Each marketing channel has strengths and challenges. Wholesale markets often require little marketing effort but may also bring lower prices. Direct marketing channels may bring higher prices but require greater time and effort. For instance, farmers markets require a high level of contact with customers. Community supported agriculture (CSA) requires a high level of organization in crop planning and business management. Marketing channels should fit the personality of the farmers, the goals of the farm, and the types of products grown. Often, farms will use multiple marketing channels so all their produce is sold. This could include a CSA plus a wholesale outlet, or farmers markets, a CSA and sales to restaurants. The options are nearly limitless.
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Watch & Learn
E-Commerce Learning Modules
- A Beginner's Guide to e-Commerce. This module serves as a great stepping stone toward turning rural life skills into e-commerce ventures.
- e-Commerce as a Strategy for Improving Business VitalityEntrepreneurs considering using e-commerce can learn from the experience of others.
- Helping Artisans Reach Global Markets The content of the course provides artisans with sound, research-based information to make decisions on whether or not to develop a Web page, how to do it, utilize resources, and evaluate effectiveness.
- Marketing Food Specialty Products OnlineThe purpose of this learning module is to assist food retailers in making decisions on the use of online technologies in their marketing and planning strategies.
RESOURCES:
- Case Studies
- Information Briefs
- Data & Cool Tools
- State & Local Policies
- Research References
Build Your Business
- Online Tutorial on Farm Leasing
- Strategies to Improve Farm Business Management
- Visual Merchandising: The Silent Salesperson. View a recording of a marketing workshop conducted by Glenn Muske, Oklahoma State University. The workshop covers some key aspects of display as a sales tool. The workshop is approximately 45 minutes long.
Building Entrepreneurial Communities
- E-Commerce Module:Connecting Rural Communities
- Strengthening Competitive Advantage of Rural Businesses with e-Commerce and Experience Economy Strategies
- Mini-Course: Developing Diversified & Value-Added Agribusinesses
Blogs to Watch