Roadside and Farmers Markets Have Bargains and Then More

You see them along the highway as you drive your car. Many times you see an individual selling them out of the back of their pickup truck and even car trunk. We all know where the best one is located. Still many of us decide to go to our local grocer, instead of visiting the roadside or farmers market.

The season for fresh produce is now. Basically whatever you are looking for, either in organic foods from organic farms, or just fresh vegetables and fruits, this is the time of the year when everything is ripe.

Many local farmers markets even have a section dedicated to flea markets. A few years ago, some friends of mine and myself were in Memphis, Tennessee. Close to the Mississippi River was a Farmers Market that had about has much produce as they did flea market items. Yet, both entities were doing a very good business.

Here are a few observations that I have made as I make my rounds to both the roadside and farmers market. Early in the day, usually before noon, you can get more variety and better quality. Many will even let you have a free sample. After all they are trying to convince you to buy. They will always set the best produce in front of you. If some of the produce like bananas are starting to turn, they will have sales on them to move them quickly. After noon, prices are usually reduced a bit. As the day gets closer to night, the price may come down even more. The merchant does not want to load it up and take it back and store it. In many cases this is a lost cause for them. They would rather settle on a smaller price and move the produce. Why? Because they are perishable.

Flea markets can always resell their items. However, a little bargaining never hurts with them either. after all they are in business to make money.