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Robin Shreeves

Is bargaining at the farmers market OK?

Small farmers work hard. Should you ask them to charge less for their hard work?

Tue, Aug 10 2010 at 8:25 AM EST
 13

Photo: alltrain43/Flickr
Last week on the $5 Dinners blog, there was a short video in which a farmer at the farmers market was asked if he minded people asking for discounts or reduced prices on his products. He said he didn’t mind and that sometimes he was willing to do it. What he doesn’t seem to like, though, is when people don’t take no for an answer.
 
I feel fortunate that the prices at the farmers market that I visit seem reasonable. I’ve mentioned before that there is a market closer to me, but the prices there are significantly higher. The market I visit is much larger, and I attribute the lower prices to more competition and a higher volume sold.
 
It never occurred to me to ask for a lower price at the closer market. The farmers work hard — very hard. I’ve never heard of a rich small farmer in my state. Asking them to lower the price of their products doesn’t seem right.
 
The comments beneath the video are interesting. Some people think that trying to barter is just fine. Others feel the way I do — it’s not right to ask the farmers to lower their prices. Some see a middle ground. If they want to buy a whole lot of something, say 12 dozen ears of corn for freezing, they might ask for a lower price for a bulk order, but they would never ask for a lower price on one dozen ears of corn.
 
What do you think? Should you try to bargain at the farmers market or should you trust that the farmers are asking a fair price and be willing to give it to them? 
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Related Topics: Buy Local, Farming & Agriculture, Green Business, Markets

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anonymous
colleen whalen 12/31/2011 05:28 AM

Do you try to haggle at Safeway or the mall? Why is this question even being asked? Small, independent family farms make a very small profit and typically work 7 days a week, 10 hours a day.....it is insulting to farmers to haggle and badger them to squeeze them dry for a dollar or two. Even thrift shops have set prices - so honor your local family farmer at the farmers market and pay them what they ask. Do you haggle and try to bargain with your mechanic, day care center provider,.... More

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anonymous
Scotty 08/14/2010 13:54 PM

I grew up on a 4000 Acre Ranch. I don't remember a time when my Father was selling or trading items that 'Battering' was not the Norm. In dealing with True Down Home Country Folk- I believe bargaining is appreciated- especially when buying Multiple Items.

Thank you all for supporting your Local Growers.

Build Green,
Scotty
Scotts Contracting

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anonymous
Roseann 08/13/2010 13:53 PM

Only after you have spent 60 hours in the fields planting, weeding, harvesting do you have the authority to deem weather or not the farmer is charging you too much.

WALK A MILE/WORK A WEEK IN A FARMERS SHOWES BEFORE YOU DOWN PLAY HIS INTENSIVE LABORS.
I HELP MY FRIEND ON HER ORGANIC FARM (SMALL) AND IT'S IS BRUTAL WORK IN HOT SUN & HUMIDITY.

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anonymous
Texas Chris 08/13/2010 13:14 PM

If the produce is amazing, i don't ask. If it's good and I'm buying several items from them, then i ask nicely and am ready to hear no and be happy with it. Happy a Happy Day!

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anonymous
Texas Chris 08/13/2010 13:14 PM

If the produce is amazing, i don't ask. If it's good and I'm buying several items from them, then i ask nicely and am ready to hear no and be happy with it. Happy a Happy Day!

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anonymous
jules 08/13/2010 12:10 PM

Onlly haggle at the end of the market day or if you're taking the whole lot. Otherwise you run the risk of losing farm vendors at your local market. This is a top quality product, not a flea market!

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anonymous
Caroline Cooke 08/13/2010 11:27 AM

Bargain, haggle, dicker all mean negotiating to benefit the buyer. Barter is an agreed exchange of goods, services. Please don't confuse the two.

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anonymous
Zyxomma 08/12/2010 15:25 PM

Far from bargaining at my greenmarkets (there are 3 near my home), I often offer to let them keep the change. If they weren't there, I could get local, organic produce at only one health food store. I often buy something from them, then return the next week with a little portion of a dish I've created from their produce. I live in NYC, and nothing is more important to me than the real food I eat (as opposed to the food-like substances on supermarket shelves). If I visit at the end of the day,.... More

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anonymous
karen 08/12/2010 13:07 PM

A farmer is a professional profession. Many of the farmers that I have meet at the farmer market are highly educated, and engaged in creative, intellectual challenging work. The professional service they are providing is flavorful, nutritional and very fresh vegetables and fruit. There also the the husbandry of animals or the artistry of cheese making. This is a professional service of strict ethical and moral regulations. One that has not been demonstrated in the last 30 or so years with.... More

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anonymous
Kari 08/12/2010 11:05 AM

As a farmer’s wife who also has a booth at the farmer’s market, I get rather upset when people try to bargain. We work very hard to grow the things we do. My husband is in the barn 7 days a week/365 days a year, then crops and grows market gardens as well. We put a fair price on our products. Most consumers have no idea of the input costs. Some people see farm markets as ‘overpriced’ where in reality the grocery stores are severely UNDER-PRICED. We refuse to sell our produce to the.... More

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anonymous
Roseann 08/13/2010 14:01 PM

People have been conditioned to be far removed from their sources of foods. They have no idea the intensive labors and sacrifices farmers suffer - soil conditions, rules and restrictions from government idiots who promote, protect and subsidize factory farms while undermining the honest farmers, not to mention the hideous issues Monsanto are foisting on the world, aimed directly at undermining honest farmers. Thank you and your husband for your diligence....I suggest you make a story board.... More

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anonymous
Lorrie Mason 08/12/2010 10:31 AM

I feel that if you are buying a large quanity, (like 12 dozen ears of corn for the freezer ) it would be acceptable to ask for a discount…but just one dozen, no…if they do that for one it should be for all… or at end of day and they have several different items left, ask if they will make a deal if you take it all…….

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anonymous
Chicago Reader 08/10/2010 10:56 AM

we say "come early for the best selection. And late for the best prices."

I do bargain...but only when the farmer is loading up his truck...we all benefit then.

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