“All living things need water”
“Buy this one and a year from now you will have up to $40 dollars worth of bananas”
Use your hand and show them how tall the plant gets “smile”
oakshadows
11-23-2011, 08:35 AM
I figure before the farm comes to an end I might want to harvest a whole bunch of small suckers and peepers. With 2000 mats I obviously have a pile of them.
And potting them at site using that good soil you enriched should be super for the pups and not having to pay for potting soil works out good also. As with any business, honesty is paramount. Build your business on trust and it could become of great value to you. Good luck.
Nicolas Naranja
11-23-2011, 09:21 AM
Use your hand and show them how tall the plant gets “smile”
I'd need more than my hands to describe Kandrian. I guess I could just point to a nearby power pole
trebor
11-23-2011, 09:45 AM
I'd need more than my hands to describe Kandrian. I guess I could just point to a nearby power pole
LIGHT POLL !Well guess I never thought of that :)
But I’d bet that the reason the retail stores sell small plants is because thats what the buying public want’s …OR… that’s the one that produces lots of pups …or…. some one is pumping out the TC at alarming cheap rates
Nicolas Naranja
01-23-2012, 02:19 PM
So, I've gotten a little more involved in marketing. From left to right
Plantain, Hua Moa, Fwang Tung Carambola, Nam Wah, Goldfingers. I had a group of 10 white tweenage girls buy 2 Hua Moas each from me. Most unusual group of customers I had all day.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=47734 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=47734)
Nicolas Naranja
03-04-2012, 08:30 PM
This past week was good. I sold many plantains. This was at 8:30AM and I had already sold 20 bunches.
http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x455/NicolasNaranja/2012-03-03083022.jpg
By 11:45 things had definitely thinned out. By the end at 1 I had sold out completely.
http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x455/NicolasNaranja/2012-03-03114352.jpg
bigdog
03-05-2012, 12:02 AM
Well, I might have a couple of suggestions for you as far as the marketing aspect goes. My girlfriend and I attend arts and craft fairs on a regular basis (my girlfriend makes wire jewelry) as vendors. Obviously you are selling them pretty well now, so you probably don't NEED to market your tent/display much better than you are now, but here's what I would do:
Full length tableskirts looks awesome. We bought some royal blue fabric from a fabric store, and hired a seamstress to make them for us. They are a real eye-catcher!
Upgrade (eventually) to a better-quality tent. What you have now works fine, but you're going to want a better-quality tent one day soon. Also, you're going to definitely want some anchors for that tent in the event of a very windy day! We bought four buckets from Lowes and filled them half full with concrete and sunk an eye hook into the concrete. Then just bungee them to the tent frame. Watch everybody else's tent blow away while you sit there and smile, knowing yours is going nowhere.
Place some of your bananas on an elevated pedestal. It just gives your presentation some depth.
I like the free samples. So does everyone else!
It looks like this is something that you are serious about. Presentation and marketing are very important to attract people to your tent! Think about getting a sign company to make a nice banner for you. Nothing wrong with the one you have now, but maybe consider a logo, some script writing, some secondary smaller writing underneath the company name stating where you are located, etc.
Most of all, have fun with it! It looks like you really are already, so congratulations!
Nicolas Naranja
03-05-2012, 11:52 AM
Well, I might have a couple of suggestions for you as far as the marketing aspect goes. My girlfriend and I attend arts and craft fairs on a regular basis (my girlfriend makes wire jewelry) as vendors. Obviously you are selling them pretty well now, so you probably don't NEED to market your tent/display much better than you are now, but here's what I would do:
Full length tableskirts looks awesome. We bought some royal blue fabric from a fabric store, and hired a seamstress to make them for us. They are a real eye-catcher!
Upgrade (eventually) to a better-quality tent. What you have now works fine, but you're going to want a better-quality tent one day soon. Also, you're going to definitely want some anchors for that tent in the event of a very windy day! We bought four buckets from Lowes and filled them half full with concrete and sunk an eye hook into the concrete. Then just bungee them to the tent frame. Watch everybody else's tent blow away while you sit there and smile, knowing yours is going nowhere.
Place some of your bananas on an elevated pedestal. It just gives your presentation some depth.
I like the free samples. So does everyone else!
It looks like this is something that you are serious about. Presentation and marketing are very important to attract people to your tent! Think about getting a sign company to make a nice banner for you. Nothing wrong with the one you have now, but maybe consider a logo, some script writing, some secondary smaller writing underneath the company name stating where you are located, etc.
Most of all, have fun with it! It looks like you really are already, so congratulations!
The sign is actually a requirement of the market. Business name with green letters on a yellow background. Everyone has the same sign. You can't see in the picture, but the tent does actually have 25lb leg weights. We've had some strong winds and it didn't budge. I'd actually like to get something better for the table covers because my number one problem is the wind blowing the cover up and covering up my product. The tent itself sucks bad, but it works fine. A friend of mine owes me some graphic design work for doing a bunch of translation so things may look different next year.
oakshadows
03-05-2012, 03:09 PM
Looking good Nick, not sure if we will do any selling of bananas but intend to sell plants of different sizes. Walmart just got in some potted bananas, about 10 to 12 inches and are going for $8 each. I picked up an Ice Cream and it is going good so far. They had several other varities also. Good luck with your venture and your new spot looks great also.
Nicolas Naranja
03-13-2012, 01:57 PM
I had some diversity this past week. FHIA 18, Nam Wah, Mysore, Raja Puri, Morado and though it can't be seen Hua Moa and Platano Macho.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=48096&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=48096)
GreenFin
03-13-2012, 02:12 PM
I had some diversity this past week. FHIA 18, Nam Wah, Mysore, Raja Puri, Morado and though it can't be seen Hua Moa and Platano Macho.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=48096&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=48096)
That's just awesome :08:
I daydream about someday having a homegrown selection like that on my kitchen counter :)
oakshadows
03-13-2012, 03:23 PM
Nice looking variety. Do your customers buy by the variety or just by what is available? If only I were closer. We are hoping to have a nice harvest this season and forever after. Wish me luck as we are just one zone above you the temps make the difference. Hoping all goes as you want and business increases.
Nicolas Naranja
03-13-2012, 03:58 PM
Nice looking variety. Do your customers buy by the variety or just by what is available? If only I were closer. We are hoping to have a nice harvest this season and forever after. Wish me luck as we are just one zone above you the temps make the difference. Hoping all goes as you want and business increases.
The Nam Wahs and the Hawaiians have a dedicated following. The goldfinger types have a following as well, but not as dedicated.
john_ny
03-13-2012, 07:13 PM
Thought it might be good if you posted the address of the market, and the days/hours of operation, in case any members were in the area, and would like to stop by.
trebor
03-13-2012, 08:21 PM
Thought it might be good if you posted the address of the market, and the days/hours of operation, in case any members were in the area, and would like to stop by.
I totally agree :ha: I will try to one day go up there because my life long friend has moved north of the lake it a 2 hour drive for me to go see them! Heck a fresh bought banana along the way might just make a drive a lot easier
Nicolas Naranja
03-14-2012, 10:55 AM
Saturday 8AM-1PM until April 28th.
12300 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington, FL 33414
It's a green market so there is plenty of other stuff there.
RAINFOREZT
03-14-2012, 02:03 PM
I had some diversity this past week. FHIA 18, Nam Wah, Mysore, Raja Puri, Morado and though it can't be seen Hua Moa and Platano Macho.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=48096&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=48096)
What's that Red banana..Jamacan/cuban Red or some thing else? Are you gona bring these next week?
GreenFin
03-14-2012, 02:09 PM
It's Morado ("morado" is a spanish word for a color in between red and purple)
RAINFOREZT
03-14-2012, 02:29 PM
It's Morado ("morado" is a spanish word for a color in between red and purple)
Does it taste same as jamaican/cuban red?
GreenFin
03-14-2012, 02:49 PM
Does it taste same as jamaican/cuban red?
I'm curious about that, too. I didn't even know it existed until this thread.
john_ny
03-14-2012, 02:50 PM
Thanks for the address, and hours. Just curious though; what happens after April 28?
bremba
06-15-2012, 01:06 AM
It would really be nice to be able to get to your first investment to it.
And though stiff competition is likely to get the better of you, when you are able to stand your ground and establish your own, it surely will be something that will work to your advantage. In any case, you just have to be really familiar with it for everything to be in proper order. And most likely, they are going to go really well on your first try.
Nicolas Naranja
06-15-2012, 07:59 PM
I think that cuban red, jamaican red, and morado are all the same thing. I got it from a puerto rican guy so it's morado. In Florida we pretty much shut things down in the summer because it's hot, rainy and the New Yorkers are gone. There are some markets during the Summer and if I were still in production I might go to one of those markets. I am glad to have the summer off. I am not growing bananas to get rich, it just needs to pay for itself. As long as it's profitable it's a legitimate business that can pay for a truck, purchase a John Deere gator to tool around the farm, and a new computer every five years.
Nicolas Naranja
07-28-2013, 11:07 AM
Yesterday was the first time in 15 months I actually sold fruit at a market. I had a pretty good day.
http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x455/NicolasNaranja/2013-07-27081615_zpsf60fd8d8.jpg (http://s1182.photobucket.com/user/NicolasNaranja/media/2013-07-27081615_zpsf60fd8d8.jpg.html)
Darkman
07-28-2013, 12:39 PM
Glad to see you hanging in there. Three (11, 12 and 13) seasons and still doing it. I'd like to do something similiar when I retire. We have a year round market here so I just have to do it!
oakshadows
07-28-2013, 01:10 PM
Happy for you, hope it continues. Good growing.
trebor
07-28-2013, 01:21 PM
Woooooa... look at all them mangos I'd a spent 10 bucks on them .. Looks nice ! I just bought some Haitian mango fruit here...
lpatelski
07-28-2013, 04:01 PM
:08:Your stand is beautiful, clean, and well laid-out. Nice job!:nanadrink:
Darkman
07-28-2013, 04:34 PM
What is the vendor fee there?
GreenFin
07-28-2013, 05:03 PM
Yesterday was the first time in 15 months I actually sold fruit at a market. I had a pretty good day.
Looks great! What were you charging for the pups in the tubs?
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