Duette.locallygrown.net

Today, all our Every Door Direct Mail large, glossy card went out to 921 people. I am encouraged. So far 2 people have joined as customers, one person called and said it was a good idea, and I sat down at the little store for two hours and made 13 dollars.  hahahah. 
The sitting at the little store was not all that bad, but the only thing I had to sell there was squash.  Not my choice of marketing, but I thought I would try it.  Only two local people came to the store and both bought squash.
I am encouraged. 
Love,
Betty

The first step is important, Betty.

Great, Betty.

Dear Shelagh,
You know, for me it was a good experience.  I have known the local people for over 30 years.  Most I have not seen except for voting at the fire department for elections since I was much younger.  We all remember each other, however.  It was a step.  I do understand the steps and the first one was ok.
Alice, thank you for all the times you have had such nice things to say to me.  I hope you are wonderful!
Love,
Betty

Sounds encouraging Betty.  Thinking of you and David on a daily basis.  Getting involved will present opportunities.

We have 6 customers!  Wahoo!
Love,
Betty

Making headway.

Radio talk.....

So!  Our promotions seem to be working.  My God!  It is slow!  This week we have three new customers at retail and one at wholesale.  I have canned bread and butter pickles and zucchini pickles for Christmas presents for the family.  It makes us so happy when someone who ordered and received our produce sends email to say how much they liked it and that they will tell their friends.  I knew it would be this way.  When I had the Westcoast Aquatics business, it took a year to break 15,000.  I never give up and now my David is here to help.  God bless us all.
Love,
Betty

Betty, sounds great.  Those little steps can turn into big steps.  What a great thing to happen at Christmas time.  Presents come in all forms.  As Authors, feedback is something we desire and often fail to do it ourselves.  I know I am guilty of that and am working on it. 
Word of mouth advertising may take more time, but is more valuable.  With your promotional material you may want to have a small blurb, "If you like our (my) produce, tell a friend."

Abe,
I do that tell a friend thing.
I want you to know that you are a very kind person.  So is everyone on this board.  To be concerned with our production and sales says a lot about each of you. 
I think I will go up the road to the Bunker Hill Winery and see if they would like to sell through our market.  Their wine is lovely.  There is another farm that sells raw milk and butter and eggs.  I need to go see them as well.  I had hoped that sending the postal ad would incite them to join our market.  But, I imagine some people need a personal invitation.  
Thank you all for the encouragement.
Love,
Betty

May you succeed.   It is a fun venture you are on.

It's like selling books, Betty.  I have been to many book signings with lots of advertising and sold only ten books - and the store said that was great - great?  Ten books is $20 royalty and then subtract gas, advertising, marketing materials and time - sound familiar with your vegetables?

Try local restaurants - they are always looking for the ability to advertise "buy locally," especially with recent scares like celery. 

I'm sure you have tried Farmers Markets.  They can be a lot of trouble but people buy that stuff in season down here by the droves.

Sometimes providing little recipe cards with squash makes a difference as many people don't know how easy and delicious it is to cook.  My favorite way is to cut it in half, put olive oil and seasoning on the cut half and put that face down on parchment paper.  I bake at 350 till tender, turn over, and brown a little parmesan cheese on top.  Easy as pie and works for all squash and for zucini and peppers and sweet and white potatoes and in fact, a little olive oil on any veggie and roast it and it is sweeter than other ways of cooking - especially carrots.

Whatever you have the most of, put a picture on your cards with a recipe...just thinking.  I can always think of more for someone else than me ...

I think that DK's suggestion about providing a recipe card coulld be an asset.  I've often heard my wife say, "Looks interesting.  I wonder how they make it (prepare it)."  Any uncommon vegetable needs support.  People like to try new things.  Even with ordinary vegetables, there can be a new or different way to enjoy them.