(no subject)

[unicornduke]

 Farmer's market order pickups are great

So, when everything shut down, the big local farmer's market set up an online ordering system since their market couldn't open indoors. They eventually opened outdoors and are now indoors but they kept the ordering system. Once they moved indoors, I didn't feel like it was super safe to go (it's in an old grocery store but there's a lot of vendors and people going. like I get it, but aaaaaaaaaa no thank you)

I started doing the order pickup and as it turns out, it's much more convenient than the normal market location or the new indoor location. It's closer to me and I don't need to cross the river, so it's maybe 7 or 8 minute drive. 

I drive up, they ask my name, then get my order and drop it in my truck window. It's awesome. There's a $5 fee to cover the packing but honestly, I'll pay that. There's also less options for what we can get from vendors but I can get my dairy products which is the most important part.

Orders need to be in by thursday nights for a sunday pickup but I usually try and get it in by Wednesday

Things I remembered I ordered: milk, ricotta, basil, cheese curds

Things I didn't remember I ordered and was delighted to have in the box: burrata, carrots and chocolate milk

gifts from past me!

Comments

[graydon]

Hurrah for generous past-you!

I am hoping both grocery stores I use keep up the delivery services in the happy future because having groceries appear on the porch is an improvement.

[unicornduke]

I hope places keep up the delivery as well. It's really helpful and it would be nice to have that ability in the future.

[recently_folded]

Oooh, I'm jealous. Last summer our farmers' markets were outdoors but generally too crowded to feel comfortable, especially with kids running around, running into people, and the number of people who refuse to mask. Which made me sad because I really like to shop there, both to support local businesses instead of cross-globe ones and because of the quality of the produce. Curbside pickup would be sooooo enticing.

[unicornduke]

Oof on the masks. The farmer's market is its own entity and they fenced everything off so there was only one entrance and exit so they could see people as they came into the market area. I always went very first thing and was in and out as fast as I could.

I really hope more places do the curbside pickup or consolidation like mine does. It's a really good way of doing things and also people spend more because they have time to sit and think about what they're buying.

[dragonlady7]

Getting the pickup thing set up was a huge hassle and they lost money on it for a long time (might still be losing money) but Zack was really adamant about it especially in the beginning when the county kept jerking them around. He was like, no matter what we'll have that. So, they're hoping more people use it.
It also sucks though because it being on Sunday means the market manager doesn't get a weekend day off. But, it's such an important thing. my mom really relies on it.

[unicornduke]

I wouldn't be surprised if they were losing money, at most I've seen 2-3 other cars there. They do get orders out fast though, so it's really hard to tell. But honestly, I think even if they are losing money, it's the right thing to do. I don't really need it but I'm sure there's other people like your mom who do. Like literally, I have no idea if any of the groceries do delivery and I'm sure curbside pickup is fraught with retail workers who don't give a shit and I don't blame them. I think it's one of the best pickup setups I've seen and the online interface is easy to use.

I drove past the farmer's market saturday at noonish and there was a lot of cars there and I've been very glad I get the pickup instead.