8 Clever Tips to Get Better Deals at Farmer’s Markets

Get on the farmers’ lists

“Whenever we locate a vendor with good prices and quality organic produce, we start purchasing from them. Then we ask the farmer if they have a website or newsletter or if we can get on their email list. These lists almost always have special deals for customers, like buying a certain number and getting one item free or even a few freebies to try out.” — Mary Banks, grandmother of four, Des Moines, IA

Snag great deals on peak produce

“Ask the farmer what’s new or abundant this week. They’re usually willing to cut a discount for anything they have a lot of, so it never hurts to ask. Also, keep a few damp tea towels in your bag to wrap around your produce to help keep it fresh.” — Cindy Prentice, executive director at Holly Hill Farm

Ask about almost-expired items

“Few shoppers want to buy the bruised apple or the zucchini that’s a touch soft, but these often make the best dishes! Offer to take these ‘damaged goods’ off the farmer’s hands at a discount. And ask about soon-to-expire items: It’s harder to sell bacon, milk, and bread that’s going to go bad in two days, but who cares if you plan to eat it or freeze it right away?” — Kathleen Willcox, food expert, Edible Communities

Know which fruits and veggies last longest

“Learn how to pick the best produce so you get the most bang for your buck. If you can’t use half of what you bought, that good price isn’t so good! For instance, a ripe avocado’s stem will fall off when you use your thumb to press it gently on the side. And I learned how to pick the best corn from my local produce stand: Make sure the tassel (the brownish grass at the top) isn’t mushy or limp and the husk is smooth, green, and moist to touch.” — Teri Gault, author of Shop Smart, Save More: Learn The Grocery Game and Save Hundreds of Dollars a Month ($9.67, Amazon) 

Choose your own produce and save

“Many farmers invite the public to their farms. Pick-your-own farms are a lot of fun and can also save you money: Those 6-oz. containers of raspberries sell for $4.99 at the supermarket, or $13 per pound, but you can pick your own raspberries at the farm for $5.99 a pound! We also go blueberry picking once a year, and what we pick lasts us a year! We preserve and freeze a lot of it. It’s a fun activity and a learning experience for the kids as they get to know the source of their food.” — Stephanie Merchant, The Nutrition Mom

Get rewarded for buying early

“A good way to save is to join a newer form of the community supported agriculture (CSA) model called a ‘declining balance’ CSA, and now is the time to do it for next year. How it works: You add money to a credit account before the growing season starts. Once the harvest begins, you shop for whatever you want at the farmers market instead of receiving a weekly share prepared by the farm, which usually includes produce you might not want or won’t use. Simply search for one online or ask at the farmers market.” — Suzannah Schneider, Certified Naturally Grown

Check out a virtual farmers market

“Visit LocallyGrown.net, where it’s easy to find local farmers. On this site, farmers register their farms and some even sell their produce online, so you can browse their offerings and see any specials they have—the prices are usually much lower than at the supermarket. Just fill up your basket and buy. Some even offer free delivery.” — Laura Seabolt, garden expert, You Should Grow

Compare to supermarket prices

“When your supermarket has a better price than what you see at the farmers market, use that to your advantage: Politely say something like, ‘Your asparagus is beautiful, and I would love to buy it from you. Can you match the price of the supermarket sale?’ Have your supermarket’s sales circular in your pocket or be ready to pull it up on your phone. Most often, you won’t even need proof, as farmers are usually more than willing to come down a little on their price. But try to have this conversation when no other shoppers are within earshot, as the farmer may not be willing to give you their best deal if they’re obligated to extend the same offer to more shoppers.” — Teri Gault

This story originally appeared in our print magazine.