In the UK, we used to have a sign in our front window saying Honey for Sale and the price. There was usually a jar or two of honey on the windowsill next to the sign, so people knew how much they were getting for the price. People happily paid and usually had their money ready before they rang the doorbell.
In the US, we are not allowed to have signs like that in our neighbourhood. However, I have posted on www.nextdoor.com with a price and a weight. Last time I did that, we sold out in about 24 hours, and people were begging to know when we would have more.
Interacting with customers can be difficult, and isn’t my favourite thing to do. However, I do like having some cash back to buy more equipment, new queens etc.
There’s nothing wrong with being compensated for the work you do to create a product. It’s hard work and hot work even though we are fascinated by bees and we enjoy keeping them. My experience is that my customers are so grateful that I provide such a good, healthy, honest product they would probably pay more if I asked for it. Your awkwardness about taking payment will probably go when you have people genuinely thanking you even when they’ve paid for the honey.
Very well said Cathie, better than I could put it. People expect to pay a reasonable price for quality regardless as to what it is and honey is no exception.
Cheers
Not misinterpreted, perhaps poor choice of words on my part.What I was trying to say was ‘despite possible uncomfortableness putting a price on your honey and labour, it will feel great when you have customers thanking you for your great product’ … It’s a good feeling.
I don’t TRY to sell it at all! I don’t give it away either except for a gift here and there. I let the honey sell it’s self. But then I vlog and blog on my facebook page and people see what I go through to keep the bees healthy, deal with swarms, the whole enchilada! I price my honey to support the hives, food, verroa treatments, new frames etc. People get involved with the journey and want some. I have a select group of people who come to my home and get it. They know my efforts are considerable and they appreciate it. So far my customers are my plummer, Air conditioner maintenance man, my handy man the service managers at the Chevrolet dealership a group of Realtors, Police and Firemen, neighbors and my family. All I had to do was give them a taste and the honey sold it’s self.
@Semaphore My thought are with you also Jack, it must be very stressful. My memory of the Adelaide hills. mainly Mt Barker thru to Nairne and Murray Bridge is of a region that was always tinder dry. Hope you have a good Xmas mate,
Cheers
Thanks Guys,
I am fine- and the bees I have up in the hills are in areas so far unaffected thank goodness. Thanks for the thoughts. Everyone here is a little on edge- as it was Adelaide’s turn to be blanketed in smoke. I rode my bicycle through it on Sunday and it was thick like fog- and at street level. Not nice- my eyes sting.
Many people I know who live in the hills are all super concerned- some have been evacuated for days now and cannot go home yet. It’s all a big worry- as January looks to be hot and dry and no end in sight to this fire season. It’s not just the people- today I was reading about all the animals that have been rescued and all the ones that have perished- it’s tragic. Its clear to me that things have to change- and we are going to have to learn to live with more and more of these disastrous situations. Not at all sure at this stage how we are going to adapt- but we must adapt as nature will leave us with no other options.
Hi & you’re welcome Jack. I really feel sad for the wildlife. Especially for the wildlife that suffer due to decisions made by us humans. We can adapt by not building homes near native bush. Also by growing more fire retardant type trees like conifers, instead of keeping eucalyptus trees near our houses.
We could build huge solar & wind powered desalination plants on the coasts, with huge solar & wind powered pumps to pump the water inland.
yes- I was just thinking about how water is going to be an ever increasing problem- and using renewable energy to desalinate water will be a big part of the solution. We built a desal plant here in SA a decade ago or so- and have hardly used it since as I understand- but I see that changing soon. It’s good it is there we’ll need it. Our huge TESLA battery is going really well and has practically paid for itself after just a year.
