This summer I’ve been selling salmon at Chicago area farmers markets. A friend’s brother owns a fishing boat in Alaska and this is his first season selling directly to customers at markets. It’s been a neat experience for me to see the markets from the other side of the table, I definitely have a greater appreciation for the folks who do this work. Yesterday I worked a later start (9am) market. Here’s a slice of that day.
Arrive at the warehouse around 7am, that’s when I clock in. It’s a big space near the old stockyards in Chicago. Very industrial and food-centric area. The salmon for the week is kept in a couple of chest freezers.
The coolers are kept in a walk-in freezer that’s around 5°F (-15°C). I almost don’t need coffee to wake up, almost.
I gather up the tent, table, and a tote with a scale and cash box which are kept across from the walk-in. Load that all in my van and head to the market. When I get there I find a parking space (some markets have room to pull a vehicle into the vendor’s stall, most don’t) and then load up the cart and roll it to my stall.
I like this market because those trees are at my back and keep me relatively shaded all day. Also there are a lot of really nice people working it and that keeps it fun. Once I’m set up I have to pair a square reader to my phone, that’s how the bulk of the purchases are made.
To my right is a farmer who hands out cut pieces of watermelon, to my right down that path is the bathroom. I have the best spot!
It’s a great place to people watch. I’m enjoying selling the salmon too. I’ve gotten to know a few of the repeat customers and have fun chatting with people. I’ve also run into 3 different people from different times in my life, one of whom I’ve reconnected with after not seeing each other for 25 years. The fish is really good, one of the perks of working the booth is that I pretty much have to eat the product. We sell frozen filets and fresh smoked portions. Another perk is getting vendor prices for a lot of the items at the market. I usually come home with one or another item. Today I scored a true haul!
I’ll be working a different market today, and sleeping like a rock tonight!