The Eggsperiment

People are getting ready to watch the first presidential debate tonight (not exactly sure what that entails, but I have seen multiple references online to various debate-related drinking games; I digress).  While the candidates espouse their proposals to make our country better (reduce taxes! balance the budget! end the war! etc.), I have my own "proposal" for you to consider. I know, sorry, so much to think about and on a Wednesday, no less.

I am trying to figure out how to offer more than just vegetables to my members. I've tried this in the past -- trying to create partnerships with other farmers or vendors and while the interest is there in the beginning, when push comes to shove, the interest wanes and I'm left with no choice but to stop offering different types of products.  In the past, I've offered (for separate purchase), eggs, peaches, sweet corn, and coffee.  I've asked whether any one would be interested in purchasing locally caught (although frozen) fish. I've had someone inquire as to whether I'd be interested in selling their granola to my members. You get the idea.

Ideally, what I'd like to be able to figure out is a way to offer these items for purchase online -- where you could simply pre-order (with enough time for me to pick-up the offered items you've selected) what you want for that week (imagine, you could even set up a recurring order!) and either pay online or pay when you pick up your goodies.

There are a lot of logistics to work out, the first being are you even interested?  If you are, then the next step is figuring out...what is the best way to go about this?  Offer a significantly more sophisticated website which would track online orders and convey the information to me (calling all web designers who'd help for a pittance...or a barter!).  Or, would you prefer an option to add a fruit share, a meat share, and/or a misc. items share (e.g., coffee, granola, breads, flowers, etc.) for an additional upfront cost. 

Obviously, I haven't figured out the details yet...I'd also have to establish relationships with vendors that would be of interest to my members and be able to get you the best deals possible while still figuring out a way to cover my additional expenses and make a small profit (again, I emphasize the word "pittance").  Did I mention that I'd have to have enough interest??

So, before I embark upon this journey of figuring out how to bring specialty items to my members, I need to hear from you, The People.  What would you be interested in purchasing if I could get it? How much would you be willing to pay for the particular items that you'd like (a range would be good, i.e., I'd pay 4-5 dollars for a dozen eggs or, there is no way I'd pay more than 10 bucks for a pound of coffee).  You get the gist.  The more specific you are, the better.

If you are interested in seeing something like this, please let me know.  Hopefully you won't mind participating in a few additional conversations/Q&A periods so that we can figure out (a) whether this is even worth everyone's time and (b), if it is, how is best to go about it.

We Want (to hear from) You! [insert copyright image of Uncle Sam here]

This week's share includes: broccoli, sweet potatoes, greens mix, amazing turnips, winter squash, & tat soi.