As the new year approaches, many of us are setting intentions for personal growth, healthier lifestyles, and a stronger connection with the world around us. But have you ever considered how your buying habits can reflect these values?
Whether you’re purchasing fresh produce, handmade goods, or farm-fresh eggs, being a thoughtful buyer is an essential part of creating a more sustainable, respectful marketplace—one where farmers, artisans, and small businesses thrive. Here’s a guide to becoming a buyer everyone loves working with, while making the most of your purchases in 2025.
1. Do Your Homework
Behind every product is a story, a process, and a person (or a team) dedicated to making it happen. Take the time to learn about the sellers you support. Is the farm raising their animals ethically? Are the materials sustainable? Is the company small or local?
When you buy from businesses that align with your values, your purchases become more than just transactions—they’re investments in communities and causes you care about.
2. Communicate Clearly
A thoughtful buyer knows how to ask the right questions and communicate their needs effectively. Whether you’re purchasing hatching eggs, livestock, or handmade products, clarity is key.
For example, if you’re looking for a specific breed or custom item, ask respectful, concise questions upfront:
- “What are the care requirements for this breed?”
- “Do you have availability during my preferred time frame?”
This not only saves time but also builds trust and ensures everyone is on the same page.
3. Respect the Process
Great things take time, especially in the world of small farms and handmade goods. Unlike mass-produced items, the products you buy from small sellers often come with a slower, more thoughtful process.
For example, a farmer may need months to prepare hatching eggs for shipment, ensuring fertility and proper storage. Or a craftsperson may need weeks to source materials for a custom order. Recognizing the effort and time behind these products is a hallmark of a great buyer.
4. Plan Ahead
When it comes to seasonal products like produce, livestock, or artisan goods, planning is everything. If you know you’ll need chicks in the spring or pasture-raised turkeys for the holidays, place your orders early.
Many farms and small businesses rely on preorders to plan their inventory. By ordering ahead, you help them avoid overproduction, reduce waste, and provide you with a smoother buying experience.
5. Practice Patience and Kindness
Sometimes, delays happen—whether due to weather, supply shortages, or unforeseen events. A thoughtful buyer approaches these situations with understanding rather than frustration.
Kindness and patience can transform your relationship with a seller, leading to better service, trust, and even helpful advice for future purchases. Remember, you’re not just buying a product—you’re supporting someone’s livelihood.
6. Leave Reviews and Share Your Experience
Want to go the extra mile? Share your positive experience!
Whether it’s a 5-star review, a photo of your purchase, or a shout-out on social media, your feedback means the world to small business owners. It not only boosts their credibility but also helps them reach new customers.
Why Thoughtful Buying Matters
As a small farm owner myself, I’ve seen firsthand how much impact thoughtful buyers can have. When buyers ask questions, plan ahead, and express appreciation, it inspires us to keep doing what we do best. Your choices as a buyer create ripples that benefit not only you but the entire community.
This year, let’s make an effort to buy with intention, patience, and care. Together, we can create a marketplace built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to quality and sustainability.
So, what will you do differently as a buyer in 2025?
Check out our blog on Spotting Scammers vs. Reputable Breeders When Preordering Animals for further help!
