I’ve had a lot of interesting conversations with people about pricing, and product value, but I’ve never posted about it before.. so here are a few important points to remember when buying from small local producers:-)
- 1) What we do is hard work. It’s time consuming, and the time we spend is part of our pricing.
- 2) Our overheads are higher than a supermarket, not lower. I was once told that, as Jam is only fruit, and sugar and lemon, as as I didn’t have an expensive factory, my Jams should be cheaper that the generic supermarket equivalent.
- 3) The money we make from our products really does go into school fees, music lessons, swimming lessons, our mortgage, etc. Please consider this.
- 4) Don’t ask a market stall owner to change a large note if you don’t intend to buy anything:)
- 5) When you buy from small producers, the money stays in the community.
- 6) Handmade food products have more flavor, and more character, handmade goods on the whole make a nicer gift.
- 7) When buying Gifts consider quality over quantity. We’ve all been given the generic tin of budget shop biscuits at Christmas, they don’t ever taste any better. A small box of handmade gingerbread men is much nicer, really which would you prefer?
- 8) Secret Santa gifts are always fun, but really think about what you are giving. How many gag bottle openers, ties, or pens do we really need? Try this..see what small handmade items you can get from you next local market, for the $5-20 dollars you have been asked to spend. You might have to learn a bit more about the person you are buying for first…is that really such a bad thing?
- 9) Please don’t ask a stall holder when they are going to drop their prices at the end of the day. Those of us who have perishable goods may need to do that, but please don’t count on it. Refer to point number 3).
- 10) Have a look at the gift you are buying. Would you use it, wear it, eat it, enjoy it your self? If you would bin it, or just donate it, should you really give it as a gift? Can the person you are buying for eat it, wear it or use it?
Yes this is cheap!! you could buy a lot of these as small gifts for kids, or as a gag gift….would you want them eating them though? Do you really want to think about the colours used?
Would you rather eat just one of these? or get “more” plastic flavored lollies? What about the people receiving the gift?