COVID-19: 3 Ways Farmers & Local Producers Can Modernize By Moving Online

As a farmer or local producer, a lack of fresh produce isn’t necessarily a problem for you right now. Instead, we are hearing news stories of accumulating food waste because producers are struggling to access their usual stream of in-store customers. This puts producers in a unique position. For the first time, many farmers and grocers have to consider modernizing their businesses by moving online.

Social distancing, and the ongoing health threat of COVID-19, is forcing local and loyal customers to turn to online food businesses and e-commerce alternatives to meet their needs. Right now, the risk of sourcing fresh produce in potentially crowded and unsanitary markets greatly outweighs the need—especially for families with immune-suppressed or elderly members. As a result, many fresh food markets—which are traditionally reliant on airy open spaces, crowds, and cash payments—are at risk of losing business, and even closure.

The demand for fresh, local produce, however, still exists.

Major grocery stores and retailers, on the other hand, continue to take advantage of the surge in online sales by offering pick-up and local delivery options. With a few simple steps, you can do the same with your business.

HERE ARE 3 WAYS YOU CAN MODERNIZE YOUR BUSINESS FOR THE FUTURE OF ONLINE GROCERY SHOPPING:

1. Launch your online store

Having the accessibility of an online store is crucial during Coronavirus. More often than not, the same products can be found online through a major grocery store.

By launching an online store, you can offer your fresh produce for pick-up and/or delivery to your local community. You can accurately update your stock, contact customers directly, and maintain customer loyalty. You can also benefit from owning an online store after the pandemic.

To help you navigate this transition, we are offering a FREE 3-month trial of our online ordering system. With our 24/7 support, we will have you set up and ready to sell online in no time.

Get started with a FREE 3-month FreshBuy trial. 

2. Offer cashless payments online

Have you previously only accepted cash payments? For customers that are concerned about cross-contamination with cash, you can guide them to your online store. They can pay securely on your website, directly to you, and receive their order through a pick-up or delivery—with physical distancing in place along the way.  

3. Create a social media presence

Social media has become a key source of entertainment for individuals during social isolation—allowing them to remain updated with their friends, family, and favourite businesses. Beyond COVID-19, social media is an essential resource for communicating updates, as well as marketing particular produce and/or services to your customers. 

Take advantage of this time to deepen your connection with your customers. What changes have you made for? Snap a picture, write your story, and post it! 

Need help with social media? We offer a marketing add-on for all of our online menu plans.

FreshBuy helps food businesses grow with customized online ordering and marketing solutions.