How Microgreen Farmers Can Sell Based on Grow Times
Microgreens are gaining popularity across America among consumers and chefs alike. With increasing awareness of their nutrient-dense properties, local demand for the tiny greens is rising. However, consumers are unaware of the unique nuances Microgreen Farmers face: short growing times, differing maturing rates, and their highly perishable nature (to name a few!).
So, how can Microgreen Farmers ensure products get to customers in a timely manner while managing the above factors? By selling their bounty based on their growing times. As most Microgreen varieties are ready to harvest in 2 weeks or less, it’s essential that Farmers manage the quick turnaround before the greens perish. This can be done in 3 easy steps:
1. Accept Microgreen Pre-Orders.
The number one thing a Microgreen Farmer should do is sell pre-orders to their products. Why? Pre-Orders guarantee a purchase commitment prior to harvest. This means that when the greens are ready to go, they’ll already be paid for and Farmers know which items (and the amount) will be moved before they’re out of the soil. Pre-Orders make it easier to plan ahead, simplifying inventories and future plantings.
Microgreen Farmers that run on Barn2Door set specific selling rules within the platform, setting expectations for buyers when they will receive their orders (through direct delivery or local pickup). Farmers can set up rules and automate communications based on the customer orders that will be fulfilled within the growing period — between 12-15 days, depending on the variety. This is extremely important and sets buyers’ expectations on when and how orders will be ready.
2. Sell Microgreen Tray Subscriptions.
Of all the Microgreen Farmers we serve, we know that allowing buyers to choose which varieties they want on a case-by-case basis is equivalent to death by 1,000 papercuts. Why? Customizations are a headache to manage, increase assembly costs, overwhelm delivery days, and are simply unproductive. So, how can Farmers avoid customizations while still giving buyers what they want? With Microgreen Tray Subscriptions. Bundles allow Farmers to package a variety of greens into a single “unit” for sale, while Subscriptions secure purchase commitments on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis. This combination is the key to Microgreen Farmers’ success.
The most successful Farms offer between 5-7 Microgreen Tray options. This gives buyers the ability to choose a flat of a particular Microgreen, or a Farmer’s choice (of what’s fresh right now). Using Tray Subscriptions helps streamline inventory, move more products, and increase sales. By offering different flat sizes — small, medium, and large, Farmers can cater to a range of buyers’ microgreen needs and move more products simultaneously.
3. Drive Orders with Consistent Engagement.
Because Microgreens are unlike other products, Farmers need to communicate why their products are different with potential buyers and loyal customers. Sharing the benefits of microgreens, the differences in varieties (and growth times), how they can be used in dishes, and how to purchase them from your Farm will be essential to driving consistent orders.
Use social media to engage with members of your community and share photos of your trays, educating them in the growing process. Send email newsletters to your contact list, sharing what’s available in your Farm Webstore, what your favorite seasonal mix is, flavor profiles, suggested recipes, and how they can pre-order a bundle of their own. Consistent communication with buyers across different channels will be vital to keeping your Farm top of mind creating a loyal network of customers for your Farm.
Leveraging Pre-Orders and Subscriptions is the key to Microgreen Farmers’ success. By aligning your selling schedule with the growth times of your products, it will be easier to manage your inventory, reduce waste, and secure consistent sales. Managing quick inventory turnarounds doesn’t need to be difficult nor requires extra time when you have a process in place, a steady rhythm of customers, and engage in activities that build your customer base for long-term growth and success.
Barn2Door provides an all-in-one solution for Farmers to grow and manage their business. Curious to learn why successful Farms run on Barn2Door? Watch this 5-minute video.