Just love your channel. A kind suggestion for your market display is to start the first row of flowers on a lower level, like knee height, and then stair step them higher to table level. This way the bouquets become more visible to those passing by. If they can see them more clearly from farther away it’s going to be harder to resist those beautiful blooms!!
Tip: consider a request box. People wanting certain flower arrangements could request what they want and when. Could have a reserved self for those that requested certain things.
Do you guys ever have an extra person walk the market with a few bouquets so people see them, ask where to buy, and drive some sales to your stand? A friend of ours sells kettle corn, and when it's kind of slow one of their family members walks around eating from a bag of it, with the sticker on the bag facing out so people know where it came from.
I’m surprised about the sunday market too ! I still suggest you have a lower table or your trolley thing so people see the colours more than the paper or bucket !
The thing about tourists is that they don't have vases along to put the flowers in. Vases can be picked up cheaply at Goodwill stores. Could you have some on hand at the market to sell at a very slight mark-up?
The produce trail sign looks great. I've noticed that some flower farmers on RU-vid go for the floret speedy way of making market bouquets with a recipe that focusses on flower shapes but lets the colours be pretty random. You guys have made a definite business choice to focus on colour combinations - that might be an interesting topic to discuss in an upcoming video.
Makes me happy to see the success you have the past 4 years in this flourishing farm. To allow Me and the public to see your 5 year plan develop to fruition is an honour for us.
Your flowers and arrangements are absolutely gorgeous. You guys sure are awesome at what you do. The amount of time and effort as well as creativity is outstanding. God bless 🥰
You guys have really been a saving grace for my partner and i. We always feel like we are drowning, insignificant, behind etc etc… lots of doubts! But when we see the reality of your farm and your ability to persevere makes us feel like we can do it. It makes us feel confident that one step at a time is sufficient. Your videos give us hope and inspiration every week!
Hi, sorry you had a low sales at the market so this advice is given to improve that for all the effort you put into your business. I have suggested before to lower the buckets so that people can see the flowers. If you look at your video at 1.32 minuets in, you will see that the main colour is Brown. Very difficult to see the flowers as they are just below eye level and the customers are looking at them from the side, the brown paper surround. Place the first row on the ground using the Zinnias and Sun flowers to catch peoples eye. Then the second row about 1 foot high on the crates you take. Then on the table. When you show your bouquets to the camera you show them looking directly from the top which you know gives the best presentation. So you need to do this on your stand. This comment is given to both help your sales and make the extremely hard work you put into making the bouquets worth it. The suggestions above will not cost any thing to try out, so please give it a try. Plus the suggestion below to walk around the market if sales are quite is also good. Again it cost nothing to try. Good luck with this Saturdays market I will see if you try out the above suggestions.
I'm absolutely loving the longer video ❤ Stunning flowers as always. Don't be disappointed...you never made so much with the veggies! I think you need more signage outside the road side stand. Personally I think that would be my priority, stock it FULL at all times and do some more marketing. It's going to build a loyal, local customer base. You could do a bouquet of the week and have a board...It's zinnia week etc. x
OK. I'm officially hooked on the beauty of your arrangements. Its like church choir music for the eyes. Marketing help: purchase a banner full of your flower pictures to hang on the back outside of your 10x10 at the market. 2) hang a bucket of single cut excess flowers for $3 a stem. The bucket will catch the eye of folk many booths away as the wind sways it. Plus its a higher markup for your profit. Also: "We grow them so you can enjoy them" isn't a bad slogan. People like "homemade" vs imported, so let them know these are homegrown. I wish you great growth success.
Them "What would you do if you had loads of money?" Me "Pay Serina to be my personal florist, and fill my house with flowers!" Them "You know she lives in Canada, and you're in the UK though, right?" Me... Gives side-eye "Shut up with your technicality!"
Loads of money, send private jet to pick up flowers and fly them back to you.
2 года назад
I love your bouquets. They are extraordinarily beautiful. But maybe you could give yourselves a bit of slack recognizing the time and energy you devote to making these videos-that´s a second professional line which is incredibly important- to us! So your work is not actually only selling flowers but also the videos which you should give yourselves more credit for!
I love that u recycle your kitty litter containers into flower buckets! I had my husband take a kitty litter container from my neighbors recycling bin and I'm going to use it for bouq harvesting 😂
I so enjoy seeing your “fillers”….grasses et al. They really elevate your bouquets. I’m learning a lot from you for a 76-year-old organic gardener! Originally from San Diego, California. My first annual cut flower stand will start next year in Vermont. It’s to be called ‘Keep Smilin’ Flowers’. Right in my front yard. Giving away pumpkins these days to set a happy connection with my neighborhood. Met some really great people of ALL ages! Thank you for all the inspiration. You Can’t Eat the Grass…so true. My former lawns are being converted to cardboard/wood chips and raised flower beds. I’m soooooo excited! Raised veggie garden beds next year in my back yard. Maybe even mushroom growing and microgreens indoors. Yes!!!!!
Bouquets were gorgeous. Sorry the new market didn’t turn out better. I think your display needs some rethinking. When you had the veggies last year they were displayed beautifully and caught the eye of people passing by. The flowers are just sitting there in all clumped close together. Nothing stands out from a distance. My first suggestion would be white cloths on the tables. Brown is blah! Look at how the bouquets stand out in the stand against the white walls and counters. The brilliant colors really stand out. They say…..look at me! They probably look better in the stand than they do in the customer’s house because they are surrounded by white. Try to leave some space between the buckets. Some of the flower buckets could be stored behind the table to restock the front as it empties. They don’t have to all be out in the front. You could leave some space between the buckets so they aren’t all jammed in together. Maybe you could make a higher row down the center to elevate more buckets. You need something that stands out. I know you are trying to put a lot in a small 10X10 or 12X12 space and that’s hard. Maybe a couple of large bouquets in vases (the inexpensive vases that have a wide bottom and narrower neck are easiest to arrange in because the stems splay out in the bottom…you might even be able to create a large hand held bouquet and pop it in with little maneuvering after) to anchor each side out in front of each front tent pole on a pedestal (or covered crate) of some sort and perhaps a third one the center of the back row creating a triangle to grab the attention of the crowd. Price them accordingly, but think of it as display. If they should sell it’s a bonus. Who knows someone might just want a $60 or $70 dollar bouquet for someone special. It would also let the customers know you can do something other than wrapped bouquets should they want something special sometime. A little more difficult to transport, but I’m sure you could work it out. Bouquets are beautiful. You can’t improve on that. Your only option there would be to change to a white wrap. Display is important. I did craft shows for many years when I was young….first with candles in the 70’s and then silk flowers. I would always have some huge candles or a large arrangement to try to draw people to my tables. I had a mold for a 10 pound candle and some for very tall pillars. I used those on an elevated display. When I was doing flowers I would make a large arrangement. People would come in to look. It would spark a conversation and people would usually buy something. To my surprise they would sometimes buy the big pieces…taking away my draw, but it was income. Maybe try one in the stand to. Who knows? I hope some of this information may be helpful to you. You work hard. Your bouquets are gorgeous. I really want you to be successful doing what you love. 😊💕🦋🕊
Just love your videos guys🙌🏼 And I especially loved this one with you covering the two markets. Also the storms and lightning looked amazing on your camera xx Cathi xx 😘
Have you thought about selling CSA memberships? Guaranteed money upfront for monthly bouquets or getting in a local shop, coffee / bakery. Starting with 8 / 12 bouquets just on the weekends. The road side stand is an awesome idea, along as people pay. Your flowers are gorgeous!!!
There are a few things that I think might be contributing to your problem at the market. As many people said, the stand is so high, that from a few meters away, you can not see the flowers very well. You have to come into the stand to be able to fully appreciate the arrangements. Second, the lights are much brighter between the stands, so when looking from there into the farmstands, everything looks much more muted and dark, so maybe a little light in the stand could help. The colors shine and attract the most, if the room, they are in, is lit very well. I loove your flowers, I think your bouquets look so georgous, the color combinations are just stunning. So i hope next years flower season will be even better. Greetings from Austria!
Y'all are doing such a great job. I was at my son's house 2 weeks ago after I was released from the hospital. I had cancer surgery and went a few days to my son's before going home on my own. My granddaughter who looks just like you was working the whole time I was there but her sister was home. She had gave up her bedroom for me to recuperate in and happened to walk in while I was watching one of your videos. She looked at the TV and said oh wow mawmaw look how gorgeous those flowers are! I asked her if I get well and start a flower farm would she come and work for me....she said mawmaw I would come live and work for you. That's my dream too!!!...😥...that really touched my heart. Then she saw you Serena and said oh my God she looks just like me and Katelyn...lol...God bless y'all
Suggest you consider changing the layout of the Saturday market - maybe a U-shape so customers walk in between the bouquets. Just a small change will catch peoples attention. Great job on the bouquets this week!
your Farmer's Market closes so early! Maybe you can join forces with other vendors to convince the organization to stay open till 3pm? There are late shoppers (like me!)
I'd be curious whether it'd be possible to have a morning to noon market, then a 5pm-8pm market, though I am not sure when their days cool down for the evening. If it doesn't cool down, then it would not make sense.
I can see why zinnias are doing better!!! They have much better longevity on tables and they dry better and stay longer even!!! They look strong and muscular! 🤣🤣🤣 and very vibrant colors .. Bold and Beautiful 😂♥️🙏🏽
Serena your bouquets are gorgeous, truly sumptuous 😍 Ian your work ethic is so inspirational, ty both for taking us on this journey with you... I really look forward to your videos every single week 😍
I think your bunches look very beautiful, elegant, fun and colourful. I think your Boquets include more flowers than before. I like to see so many blooms in a bundle.
Love the bright yellow and orange bouquets! I wonder if back-to-school sales have temporarily slowed things down. 22:57 awww.... sweet Buddy! Love the shots of the kitties! Love it when you're all back inside, safe and sound. I think it's great that you have access to a second market. Looking at all those gorgeous flowers makes me feel dreamy. So much beauty. Even more appreciated from watching your videos and seeing how much hard work and sacrifice it is to produce. See you later tonight on the live!
Look at Ian's red face under your red-topped tent! That red tints all the flower bouquets masking their true color & on hot days looks like a fastfood restaurant's french-fry lamp, making it seem even hotter. When each bouquet is different it gives buyers too many choices making it so they have trouble deciding. Fewer choices makes for more sales. (So said by all my gallery dealers.)
Cameras are notorious for their difficulties coping with red, especially when it comes to light and in areas of high contrast such as strong sunlight + shade. The human eye however doesn't struggle at all and in person it's hardly noticeable. You can see that in the shots taken from outside the booth looking in where the camera doesn't get flooded with red-tinted light. The bouquets in the rear are shaded but colours are look fine. It's especially easy to see on the craft paper, it's the normal nondescript beige, hardly any red tinge.
I agree. The bouquets are so varying, its hard to decide which is my favorite. My husband sits a bench toward the middle of the walk way at farmers markets. It gives relief for a tired person or just fun for kids to sit. Once they are seated, their eye could be drawn to the bouquets. We're just trying to help Ian & Serena find solutions.
I remember being in BC this Aug...in Abbotsford...it was SO hot!! It was a heat wave!! So when I was there, I was not going anywhere....maybe thats why it did as poorly as it did...and I should be used to the heat, we get this in Ont. all the time in the summer...but you guys are going to do great, I have no doubt! Keep on keeping on! The lisianthus was so beautiful!! Did not disappoint! oh the zinnias too, oh my, those queeny limes 15:00 so beautiful! cool lightning shots Ian! Also glad to see the flower market rebound!
2 года назад
WOW! So true! "As a farmer you have to embrace chaos..."
Love the “spin and show” effect in video at ~ 11:40. Nice touch! Also…you have such a way with color. All are beautiful, but some just move the senses in a pleasant and subtle way. Thank you!
You guys inspire me so much, am in early spring in Australia, my 2nd year, feeling disheartened no one wants to buy my jonquils & daffodils, then suddenly 2 seperate businesses have asked for my flowers weekly. So grateful for your awesome channel to encourage me to carry on.
For me, daffodils are a tough sell. It's part of the reason we haven't really planted many yet. Once tulips start, then the customers start coming in too. So don't get discouraged yet! Also, I never sell them as daffodils (because everyone has the yellow ones in their garden) instead I sell narcissus, which sounds exotic, lol.
One thing I noticed as out the booth is the table looked half way back in the booth. I suggest moving it up to the front of the booth … maybe a foot or so beyond the front … like …people have to almost run into it.!
This week’s bouquets are gorgeous & hard to resist! Guess the low sale has got to do with low traffic in the market? (People taking the last chance with vacations before school starts.) And maybe set the table a bit towards the front (but risking the vase life, hard to make the call🤨)?
Unsolicited suggestion (hehe) I wonder if you guys would benefit from investing in a white tent? The red tint on the flowers takes away from the beautiful colours of your bouquets!
The flowers are glorious, so no problem there. What impresses me is the amount of sales at the roadside stand because you don't have to stay up till 4 am. The sales are distributed throughout the week. Travel time is minimal. I am glad you can have a second market People can't grow many flowers on apartment balconies.
Great video. I love the positive attitude. Also, I gotta say Serena's bouquets are beautiful and they get even better as time goes by. Watching your channel for 2 years now and I see the progression of her skills and its impressive how she grows as a bouquet designer. Well done you guys!
That special order with the pale yellow in the center was really eye-catchingly beautiful & unusual. And then later, towards the end those bouquets were sooo beautiful too!
Your husband is just a big help while you make the bouquets. He also sells at the market and sets everything up. The children also help a lot. You all are such hard workers. Take care.
If I went to a roadside stand and there were some flowers that weren't in bouquets, and there was a sign that said "choose any 5 blooms. Make your own bouquet" I would LOVE it!
You two are a phenomenal team with sharing the care of your family, helping each other with their projects, giving each other time to rest, and dedication to the success of the farm. The flowers are growing so well and your bouquet skills are beautiful. If I lived there, I would happily be a regular flower and veggie buyer. Thanks for sharing your insight to your farming business. I hope you both give yourselves the regular rest you need.
Love your channel...Sabrina love your bouquets! You work VERY hard to put together some amazing color arrangements. I've spent most of my life working in and with color so I get how it feels when it comes together and pops just right. The only suggestion I would ever make to you guys is to change your upper canopy to white. I watch your videos every week and the arrangements are fire...then at market they fade under the canopy. If it comes across like that on video, its probably more impactful in person. The red is canceling out your amazing color arrangements, especially the white, light and vintage tones that you make phenomenal looking pallets with. Red neutralizes green as well, so it takes the leaf and filler impact away that would normally draw the eye. Paint the roof on your sign red to make your logo pop instead of the canopy. I honestly think you'll see more $$$ when people are seeing more of those amazing bouquets in their true tones! Holy crap those zinnias!! 🤩 Bless you both and your family and I hope to watch you continue to make us swoon with those awesome blossoms! 😍
Have you tried having a few in vases? It would be perfect for someone looking for a gift. When I give flowers, I always give in a vase when give a gift. I shop thrift stores to stock up on vases.
Friendly suggestion would be to display several bouquets in vases to showcase how big and beautiful they are! The paper covers a lot of it. They are show stoppers when I see you holding them full. I get vases for $1 @ goodwill. Some people don't want to have to buy vases if for a gift. You could keep a crate of them.
I really like the layered looked of your stand but it’s too tall. When u look in the booth u see silver buckets and brown paper. I would put two layers, on the ground and use your baskets upside down as the second layer. That way people see your amazingly beautiful flowers and not silver buckets. I shop farmer’s markets all the time and the ones with the flowers on the ground really catch my eye. Those booths r always busy. Thankfully we have one market that is open all year. The others close in October.
Serina Special Sayings: Back to money back to work I’m not going to judge. I’m just gonna keep making what sells As long as you are growing sustainably and selling locally you can pretend to be as mercenary as you want!
Set buckets in front or side of table. One on either side of front of canopy, the flowers that can take the sun. I can't even see the bouquets in the shade of the canopy. Draw their eye in. And, yes, white cloths on tables would help, as someone earlier suggested. We love you guys & are just trying to point out ways to improve, not that you've done anything wrong. You're doing a magnificent job, better than the majority of us could do. Another crazy idea: Offer bouquets to other vendors as sort of an advertisement.
I would use Granny Smith green colored tablecloths for the display of flowers at the market. It will look beautiful with the flowers. Every color goes with green !!!!!
Love this video! So nice to see three markets in a row. And your roadside stand business is a joy to see and hear about. Bet the downtown crowd will be watching for you to return. Thanks for sharing your journey, and your cats, they are so sweet. 👏🌻🐈
Be grateful that you get so many sales as it is! 680-1200 per market is amazing and you may not be able to get too much more in a day. People are struggling to pay bills (at least in the US) so to have those sales with luxuries at a market is great and almost unheard of in some parts of this country.
Great strategy for this week & congrats on the week total. I truly think without consistent representation at the Sunday market, you did well there!👏👏👏 Gorgeous Lisianthus!! Your customers will come around to how beautiful & long lasting in the vase they are. They added a wonderful look to the bouquets! WELL DONE!💐
