May 10, 2016 - 6:03pm
Who here sells bread at farmers markets?
I want to see photos of your displays! Tips, feedback, info on your bakery, location, packaging, etc. is appreciated!
Here's mine:
Zita's Bakery, based in Siem Reap, Cambodia. I use biodegradable bags for takeaway packaging. Not preferable for crusty breads but large, sturdy paper bags aren't readily available where I am. I do, however, encourage my repeat customers to bring their own bags to reduce waste. Also, due to limited space, I store the majority of my baked goods in large containers and/or covered trays nearby. It's a lot of pacing back and forth, stocking each basket, especially during mornings when people rush in to purchase fresh breads, donuts, pies or sweets.
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..proving times in all that heat and humidity. Do you use a proving cabinet? I run market stalls in Yorkshire, England and have the opposite climate problems to you. Here's a photo from a stall last winter. It was very, very cold. I use heated stone slabs to keep the bread warm(ish). Most of my loaves had sold by the time the photo was taken - I suspect they were useful hand-warmers. I too keep lots stored in boxes and re-stock as items sell out. One thing I've noticed recently is that it's worth making it look like a few of every item have already sold because some people seem to have a fear of being the first to buy. If I'd cut a slice out of the tart, it would have sold much more easily.
Ohh, what a lovely display! I'm already salivating just from looking at them!
The mini chalk boards is also a nice touch.
Yes, it's quite a struggle. I do encounter a few complications from the high heat and humidity. I don't have a proper proofer... but I do have a chiller to help keep things in check. Mostly. Frequent power outages or low voltages are common problems in Cambodia. Not very fun for a baker.
Great tip! I, too, noticed my products sold better if I didn't continuously fill my baskets to the brim. Opposite problem also happens when stock is too low. People are reluctant to purchase the last few "leftovers", unless there's a queue of customers waiting to buy your goods. They'll snatch up everything they can.
Zita