Farmers Market Etiquette

98% of my customers and people who come into my booth are wonderful and polite, but as the saying goes there is always a few rotten apples in the barrel. Being neurodivergent I find social situations to be extremely awkward and sometimes I'm a bit clueless. So if you're like me and want a little help in being a "good" customer here are some tips.

There are two things I think people should always remember: the golden rule and "think before you speak". The golden rule is "do unto others as you have them do unto you". If you are rude to me, do you want me to be rude back to you? Now I would never intentionally be rude to someone, but I think you get the idea. Or you tell me how lovely my products are and I in turn can return that kindness by telling you thank you. The other idea is "to think before you speak". I saw somewhere someone had stated "not every thought in your head needs to come out". To expand on that idea are your words going to build up a person or you trying to tear down and belittle the person. If you're going to make a rude or very blunt statement, what is your reasoning behind your words? Being a small business owner is tough, and having people show kindness can give you the motivation to keep on going.

One of my biggest pet peeves and I have noticed others mention this on social media is people saying "I'll be back". 90% of the time you will not be back and you know you are straight up lying (sorry for being so blunt!). What can you say instead if you find yourself in a "sticky" situation? For example you walk into a booth and the prices are more than you can afford or you walk into a booth and there's nothing you would like to buy. In these situations:

1. Just leave, be polite, but just walk away.

2. Tell the owner they have lovely stuff and you enjoyed looking around their booth and leave.

3. Ask if you can take some pictures to post on social media or share with family and friends.

4. Ask for a business card. Maybe you can't afford the prices or don't want to buy anything, but you know your friends or family might like the product.

   
   

In summary be kind! I think that's also some solid life advice: be kind!