I stop at stalls and stands that have something I want or something similar that seems novel or potentially better quality, but honestly, I mostly like patronizing the same people routinely.

Or I did back in NC.

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When will I learn to not ask PS questions; those are the only ones that people answer...

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i'm sure there is some scheduling software out there,that someone can recommend.

As for the invoicing part, you'd need simple accounting software (ex:Quickbooks-that's what I use) that can keep track of your inventory, customers, billing & who has paid. I can't express that even with a beginning venture like this how important it is to keep track of that stuff from the beginning as it will save you a lot of headaches in the long run.

farmer's markets: http://www.localharvest.org/
looks like if you choose your area you can list yourself on there or it gives you info on how to join the markets,etc.

hope what i have to say helps :)

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yep...I'm using Quickbook Simple Start [Freeeeeeeeeeee!] to keep track of basics. In my case I don't keep track of inventory, because my inventory is perishable--and I can visually see it every time I open the fridge to take some out or put some in. But sales--because I have to take out sales tax in Virginia, even on "groceries" like eggs--and accounts receivable...that's important stuff.

Eventually I'll be able to run reports so I can see how much money I'm losing doing this.

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A calendar-based system, with blackout ability for hours and days would be ideal. You could use email submission combined with Google Calendar initially, i suppose, limiting any given day to a specific geographic area.

Then there's the route-planning. How do you plan to initially limit your delivery area? Especially with price of gas, limiting the delivery zone to your vicinity and to-from work route, if going to office, seem best bets initially.

I presume you are registered for sales tax in VA, but what about WV, DC, MD? Seeing as you are selling a good, i know sales tax - at a lesser rate - applies in VA as you're selling food in the form of groceries/produce. DC and MD exempt food, don't know about WV.

Commiting to the "DC Metro" has you covering, at minimum, Loudoun, Prince William, Fairfax, Arlington counties in VA, plus the cities, DC, and at least Montgomery and Prince George's in MD. That's a very large area, especially with the traffic herebouts.

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I'm a registered vendor in Virginia. I'm not sure if I can register as an out-of-state sole prop. to sell in MD and VA without an FEIN. I can in Virginia. They just gave me a special "V" number that takes its place [and maps to my SSN, internally, no doubt].

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...and wrap some sort of MVC around it, using a calendar as the "appointment-centric" data store.

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well i don't have any answers to any of your questions. but i would like to buy some eggs.

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You're close in to town? Perhaps we can meet in Herndon at Lunch-time once a week to make the exchange?

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that would be lovely. I'm getting ready to head out of town for a week and only need a dozen a week if that's ok. Lets start week of 6/23. how much?

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I stop at stalls with nice displays, which have good looking product. For some things, I'm enticed by samples-produce for example or baked goods. The crowd has to be either not too large, or moving quickly enough that I'm not going to wait too long.

But the big draw, if I've never been before-a good display. Now, what constitutes "good" is kind of subjective. I want to be able to see what you've got clearly, know what your prices are, and get a glimpse of the quality of your stuff with a quick look so I can decide to stop or go.

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I don't know anything about the software stuff or running a business or deliveries..

However, I stop at stalls with clear signage and displayed product. Are you washing your eggs? If not, and if you aren't refridgerating them, I suggest a sign that tells people they still have the natural coating and are safe at room temp. Lots of people don't know that.

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