Shopping and Saving at a Farmers Market: Quick Tips

by Steven Duplinsky

Back by reader demand. We have received so many requests for this article that we have decided to re-publish it. In honor of our new “Fresh Finder” (top right of screen) we have written some simple guidelines to saving money while shopping at farmers markets. While the prices at some markets can be a little intimidating, with the right know how and a few simple tips, one can walk away with some excellent deals.

Come Hungry
Skipping breakfast is highly recommended. Farmers and vendors are usually eager to provide free samples. A stroll through a large weekend market while eating samples can be a meal in itself.

Know Your Vendor
The best thing about markets is that you get to buy directly from the source. Building a relationship with a vendor is key to saving. Simply patronizing the same vendor weekly might be enough, but make sure to also engage in conversation. Remember his/her name so that they remember you and they might throw in a few extra peaches or cut you a break on price.

Shop Late
Buy your produce in the last 20-30minutes of the market. The selection might not be as good but the vendors are usually anxious to unload their remaining products and will often slash their prices. This is especially true on Sunday markets when vendors might not have another good opportunity for a sale until the next weekend.

Buy “Bad” – Seconds Save
If you are thinking about canning, making soups, sauces, pies, or breads with your purchase, look for bruised or otherwise damaged produce. Over ripe goods are often perfect for these dishes.

When shopping, point out the blemishes to the vendor and offer to buy at discount. Many vendors keep a box of the “bad” items behind the table as to not make their perfect produce look lesser. Ask if there are any blemished items and offer a few dollars to buy the whole box. You often get a remarkable value as most items simply have cosmetic flaws.

Buy Big
It almost always pays to buy a large quantity from a single vendor (especially on a weekly basis). Offer to buy more if he/she will cut the price. Make sure to negotiate a bulk deal before you start to pick out your goods. Some vendors will automatically charge less but almost all will give a discount if you ask first.
For example:
You – “How much are peaches?”
Vendor – “$2.50lb”
You – “How much for 5lbs?”

Take advantage of these simple tips next weekend and you will find that farmers markets can be a place for not only the freshest products but also a place to get great deals.