Class Dismissed

While cleaning out my truck one day I came across a business card for Brian's Farmers Markets.  I had likely gotten the card when I visited either the UTC or the Golden Hill Market about nine months prior.  

Printed on the card was a website & it was there I discovered that Brian offered a "Farmer's Market 101" class.  It was ironic, because lately I had been busy looking for equipment but wasn't quite sure exactly what bare bones items I really needed to get up & running.  Money was tight & I had none to waste on bells & whistles.

I took a chance & paid the $15 to attend the two hour class at San Diego City College.  I figured I had spent more than $15 on my lunch break at Best Western, so why not give it a shot?

Armed with a notebook & pen, I rode my bike downtown to City College near the old Balboa Stadium.  Kate arranged to pick me up afterwards so I wouldn't have to bike home in the dark, so I was able to concentrate on the lecture at hand.

The classroom was nearly full of people my age up to probably in their late fifties.  Brian jumped right into a Power Point Presentation.  There were also handouts from the Health Department, some Insurance & Farmer's Market brochures.  

I couldn't find my notes from that night in January 2013, but here were a few key points I remember:

• You gotta do 4-5 markets/week for it to be worthwhile/profitable
• Always keep at least 3 days of inventory on hand
• Don't skimp on Graphic Design when it comes to designing your logo/banner
• Business Cards are cheap to print & are very important handouts at markets
• Social Media is key so your customers know where to find you
• Buy a good hot water jug & cold cooler that'll keep temperature well 
• Make sure to buy a "Fire Retardant" canopy for your tent & get a special Fire Extinguisher 
• Use butane gas for cooking (I later learned than propane was the way to go, not butane.  I'm not sure if I misheard or what)      

He allowed time at the end for one on one questions & I asked him about joining his markets.

"What do you sell?" he asked.

"Grilled Cheese," I said.

"Oh, well we currently have a grilled cheese vendor at Golden Hill, but take one of these applications & we can put you on a waiting list."

It was a good class, I learned a lot.  And, now I had some homework to do.  That next Saturday morning I went to Golden Hill to scope it out for myself.  

My notes:

     Alchemy Grilled Cheese- $5 (The "SD" 3 cheese) w/ Tomato Bisque Soup $8