Roadside Stand Retail Marketing Questions

[terri lynn]

Just noticed the Hambone is now present!

[sqkcrk]

i like the refund on the glass jars.
justgojumpit

I don't like to wash jars and remove labels. Or save boxes to put them back into. But that's just me. If I was getting $7.50 per lb I'd probably buy a dishwashing machine. I'm glad for you, justgojumpit.

[terri lynn]

Tractor Supply has all their size jars on sale for $2.99 a case.

I was too late...they sold out at at least the 3 stores I checked.

[beesweetie]

Sounds like a place I'd like to visit!
I am a hobbyist also. I use only jellies, pints, and quarts as they are easy to pick up at local stores so, no shipping. Lids come with them so thats nice too. I use labels with preprinted artwork and add my own info (make sure you are including all that is required legally), it's been great. The upside is that people can reuse the jars or recycle at home. Use only NEW jars for selling your honey. The down side is, its glass, which opens up liability for shards should someone decide you give you a problem. Decide whether you are going to pasteurize it or sell it as RAW and label it as such. Correct weight is important! A pint of honey is not 16oz, its 24! That loss of 1/2 pound can add up very fast! Generally I do cost of 5.oo per pound of honey plus the cost of the container. Explaining to people that no years bounty is ever guaranteed and when this years crop is gone, its gone, we hope to have more next year. Proper labeling is of the utmost importance. Pop for the other labels that speak of granulation and infants too, it's worth it. Don't give, dive in and do it, it becomes easy peasy.

[terri lynn]

Good info, beesweetie. The thing I don't like about the canning jars is the 2 part lids. Well, and not crazy about some of the ones with lots of raised letterings on the jar and tops decorated with fruit! It is nice that people can reuse them, though. Good info on weights...I think honey weights throw some off when they're new.

[beesweetie]

Good points, tl. True true, on the jars embossed surfaces, especially the jellies! I used the reverse side on the others but I hadn't found jellies with smooth sides that I didn't need to ship. This year I did just use the lids and rings that came with but, I had been thinking afterwards that I may just order the one piece lids from the supply house.
The lids and rings that come with the jars could just be set aside and used when I do my own garden canning for the family.

[terri lynn]

That's true. I try to get them all together and tend to forget you can order just the lids. We can and make jelly as well, and you're right, the 2 piece lids can be used then.