Buyer’s guide
What to ask before buying from a farmer
Buying directly from a producer starts with a conversation. Whether you meet at a market, contact them online or arrange a farm visit, agreeing on a few details in advance helps you choose what works for you.
1.Where do the products come from?
Ask who grows or makes what you are buying, and in which village or town. If the offer includes goods from other producers, ask which ones. A photo or the word ‘local’ does not replace an explanation of origin.
Try asking
Do you grow these products yourself? Where is your garden or farm?
2.What is available now?
Check what can be prepared for the day you want to buy. A product in the catalog does not automatically mean there is an available offer. Ask whether you need to order ahead and agree whether you accept substitutions if something runs out.
Try asking
What is available this week, and when could I collect an order?
3.How much am I buying, and at what price?
Agree whether the price is per kilogram, item, bunch, jar or box. For a mixed box, ask for the contents and approximate quantities. Confirm the total, including delivery and any displayed fees, before paying.
Try asking
What is the unit of sale, and what is the total for the quantity I want?
4.How will I receive my order?
Check whether the producer offers collection, a meeting point or delivery to your town. Agree on the address, day and time window. Do not assume that every farm delivers or that you can arrive without arranging it first.
Try asking
Can I collect the products? If you deliver, do you cover my town, and what does it cost?
5.Can I visit the farm or pick my own?
Collecting an order and visiting the garden are different arrangements. Ask the producer before setting off, and check whether they welcome visitors or allow picking. If you are bringing children, ask about farm rules and what to bring.
Try asking
Do you welcome visitors? Is picking possible, and do I need to book?
6.What if something changes?
Agree on how you will contact each other if the collection time or order contents change. Check payment arrangements and order conditions before confirming. Ask the producer directly about anything unclear, and keep the agreed details in writing.
Try asking
How should I contact you if I have a question or cannot arrive at the agreed time?
A message for your first conversation
Hello! I’m in [town] and I’m interested in [products and quantities]. What do you have available for [day]? Could you tell me the total price and whether I can collect or you deliver to my area? Thank you!
Before you confirm
- You know who produces the goods and where they come from.
- You have confirmed the products, quantities and total price.
- You have agreed on the day, place and payment method.
- You have a way to contact the producer if something changes.
On Cules, start with the producer’s profile and their offers. If your area has no listed producers yet, you can also use these questions at a market or in a direct conversation with a local grower.
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