Great advice. Just started my farm stand this year & have already experienced over $200 in theft… SO disheartening.😢 however, I have also experienced some amazing results as well. We did install video cameras but have not gone the extra mile to prosecute. We live in a very close-knit community and are shocked at middle-aged women stealing bouquets. These are not young vandals or reckless thieves. These are women my own age, showing up with their kids and stealing 2 to 3 bouquets at a time. What are these mothers teaching their children?! The sad part is, we also sell farm fresh eggs and they never take those. At least with food I might be more understanding in our present economy… But flowers? Really frustrating! I went through a period of two weeks where I didn’t put anything out at all….because I was so depressed about the situation. But, I’ve started putting bouquets out again and have gotten some solid business from it. The upside to doing my farm stand and featuring it on social media, is that I have since been able to do flowers for a few upscale parties and that has really brought in more cash than the stand overall. It’s a great advertising tool for those who are looking for multiple floral bouquets for events. Thank you for sharing all that you do and I hope my roadside stand will be as successful as yours is someday!😃 prayers for continued success on all you do!🙏
It is SO frustrating and I'm sorry that you're experiencing that! It blows my mind as well that people don't seem to feel any bit of guilt from taking that which is not theirs. I can't imagine being able to enjoy a beautiful bouquet in my home knowing that it was stolen. I am so glad to hear that you haven't given up though and are now even able to flower for some upscale events- a blessing for sure! Wishing you even more success the rest of this season- you deserve it!💛💛
That is so sad, but theft happens even if you're there. I was a Vendor at a Market and people would steal. I've learned to display things differently (with my jewelry).
@@twosistersflowerfarm it blows my mind that people don’t prosecute. Of course those that steal continue to do so, because we let them get away with it. Shame on them, but shame on us too.
Thanks so much. I wasn't ready to really listen to this last year as a new farmer....but as I'm getting ready now for a new season of intent I really prayed for something to motivate further efforts. I believe this will be my focus this year. Implementing this may just help me gain the confidence to plug away and perhaps branch into other seling avenues. Hope you won't mind my semi-copying your roadside signage. It's so simple but beautifully classy. Really catches the eye without being complicated. I live in SC so I won't be competing :). TY! 🥰
I am also in West Michigan, and just might drive over and give you a big hug!!😊 You have no idea how helpful this is to me! Thank you so much for taking the time to put this together, seriously. This is just my second season of cut flowers and I am where you started as far as being not so confident to actually go and sell or get sales quite yet. I'm still learning the process of growing the flowers and harvesting them and last year I put them on a stand and just did donation based and it was fun people liked them but this year I wanted to take it up a notch and practice my bouquet making and putting together some nice bouquets for 10 and $20. This whole video spoke to all of that, I was so discouraged because I put a few out last week and not a single person bought any., I kind of have some ideas as to why now. I appreciate what you said about putting out fresh flowers and I will do that from now on if they don't sell I'll give them away to neighbors or something. I live in the middle of nowhere but we do get some traffic so having a stand is good. You gave so much good information. I'm at the Dollar Tree now getting some buckets and listening to your video for the second time. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you. Consider yourself hugged! I love your videos they've been a huge help to me as a new flower grower farmer person very encouraging. You're just adorable and so humble in what you do and so knowledgeable and so willing to share what you've learned. I appreciate you and your video so much!!
HUGS to you as well! I am so glad that this video was helpful! And I am so appreciative of your kind words- it really does mean a lot to me!!! It sounds like you're doing amazing things and I am so excited for what the rest of the season brings for you! Keep up the hard work 💛💛💛
A thought to share: Your stand looks beautiful! I would suggest that you elevate your flower buckets in the back. It will give your display more dimension and look fuller. Question: How do do work your U-pick tickets 🎟 🤔? I'm interested in more information on that!
Great information - Thank you. Just a little advise from a marketing person - always try to have flowers in the background of your videos. Wishing you much success!
I love my roadside flower wagon. It's only the size of a flat garden wagon - which is what it began as - but it still can hold quite a bit as any flower farmer who pulls one around a farm knows. We did add sides a high shelf for signage ( in screwed down plexiglass holders ) and a metal roof. I am in the heart of our city on a busy road that leads into the downtown area only a minute away so anything bigger would be too big and as its portable so it isn't affected by bylaws. When people meet me and find out I am the "flower or dahlia lady" they beam.
Love the idea of the screwed down plexiglass holders! Sounds like you have a lovely flower stand... and how fun that you're known as the 'dahlia lady'- I love that!!💛
What a great video. I watched not because I am selling flowers, I enjoy your channel and always like your tips. I am growing flowers for myself, family, and friends. Great job on your video! 😊
Thank you so much for all of your knowledge and ideas!!! Your bouquets are absolutely beautiful!!!! I grew up on a dairy farm and I know how much work is involved in milking and caring for cows, haying, and sowing and harvesting grain crops. Your Amazing!!! (I really enjoy your videos)
Awe you're too kind! Thank you for taking the time to watch our videos- it really means so much! Glad to have a fellow dairy farmer hanging out around here ;)
That's awesome! And you're absolutely right- there are plenty of good, generous people in this world! I wish you continued success with your farm stand.
I've been bitten by the flower farm bug. I raise veg but I love, love the flowers. This video is amazing because you answered so many questions I've been asking in my head. Each thing is a hurdle when one is really trying to wrap the head around this kind of farming. I like your approach to working smarter and not necessarily always so much harder than it requires. Thank you, thank you....
Hello again here in Dec 2023. I didn't remember commenting but yep, that's where I was.... in the growing, learning, contemplating stage of things. I'm glad I came back a year later now and earnestly listened and am considering. I'm going to make this my goal in 2024. TY
Be careful with this. In Australia a home insurance claim was denied someone because they were selling eggs at their gate. Make sure your insurance company knows about it. It's a great way to go though..
Yes absolutely, I always recommend that people do their own research to know what's best for their situation. I'm simply sharing my experience here on this channel- none of what I share is intended to be legal advice of any kind. 💛
@@deedeeanimalfarm Because the insurance company ruled that their residential dwelling was being used as a commercial outlet. I believe the insurance company ended up settling their claim, but there was a heck of a public fight over it. I would at least check with your insurer about any policy and payout implications...
Thankyou so much Alison for bringing this to my attention, I live in Australia, I am getting ready to start selling at our roadside, I never thought of this so I'm going to look into it. Thanks again 👍
Hi... I love you channel and I have definitely subscribed. I follow you and two other ladies regarding cut flowers. So here's my question: What brand and size landscape fabric do you use for your rows? Thanks a bunch Andrea at Huck and Buck Farm Smyrna Delaware
I've always been a fan of Sunbelt fabric- but I also tend to believe that most any fabric will work, so just go with what you can find :) As to what size- that's really just a matter of personal preference. Most all of our beds are 3 ft wide beds- but in some areas we use 4 ft wide beds to just maximize our space- both work great!
@@twosistersflowerfarm thanks a bunch. I just watched your seed storage video. I use the plastic container as well mine is deep enough for upright positioning of the seeds but I did like how you organized them according to season. Look forward to your next video and hopefully my tulips will come up and the ranunculus that I planted upside down 🤦🏾♀️🥴 will come up. I'll be excited to share...this is my first flower garden but second attempt. thanks a bunch😁
Serena, of You can't eat the grass, has a slot in back of roadside stand that goes to a box inside another building, maybe right next to their house, for flower bouquets. Honest people wouldn't think of taking from hard working farmers. But some people aren't honest. I've seen eggs in an ice chest at the roadside. Place your money in a can, take your eggs. People are getting desperate. God bless.
What a great idea! I'll have to check that video out. We have a very well constructed cash box that thankfully has served us well- so that has never been an issue. But it still surprises me the number of people that simply take our products without paying. Still, the good seems to always outweigh the bad and I'm just going to keep my focus on that ;)
Great advice. Just started my farm stand this year & have already experienced over $200 in theft… SO disheartening.😢 however, I have also experienced some amazing results as well. We did install video cameras but have not gone the extra mile to prosecute. We live in a very close-knit community and are shocked at middle-aged women stealing bouquets. These are not young vandals or reckless thieves. These are women my own age, showing up with their kids and stealing 2 to 3 bouquets at a time. What are these mothers teaching their children?! The sad part is, we also sell farm fresh eggs and they never take those. At least with food I might be more understanding in our present economy… But flowers? Really frustrating! I went through a period of two weeks where I didn’t put anything out at all….because I was so depressed about the situation. But, I’ve started putting bouquets out again and have gotten some solid business from it. The upside to doing my farm stand and featuring it on social media, is that I have since been able to do flowers for a few upscale parties and that has really brought in more cash than the stand overall. It’s a great advertising tool for those who are looking for multiple floral bouquets for events. Thank you for sharing all that you do and I hope my roadside stand will be as successful as yours is someday!😃 prayers for continued success on all you do!🙏
That awful people are stealing your bouquets and that's how the next generation learn 😔
It is SO frustrating and I'm sorry that you're experiencing that! It blows my mind as well that people don't seem to feel any bit of guilt from taking that which is not theirs. I can't imagine being able to enjoy a beautiful bouquet in my home knowing that it was stolen. I am so glad to hear that you haven't given up though and are now even able to flower for some upscale events- a blessing for sure! Wishing you even more success the rest of this season- you deserve it!💛💛
That is so sad, but theft happens even if you're there. I was a Vendor at a Market and people would steal. I've learned to display things differently (with my jewelry).
😳🙏jezzz some people think flowers just pop up free no labor and dont realize the expense of labor & seed costs .
@@twosistersflowerfarm it blows my mind that people don’t prosecute. Of course those that steal continue to do so, because we let them get away with it. Shame on them, but shame on us too.
Thanks so much. I wasn't ready to really listen to this last year as a new farmer....but as I'm getting ready now for a new season of intent I really prayed for something to motivate further efforts. I believe this will be my focus this year. Implementing this may just help me gain the confidence to plug away and perhaps branch into other seling avenues. Hope you won't mind my semi-copying your roadside signage. It's so simple but beautifully classy. Really catches the eye without being complicated. I live in SC so I won't be competing :).
TY! 🥰
I am also in West Michigan, and just might drive over and give you a big hug!!😊 You have no idea how helpful this is to me! Thank you so much for taking the time to put this together, seriously. This is just my second season of cut flowers and I am where you started as far as being not so confident to actually go and sell or get sales quite yet. I'm still learning the process of growing the flowers and harvesting them and last year I put them on a stand and just did donation based and it was fun people liked them but this year I wanted to take it up a notch and practice my bouquet making and putting together some nice bouquets for 10 and $20. This whole video spoke to all of that, I was so discouraged because I put a few out last week and not a single person bought any., I kind of have some ideas as to why now. I appreciate what you said about putting out fresh flowers and I will do that from now on if they don't sell I'll give them away to neighbors or something. I live in the middle of nowhere but we do get some traffic so having a stand is good. You gave so much good information. I'm at the Dollar Tree now getting some buckets and listening to your video for the second time. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you. Consider yourself hugged! I love your videos they've been a huge help to me as a new flower grower farmer person very encouraging. You're just adorable and so humble in what you do and so knowledgeable and so willing to share what you've learned. I appreciate you and your video so much!!
HUGS to you as well! I am so glad that this video was helpful! And I am so appreciative of your kind words- it really does mean a lot to me!!! It sounds like you're doing amazing things and I am so excited for what the rest of the season brings for you! Keep up the hard work 💛💛💛
Good info, delivered in an engaging way. Thanks for the thoughtful ideas.
Super great advice, can be used in other businesses as well, TOPS.
THANKS
This was so helpful!
A thought to share:
Your stand looks beautiful! I would suggest that you elevate your flower buckets in the back. It will give your display more dimension and look fuller.
Question: How do do work your U-pick tickets 🎟 🤔?
I'm interested in more information on that!
Great information - Thank you.
Just a little advise from a marketing person - always try to have flowers in the background of your videos. Wishing you much success!
And a sign for your flower farm...
Thanks so much for sharing this! It's great advice and an inspiration hearing your experience with it!
Thanks so much for taking the time to watch our video! We sure do appreciate it!
Such great advice! Thank you!
You bet! :)
Love the cart 😯
Thank you!! 💛
Thank you! That was very helpful!
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent tips!!
Glad you think so!
Informative as always
Glad you think so!
What does you cash box look like and how do you keep it secure? Thank you and loved the video and your tips!
Great point on the payment method sign! ! I need to do this! Thanks!
Awesome! Glad that little tidbit could help you out! Wishing you the best of luck!
You did such a great job with this video. I have never sold flowers before but thinking about this year thank you so much for the informative video.
Best of luck to you! Selling can be scary but you got this 💛
I love my roadside flower wagon. It's only the size of a flat garden wagon - which is what it began as - but it still can hold quite a bit as any flower farmer who pulls one around a farm knows. We did add sides a high shelf for signage ( in screwed down plexiglass holders ) and a metal roof. I am in the heart of our city on a busy road that leads into the downtown area only a minute away so anything bigger would be too big and as its portable so it isn't affected by bylaws. When people meet me and find out I am the "flower or dahlia lady" they beam.
Love the idea of the screwed down plexiglass holders! Sounds like you have a lovely flower stand... and how fun that you're known as the 'dahlia lady'- I love that!!💛
What a great video. I watched not because I am selling flowers, I enjoy your channel and always like your tips. I am growing flowers for myself, family, and friends. Great job on your video! 😊
Thank you so much! So fun that you're growing for your friends + family!
This is such a great video. I am hoping to open a self serve flower stand here in West Michigan Spring of 2022.
Well hey there 'neighbor'! So glad you found this video helpful! Cheering for you and hoping you have the most successful flower stand next spring! 💛💛
Thank you so much for all of your knowledge and ideas!!! Your bouquets are absolutely beautiful!!!! I grew up on a dairy farm and I know how much work is involved in milking and caring for cows, haying, and sowing and harvesting grain crops. Your Amazing!!! (I really enjoy your videos)
Awe you're too kind! Thank you for taking the time to watch our videos- it really means so much! Glad to have a fellow dairy farmer hanging out around here ;)
Really enjoying your channel!! Very informative!! Where did you get your canopy for your trailer? Thanks!!
Thank you! Glad these videos are helpful! The canopy was actually made by mom- she’s a professional seamstress and pretty handy with some fabric ✨💛
I've never had anything stolen and many times people have left more money than flowers they took
That's awesome! And you're absolutely right- there are plenty of good, generous people in this world! I wish you continued success with your farm stand.
I'm in west MI too! What do I need to do in terms of business policies? Home base business? Llc? Business license? Etc?
I've been bitten by the flower farm bug. I raise veg but I love, love the flowers. This video is amazing because you answered so many questions I've been asking in my head. Each thing is a hurdle when one is really trying to wrap the head around this kind of farming. I like your approach to working smarter and not necessarily always so much harder than it requires. Thank you, thank you....
Glad it was helpful! You're right, everything feels like a hurdle at first- but it definitely gets easier! Best of luck to you!
Hello again here in Dec 2023. I didn't remember commenting but yep, that's where I was.... in the growing, learning, contemplating stage of things. I'm glad I came back a year later now and earnestly listened and am considering. I'm going to make this my goal in 2024. TY
Camera 👍
I think i missed where to find these a frame signs? thank you
What do you do with bouquets that don’t sell that day?
If you were to sell personally What are good times of day or days of the week you think are best?
Be careful with this. In Australia a home insurance claim was denied someone because they were selling eggs at their gate. Make sure your insurance company knows about it. It's a great way to go though..
Yes absolutely, I always recommend that people do their own research to know what's best for their situation. I'm simply sharing my experience here on this channel- none of what I share is intended to be legal advice of any kind. 💛
Hi Alison Borchers why were they denied a insurance claim because they were selling egg? Thanks
@@deedeeanimalfarm Because the insurance company ruled that their residential dwelling was being used as a commercial outlet. I believe the insurance company ended up settling their claim, but there was a heck of a public fight over it. I would at least check with your insurer about any policy and payout implications...
Thankyou so much Alison for bringing this to my attention, I live in Australia, I am getting ready to start selling at our roadside, I never thought of this so I'm going to look into it. Thanks again 👍
@@deedeeanimalfarm There's a TH-cam ABC news video on it 6 July 2022 "insurance company denies claim due to egg selling business"
I an not far from a busy road but my house is actually on a dead end side road, could it still work?
Hi... I love you channel and I have definitely subscribed. I follow you and two other ladies regarding cut flowers. So here's my question: What brand and size landscape fabric do you use for your rows? Thanks a bunch Andrea at Huck and Buck Farm Smyrna Delaware
I've always been a fan of Sunbelt fabric- but I also tend to believe that most any fabric will work, so just go with what you can find :) As to what size- that's really just a matter of personal preference. Most all of our beds are 3 ft wide beds- but in some areas we use 4 ft wide beds to just maximize our space- both work great!
@@twosistersflowerfarm thanks a bunch. I just watched your seed storage video. I use the plastic container as well mine is deep enough for upright positioning of the seeds but I did like how you organized them according to season. Look forward to your next video and hopefully my tulips will come up and the ranunculus that I planted upside down 🤦🏾♀️🥴 will come up. I'll be excited to share...this is my first flower garden but second attempt. thanks a bunch😁
Where did you get this sign? Love it!
Awe thank you! All the signs I created using Canva and then had them printed out at my local Staples 💛
Serena, of You can't eat the grass, has a slot in back of roadside stand that goes to a box inside another building, maybe right next to their house, for flower bouquets.
Honest people wouldn't think of taking from hard working farmers.
But some people aren't honest.
I've seen eggs in an ice chest at the roadside. Place your money in a can, take your eggs.
People are getting desperate.
God bless.
What a great idea! I'll have to check that video out. We have a very well constructed cash box that thankfully has served us well- so that has never been an issue. But it still surprises me the number of people that simply take our products without paying. Still, the good seems to always outweigh the bad and I'm just going to keep my focus on that ;)
@@twosistersflowerfarm Some people are rotten.
I hope you keep GrOwInG the business.
I've never had anything stolen and many times people have left more money than flowers they took
You are so blessed!