Third Market and Learning the Ropes

The big-city market is growing as the farmers are beginning to show up with their crops. We've also learned two pieces of good news. First, the Grateful Dumpling has locked in a spot at the market, at least for this season, and second, we won't have to share a spot, so we are well on our way to living our capitalist dream.

One thing we noticed is that there seems to be a turnover of vendors in our vicinity, and the insecure side of me would interpret it as if people don't like being near us. After the first market the tea woman moved her booth to the other end, and after the second market the alpaca booth was nowhere to be seen. The honey lady EM alluded to people not wanting to be next to busy booths, i.e., us. My person feeling is that it's good to be near a busy booth because it draws people in, but what do I know? Either way, it made us a little neurotic, but then that's life, and we can't change that, though it is a bit of a bummer, because I really liked the alpaca woman, N, because she was super nice and the kids really liked her.

The third market started out rather ominously. There were serious clouds forming and thunder storms were predicted. It even started to rain as we were setting up, so there was some question as to how much we would actually sell. We sat there, wondering and waiting, but the poor weather did let up a bit, and the rain stopped. It was cloudy, but that's not necessarily a bad thing because it made it cooler. And, once the rain stopped, people did come.

We'd prepared better this time around, including supper for the kids. Last time we got burritos at our favorite place, Bolocos, but they don't do so well once they're cold, so this time, when I went to get the cider, I got them sushi, which they love. For some reason I love the fact that they love sushi. They gobbled it up, and have come to love the salmon and the eel, in addition to the old standby, the California roll. Our kids are so cosmopolitan.

We'd also brought more dumplings, but once again, we sold out, albeit at a later time than last week. We are gradually figuring out our gig, though I think it is important to consider some factors. First, school just got out last week, so there is a transition period where students are leaving and summer folks are entering. Second, the weather wasn't so great, so on a beautiful summer day, I think more people will come out. And third, people are just beginning to realize the market is open. The take home message is that I think traffic will pick up, but we shall see.

One thing we are seeing, and this gratifies us to no end, are repeat customers. People are coming back to eat our dumplings, and we are seeing the same faces each week. You have to love that, and it feels nice that people, at least some people, like our product. The Valley News contacted us and is doing a piece on the market and wanted to mention our booth.

On the production side, we are finding a better rhythm, as well, and realize we are our own rate limiting step. We can sell as many as we can make, and we can only make so many. We could up the production, and have been approached about selling at special events, which would be a good business move, but we're not sure if we can make them fast enough. We might have to start importing them from abroad. It's so interesting being on the business end of things, you realize what producers go through in order to maximize efficiency.

The kids are finding a groove, as well. Our friends aren't necessarily showing up in droves, but there are kids out there, many of them familiar, and the musicians have been great, so A&N basically wander about on their own, checking out the other vendors, seeing what is available, and having fun. The League of NH Craftsmen has a booth set up for doing crafts, and the kids made all more father's day projects, including this one. It's a figurine of me with N on my shoulders, who is also holding a butterfly. The details on it are nothing short of amazing.

They've placed us next to the what I believe is the hottest seller at the market, the bakery Allechante. They really have their act together, and have quite the impressive stand. Tons of beautiful baked goods, beautifully arranged and really delicious. I'm partial to the focaccia and the croissants, which are outstanding. Plus, they all wear their starched white uniforms and look great, and people flock to their table. I actually like being next to them, because we are not competitors, and don't threaten each other. Plus, we bring people to each other. Bread and dumplings, and you've got a meal.

So, things are cruising along. We could have sold more, but again, we're learning, and are doing the best we can. Then again, you can always do better.

Until then, thanks for reading, and thanks to memeuL and damil for the pics.