I’ve read a couple articles about the big-picture reality of CSA’s and Farmers Markets. I’ve also thought a lot about Small Business Saturday. Combined with other thoughts in my head (e.g., dh and I both have a high percentage of self-employment in our families), I want to share my blend of farmers markets and small businesses.
my daughter made this label for me
My lip balm is now sold at Tallgrass Grocery Co-op in Valley Junction.
What is Tallgrass Grocery Co-op? It’s a brick and mortar grocery. It is a co-op where members get a small discount. You can shop without being a member.
Why Tallgrass? For me, it’s closer than driving to Woodward. It puts me near other small businesses that I can park and then walk to.
Other than that, I’ll say that the store contains non-local staples like a conventional grocer. It has locally produced baked goods, meat, produce, and related goods like honey and personal care items. Gift items that seem to be leftover from the Fair Trade gift shop are also on display.
Additional info: The high ethical standards (see the Tallgrass website) appeal to me. The shopping bag program appeals to me (visit the store).
The reality: The 5% member discount means that the $100 membership fee would be realized once $2000 were spent. For my family, that would be a LOT of food. Do the math for yourself if you are not motivated by the idea and ideal of a co-op, but rather by the financial numbers.
before the label was adhered
Selling at the co-op: If you are thinking about selling here, I say go for it. A storefront definitely validates you and gives name recognition outside of the cyber-world. The staff will honestly assess your product. I had to go home and do some thinking and some more work before returning to sell there. I was not offered commission, but an outright purchase of the lot. Their accounting called for payment of the lot within a week, so vendors need to trust the store.