When thinking about “high tech” sectors of the business and retail worlds, where do you think Farmers' Markets would rank? While most people think of these particular events as more of a cash and carry experience, there are several indicators that show even the Farmers' Markets are starting to get a technological boost. While the neighborhood's local Farmers' Market may not be right up there with a Best Buy or Radio Shack when it comes to using technology to peddle their wares, there are a couple of different ways in which savvy marketers are blending into the 21st century.
The first and arguably most popular way that Farmers' Markets are joining the tech sector is by using social media. In some regards the argument can be made that stand owners who promote themselves using a site like Facebook are actually ahead of the game in comparison to bigger and better known retailers. Facebook is free advertising, and most Farmers' Markets stand owners have built up a bit of a following anyway. Letting people know where you are going to be and when, on a site where millions of people traffic can only help your business.
Another way in which Farmers' Markets have managed to beat out some companies no one would expect to be trailing them is coming up with smartphone apps. While this particular direction is not exactly widely used yet, there is some movement in this direction, most notably with the MI Farm Market Finder. Team up an app that will actually help you find where the Farmers' Markets are going on with one that will give you a ton of recipes to cook what you bought and you've got a real winner.
One other way that Farmers' markets have managed to got more technologically advanced is actually a rather simply advancement. More and more Farmers' Markets are allowing their wares to be sold online as well as on the street. Food delivery service Greenling is setting out to be the new middle man between the Farmers' Market and those who purchase from them. While still limited in size and scope, this company will deliver a basket of food that you can purchase online from your local Farmers' Market.
Edited by
Rich Steeves