Today, we exist in an online era, where everything happens over the web. The raging pandemic that has taken the world by storm has further accelerated the growth of online processes. During the peak phase of the pandemic, many grocery stores were shut, and people could not get out of the house, let alone travel.
The supply chain function also received a massive shock. The lockdowns and restrictions closed down the entire channel from the farmers to the city consumers. Farmers faced many difficulties at such times. These challenges forced the farmers to seek online channels. If you have decided to step into the farmers marketplace bandwagon, read about online farmers marketplaces’ benefits.
Connects More Customers
Farmers can now list their products on online marketplaces. This led to daily sales to the entire region. Moreover, it helps them to get a large customer base. Much of the fresh produce has a limited shelf life. The goods often get spoils due to improper storage. Whether you are an entrepreneur or a farmer, you can take leverage of the marketplace business. However, tie-ups between entrepreneurs and farmers can solve the issue of lost and spoilt inventory. The entrepreneurs can make arrangements for delivery to the cities from the rural areas. This eases the pain off the shoulders of the earthy farmers. Moreover, they can concentrate on the agricultural part.
Uses Better Marketing Channels
Now, farmers can effectively sell their products online. It is much easier to promote the products online rather than in physical stores. Entrepreneurs who start such businesses can assist the farmers in promotions via advertisement campaigns, SEO practices, and email marketing. Most farmers are oblivious of the power of social media. The marketing platforms available today can help farmers to take leverage of the growing markets. Entrepreneurs are also investing in supermarket franchise options. As such option seems to be the convenient and most effective reason being everything is handed over ready-made. You just need to invest and run the business. It’s the best way to be an independent retailer and make lucrative earnings.
Farmers are also sending their produce to grocery chains across the region. The grocery business is highly profitable today. Moreover, investment is low. Most customers prefer to pick up things they need or suit their budget from such stores. Thus, dependence on sale persons is reduced. Farmers are also taking leverage of such chains today. Tried and tested models of business are a lucrative avenue to gain profits. Many consumers might choose to pick up their orders from such stores.
Removes Middlemen
Now, the farmers can also take leverage of direct communication channels with aggregators. The absence of intermediaries creates a more transparent pricing structure. The middlemen charge much commission and pay the farmers a lower value for their produce. Moreover, they also charge hefty prices from the end-consumers. By incorporating marketplaces into the supply chain function, one can stop these unscrupulous agents in their tracks. The marketplaces have already increased farmer profit margins by 15 percent.
Provides Best Logistics and Cold Store Solutions
Many times, the fresh produce lies unattended at the farmer’s place. When there is a transport strike or some mishap, the farmer is at a loss. The perishable produce is often destroyed under various circumstances. However, the marketplaces have improved the reach of the farmers in the city. Moreover, cold storage is the initiative of entrepreneurs supporting the farmers. Companies running marketplaces have leverage in the infrastructural genre. Thus, there’s hardly any wastage. Moreover, farmers do not need to think about transportation and warehousing.
Promotes Social Distancing
Today, this is highly important and one of the protocols to move around. Masks are just not enough. Many consumers fear visiting the crowded local markets. Online ordering is an excellent option for such consumers. There is no physical contact, and delivery boys often leave the goods at the doorstep. This is one of the benefits of farmers markets.
Promotes Expansion Through Apps
Mobile apps are also a popular option as it is easily obtained through developers. The whole world is on their smartphones continuously. So, entrepreneurs are also investing in smartphones apart from websites. The features of the apps make it a good deal for all involved. Apps facilitate consumers to order on the move without having to open their desktops or laptops. Consumers can track the delivery at every point. Moreover, saving payment modes also alleviate the pain of reaching out for the card details every time.
Nowadays, one can sell everything on farmers marketplaces—fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, frozen cuts, nuts, seeds, oil, cheese, and a few goods. Slowly baked goods are also entering the chain today. Organic food products are also making an entry into the farmers market. It looks like a great era has already begun. It is a change for the better. So, adopt it now and see the benefits.
