Selling To Restaurants? Here Are My Top 5 Tips For Success And Profits!

FREE WEBINAR: “Find Your Dream Homestead Property” → freedomfarmers.com/op/land-as...
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Ready to take your farm-to-restaurant sales to the next level? Look no further! In this video, Curtis Stone unveils the top five tips for success and profits when selling to restaurants.
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About Curtis Stone:
Curtis is one of the world’s most highly sought-after small farming educators. His book, The Urban Farmer, offers a new way to think about farming𑁋 one where quality of life and profitability coexist. Today, Curtis spends most of his time building his 40-acre off-grid homestead in British Columbia. He leverages his relationships with other experts to bring diverse content into the homes of gardeners and aspiring small farmers from around the world. Learn more at FromTheField.TV.
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▶️ Buy One Of My T-Shirts. You know you want one → curtis.freedomfarmers.com
▶️ Check out the new From The Field KZbin channel → bit.ly/3p8s1c4
▶️ All my livestreams are also up on Rumble: rumble.com/c/OFFGRIDWITHCURTI...
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Music and Footage commonly used on this channel:
Sweeps - / sweepsbeats
Biocratic - birocratic.com
The Muse Maker - / themusemaker
David Cutter Music - davidcuttermusic.co.uk
artlist.io/Curtis-38762
Images - licensed via Envato.com
Video Footage - licensed via Envato.com
Music - licensed via artlist.io

[@OFFGRIDwithDOUGSTACY]

I like your "open source" attitude. Good info

[@offgridcurtisstone]

Thank you. Great chat yesterday!

[@18deadmonkeys]

More on terms of payment: You can set terms such as 10% discount paid on delivery. 5% discount on 14 days payment. It creates incentive for prompt payment. Keeps cash flow moving. Even giving the discounts is profitable because being short on cash costs YOU. Offering these types of terms also creates incentive to do business with you.

[@ruburtoe1]

Perfect example of manipulating the contract between customer and seller to align the financial incentives to the inherent logistical efficiencies incentives. This is as the social engineering we need to recognized

[@kajimb1]

I read your book, seen all of your videos, took 1/2 acre to start with and i've never been as happy as i am today! I've become the main microgreens producer for down town restaurants and people's reaction to what i do is simply awesome, best motivation ever! You deserve to be supported Curtis and i do encourage everyone who haven't read your book to do so whether you think of starting a farm or already started! PS: my radish seeds are heirloom heritage of 4th generations of farmers which works amazingly great for microgreens, i'd love to send some your way let me know if i can do that! Cheers

[@CavemanTravels]

Where are you from?

[@kajimb1]

Lebanon

[@ryanwillett728]

For sprouts and microgreens, what are you using for the soil? I am having a hard time finding a source of manure free compost.

[@kajimb1]

I use a peat based propagation mix and do not add anything to it. Most of the microgreens will do just fine when harvested at cotyledon leaves, i even push turnips, beets and cilantro to their true leaves without the need to add anything to the soil.

[@ryanwillett728]

Thanks, I was looking at a brand called Daddy Pete's Mushroom compost, but they dont' give a content so I wasn't sure if it was a good one for this purpose. You have any suggestions?

[@Gurokawa]

I worked in wholesale meats for 11 years. All of your top 5 are right on. And I was working for a Fortune 500 co.

[@timgallagher1761]

I can't tell you how much I enjoy your amazing willingness to share those things you have worked so hard to achieve. I'm going to order your book right now! I really like your product list a little printig is a great way to connect with new people as well. Thanks again Curtis !!!

[@rabbiinblack49]

you are really starting to become an O.G. Thanks for keeping old videos up, content free etc. much respect curtis

[@estebanblanco3189]

I have tears in my eyes this morning. I lost everything and a profitable contracting business in 2009 and have since then only occasionally been housed. I am excited about this idea and since I don't have anything except my van and some tools, I'm going to try borrowing or "renting" land to get started. I really like the aquaponics aspect and hope to do the fish thing as well. Whether or not I use a hydroponics or soil based approach is my next issue to tackle. Lord willing, I can use this to provide a decent income and help others to do the same!! Great job bro. God bless!

[@cipherstone5650]

Esteban Blanco how did it go?

[@luispujals42]

Yes, how did it go?

[@draccoivxx30]

Update ?

[@drip.5558]

How’d It go bro

[@hajirizayev7374]

God bless you good man!

[@darrikcurry3884]

Just purchased your book. The comments made me do it. 👌🏽👌🏽

[@AwkwardYet]

Thanks. Always putting out quality information. One of the reasons why I bought your book

[@mattyham257]

I am a young father and husband whos always had an interest in farming. I even did a summer apprenticeship in college at a organic, sustainable farm in Massachusetts. Your videos have been super informational and inspiring to me. Without even thinking about it I have been slowly but surely taking the steps to test the waters as a urban farmer. The discount code gave me the nudge I needed to buy your book and begin planning to produce. Thanks for putting out such quality content. Wish me luck!

[@thebunnyfoofoo]

Matt Ham how did you turn out

[@taratimblin5150]

You rock dude! We're just in the planning stages but I can already tell that you will be an invaluable resource! Thanks for doing what you do!

[@francoisvanstaden8943]

Curtis, I love what you do. Your views and some of the people you follow is so in line with my views. I enjoy your channel and your vids all the way here in the UK. I am a South African living in the UK now for 20 years. My wife and I have been growing both hydroponically and soil now for over 3 years. We are just in the process of starting a small micro-green farm as there is nothing like that where we live. Thanks for your time and dedication and sharing what you know. We support how we can.

[@allcitygreens3994]

Thanks for everything brother, keep em coming. You are appreciated !

[@GhosthashCrypto]

Started servicing commercial restaurants in my area, and you are right. Took like 2 months to collect on bigger accounts. Definitely recommend a simple service agreement, for sure!

[@pulparindo5356]

I wanted to thank you greatly for this valuable information and tips. My purpose is to farm. My wife and I are starting our own farm in 1 month. THANKS FOR EVERYTHING

[@MicroUrb]

Thank you for this video Curtis. After jumping in head first, I am going with the $21,600 part-time at farmers market model. I now know from first hand, it is what I can handle as I do need to hold a job still. Thanks to you Curtis, I should be signing my first MOU today! Dude, once I make my first $50 to $200 at the farmers market I attend, I am making a donation. You are the best.

[@knight2255]

How did your first year go?

[@drnycmedia]

MicroUrb *Yes, how'd you do?* 😊💙🍺🍻🍺

[@MobaCry]

How is it going ??

[@TheGhostInside0192]

the best, thanks for your time to help us. thanks

[@maroosk]

Thank you for teaching, I'm very grateful

[@hauteswan2541]

Thank you so much great info. I just want a homestead but you have lots of great tips. With a diabetic husband and a need for a good diet, he will probably benefit greatly from some of those types of greens.

[@stuartwavekiller1]

Thank you thank you thank you UFCS the wealth of valuable information that you are passing on is unbelievable. Starting off with my own aquaponics business and everything you have share is making my business bloom just like my veggies.

[@glazgogprime6905]

I like watching your vids. very informative and helpful. thank you for sharing your knowledge and advice. makes me think about starting my own small growing business! take care, keep up the vids, and may your profits always be plentiful!

[@blacksmoke6270]

I don't even farm, but you are sharing great knowledge! thank you!

[@Tysonknight808]

Of all the videos that are out there, you are the best 👌

[@ShrimpZoo]

I subbed, ‘bout to start a small farm. Great channel man. Love your farm.

[@masegodode2573]

You are an inspiration. This is really great.

[@johnnyrocket88]

Thanks for another informative video Curtis.

[@shanetolbert6365]

Excited to finally order a copy after following you for the past year! Look forward to applying intensive farming practices to northern NM.

[@tyed94]

I farm in NM too! I have a farm in Santa Fe and In Truth or consequence. Where are you farming if you don't mind me asking?

[@kiancraig4818]

You're the best.! Thank you so much.

[@jtrcfchannel9396]

Thank you so much God Bless

[@ryanwillett728]

Once again, great content!

[@priteshshah21]

You're great inspiration,

[@ignacioperez4972]

Havent seen anybody talk about what has happened to their business during this pandemic. Apologize if i've missed it. Considering the most restaurants are closed or not doing much business. Love the videos. I'm a Canuck living in Orlando Fl. Blessings

[@sonyalefebvre1908]

Thank you !

[@federicofossati7521]

Thank you very much for your video . Great video

[@daynaandsteve]

HA! I should have just watched this video and not asked my question on the last video. :) Thanks for writing that book. I'm in Hawaii so many things don't apply but the basic business principles do.

[@Ozbird-72]

100 % on target... Communication is key here and leads to sales as a side-effect

[@GardenStateSM]

Thanks, good info.

[@aberdonianwanger]

Great advice, Thank you so much. Scotland hasn't really caught on to this yet... ;-)

[@andrewyates1819]

Aberdeen.. are you farming?

[@yonyalonso8658]

Thanks buddy good job

[@annemiekevaneijkeren4486]

very good thank you

[@YinOYangYoga]

Good job man!

[@ChicagoCFH]

buy his book. i read it front to back and it's extremely informative. cheers Curtis

[@landonlarson6827]

Reading it now. Currently on page 165. Yes! It's very informative!

[@ceili]

Just bought it

[@robertzyma9979]

Whats the name of the book?

[@williamn2619]

great video! !

[@llama9274]

very good points~ !

[@BurtMeister]

How do you gauge how much you will have for left of certain produce? Do you work it out like so many lbs per square foot of say tomatoes you can expect and leave them on the plant to retain freshness?? Or do you harvest all of your produce, weigh it and put it in the chiller before doing your fresh sheets so you know exactly what you have??? I was also wondering how you cover your bets, like if you will need to grow tomatoes, will you grow them on two or more plots in case of crop failures? P.S. Another awesome video!

[@juanjohuiza]

Great tips

[@DrakeJStone]

Been following you for quite a while Curtis.. (when you had like 4 followers!). After watching you and Luke I finally set up a microgreen biz down here in Hampton, VA where things are just catching on. Made 309 bucks my first month out (Aug 2016) and now looking at doing about 4k this month, Jun 2017 (less than a year later). If all goes okay I may hit 25k in sales for the first year... which I consider not bad for a slow start. Still a long way to go but am optimistic about the future. I'm picking up your book this late evening and hope to move in to farming some small properties at the start of Spring 2018. You are to be commended for all that you do.

[@offgridcurtisstone]

+John Kochanowski great stuff John! Keep rocking!

[@DrakeJStone]

And the book JUST arrived! Who the heck needs amazon?? :) Thanks Curtis. By the way, had my first $4k month of sales as of yesterday... and still have a big Friday harvest day coming up. I keep wondering at the end of each month how the heck I'm going to do more sales the following month by myself. I am starting to feel like I'm topping out... We'll see how it goes.

[@HillaryLinnea]

@@DrakeJStone How are you doing now? Just looking at your comment after 5 years...

[@DrakeJStone]

@@HillaryLinnea I got out of the business about two years after posting that. The profits did not justify the effort. Loved growing (and meeting/providing for local chefs) but the nature of the workload was off the charts. There just isn't enough profit to support covering all the legitimate costs of doing all the "right" things like insuring the business and vehicles, vehicle maintenance overhead, the growing space, and the constant cleaning/sanitizing. If bringing on staff, there's a whole other level of administrative overhead. Micros alone need to be scaled up to a level beyond supporting just a local market. I saw the writing on the wall early. I couldn't help but notice every "successful" grower was branching out into other peculiar areas of sales... some locally were even getting into other markets entirely letting their microgreen business be somewhat of a unique boutique while they sold breads, oils, nuts... or just simply got out of the business altogether. Throw on top of all that the incessant grind of twice-per-week deliveries... I was happy to move on :) Hell, even the "big guys" struggle to make it work as a stand-alone operation now. I'm not bitter... it was a great learning experience. Even the "big guys" struggle to make it work as a stand-alone operation now.

[@spincitiesfarm7862]

Spot on Curtis. I actually got a compliment from a chef "You are more put together than a lot of other guys doing this." regarding my double invoice method (from you, of course) and my COD policy. I do all of these you mentioned, to the T. This info had been sprinkled around other vids, your course, and book, but it is nice to have it all in one spot for the new folks. These "top five' vids as of late have been great. Video idea: What is your protocol for space plugs? Do you plant out plugs until you run out of bed space (possibly resulting in mixed beds) or do you fill up exact numbers of beds and sit on spare plugs as 'backups' in case some do not take? Other methods. Been crushing it this season, in large part thanks to you. Best.

[@offgridcurtisstone]

Great stuff. That's awesome. Regarding plugs, yes, I'll do that from time to time. After this many years though, I'm pretty good at getting exactly what I need for a bed. I usually do more and have excess then not enough.

[@spincitiesfarm7862]

Awesome, thanks!

[@dellasmom]

Can you tell me what plugs are? Dumb question, maybe, but everyone has to start somewhere, right? :-)

[@michelelanni9205]

Thinking of starting a micro green business in montreal Ive been watching ur videos for a couple of days And u got urself a subscriber

[@ryangoff4813]

Hi Curtis! Do you have any special recommendations for growing in a mountain environment? (Lots of pine trees)

[@cattigereyes1]

Interesting stuff..

[@coloringforkids8634]

Oh crap I didnt realize it was you who wrote that book until the 12:00 mark. Fantastic book, its shaped how I run my whole farm.

[@DurtyMateo]

Sub'd and buying your book. I'll back someone like this. Open source and pay it foward are A+ in my book.

[@Sidneybeach875]

here rip me off....... wow man I don't know what your driving force is but damn it's strong. thanks man!

[@t0dd000]

Do you have any tips on knocking on that door for the first time? Some do's and don't's?

[@michaelwood7355]

Love your videos! But just want to know how one would decide roughly what price to set the crop at whilst still remaining competitive? Is there a database out there with market values to compare my prices to?

[@necroitistherisen2557]

Curtis, do you have a video on KZbin explaining how long certain microgreens last after harvest? I have a couple of restaurants interested after giving them samples. One sent me an email tonight( 1-24-2020) asking how long they last after harvest date? Really appreciate your help.

[@ariannawasserman]

😢❤thank you very much

[@MikeM-co6dm]

Good stuff

[@joeytunez]

Buying the damn book

[@frezzingaces]

Question - have you ever considered having a live stockcount via a website on your freshsheet - so if you have something sell out you can say it's no longer available. Even just a list on google docs you can update?

[@offgridcurtisstone]

Yes, I've considered that for sure.

[@thejohnz0r]

Tip 6: Do not deliver during service!! should be obvious but I've seen chefs send suppliers away for trying to deliver during a service - kitchen staff doesn't have time to check the contents of delivery and put away in the middle of a busy service!

[@jeremycarlson1189]

Off topic, but any chance you can do an update video on the guy that does Flavorful Farms? He used you for consulting and started his own farm based on your techniques. It looks like he has made a lot of progress and would like to see what has and hasn't worked for him. Also made his own seeding machine for lettuce. Anyway, would like to see videos on people who took your seminars or consulted and how they are doing.

[@offgridcurtisstone]

Great suggestion. I might be making a trip down there in August, so if that happens, I will definitely do that!

[@victorygarden556]

What is the double invoice system? I didn’t catch it in the video

[@artytomparis]

Have you considered an ebook version?

[@alfriedar]

Hey I am in Puerto Rico soon to come to the states to farm in FL want to support you and get your book but u don't ship here .. bummer.. would love those tools. Al

[@thefloormat]

I know you grow many things, but I'm curious if your planning on a Tuesday and Friday delivery, and you have someone come knocking on a Monday, how do you have product for them to buy early? I'm thinking if a guy grows lettuce and micro greens for instance, if they're not ready, do you sell smaller under grown things instead for those emergencies?

[@johnny96888]

Curtis do you have any videos about how to legally start a farming business?

[@neilellis812]

hi curtis i was wondering if sometime when u have some ox heart tomato's seeds u could mail me a few that would be sweet... thanks for all your help ... im starting my own farm in Bear River Nova Scotia thanks to your ongoing help.thanks lots

[@thomasrobson6370]

It's Tuesday; what happened to Friday's lettuce..:-)

[@silverstacker6507]

hows the okra market there. i made a killing in Oklahoma growing and sale'n it.

[@theislander9034]

I tried to find the fresh sheet you talked about on your website but I couldn't find it

[@admiralmurat2777]

Have you ever thought of selling to churches? I'm Greek Orthodox and there are like 20 resteraunts in my congregation alone lol.

[@mizothefarmlady]

Hello can you help link to your the fresh sheet

[@jasonjacobs2095]

What’s the most popular ingredient to grow and sell to restaurants?

[@lyci.]

Do you have a digital copy of your book available that can be purchased from your online store? If I can I'd like to support you rather than another retailer because I'm not in the US - but I couldn't see a digital link on your website.

[@jeremynodine1803]

My issue with selling to restaurants is they low ball me and dont want to pay more than they do from the wholesale produce distributors. My main focus is heirloom tomatoes which sell for $1.00 per lb wholesale, but at that price I am losing money. Any advice? BTW, my wife just ordered me your book for Fathers Day Curtis, and I may attend the TN workshop if I can sell all my tomatoes. Great thing your doing to help people, and great tips on so many things. You've inspired me to give salad mix a try this winter. Rock on!

[@knight2255]

Are you still in the tomato business? Who do you sell to mainly?

[@abhradipchoudhuri352]

Do you have an ecopy of your book? Would love to have it but I'm from India hence asking 🙏

[@CavemanTravels]

Curtis what special arrangements did you make or can suggest with using other peoples property for growing you vegetable business?

[@spincitiesfarm7862]

He has several videos on this and a whole chapter in his book. Search his channel.

[@palazzo5875]

hi sir i dont see ur fresh sheet link ???

[@rickmonaco2460]

What is the actual coupon code I use?

[@Swolegang]

How do you actually sell the product? Do you just go up to the chef and talk to him?

[@neeghatakther4499]

Hi, if you are coming to Toronto please email me to join your show or seminar. Thank you.

[@elliottmusgrove2877]

Hi Curtis, thanks so much for all the tips! How do you share your fresh sheet with chefs? So far, all chefs I've met want to text about product availability. Also, I text a lot of chefs trying to drum up new business (after we've met) and the majority don't respond. Should I update those chefs consistently, or is that just annoying? Thanks for any advice!

[@offgridcurtisstone]

+Elliott Musgrove just in email. I can't believe I didn't mention that

[@jimkrahn7079]

hi Curtis, is it possible to come by and buy your book, l'm in Kelowna too.

[@offgridcurtisstone]

Best would be to get it from the local book stores.

[@TheGhostInside0192]

Curtis , Fresh Sheets mean, email? That kind of email?

[@pigeonpecker7623]

what profit do you make?

[@catholicprophecies]

Hello Can u tell me different ways to bring your product on the market? Greetings

[@offgridcurtisstone]

+Ivan Petrovic my book can. In detail too.

[@dawsonmehalko711]

I feel sad... I can't afford to buy your book through your website even with the discount code.... :(

[@mkme2358]

Chefs price. Wholesale price. Famer's market price? Whats the price diff?

[@clarkadams895]

Is anyone doing this in Virginia, and maybe wouldn't mind showing off your business? I've worked IT for 30 years and I'm looking to make a change.

[@marikabanfi3384]

Hi Curtis, I understand that you use Gaia as a fertilizer. It contains glacial rock dust, using a respirator mask is recommended. :-)I love that you share. Marika and Adam

[@timgallagher1761]

Have you found FB a way to get orders or is it just for a presence ?

[@offgridcurtisstone]

I don't use FB for business regarding getting orders for the farm.

[@AUNTLORI56]

What is a CSA?

[@Persepolis-o2b]

Curtis, what is the best route to go when you are just starting out and restaurants aren't willing to pay nearly these amounts? My second ever restaurant customer wants to do lots of business with me but currently pays $8 per 2 lb case of spinach, arugula etc. Based on my yields per 25ft bed, that would get me almost half the cost I should be making per crop per 25ft bed. Should I walk away from the sale or meet their price point?

[@offgridcurtisstone]

Maybe. First see what the average market price is. If that's the going rate, then no, that's going to be your price point. Keep in mind that prices are different everywhere. They also reflect the cost of everything else. Living costs are high here for example. Thousand square foot homes are selling for $650,000.

[@Persepolis-o2b]

Thanks for the response! It would appear that the costs of many greens here in Southern New Jersey are substantially lower than up in Kelowna, save for micros, lettuce, and salad mix. Most root vegetables appear to be relatively similar, although I am still working out market research on that. The restaurant owner was kind enough to show me his invoice for greens, and he does indeed pay ~$8 for arugula, spinach, etc.

[@dccreations1361]

Is this discount code still active to order your book? Thanks!

[@offgridcurtisstone]

Yes.

[@RandomOliphant]

ahh, so sad, just got your book in the mail. Missed the goodies by a week.

[@mandshand8940]

RandomOliphant code works for the online goodies to.

[@ethansmith7659]

Curtis, does your government require licencing and permits to sell to Resteraunts?

[@offgridcurtisstone]

Not sure. I never asked!

[@TsetsiStoyanova]

is this the mushroom farm?

[@johnhargreavesii8181]

when you say that you want to sell to customers who aren't to big so that you can obtain $COD. How could would one identify a restaurant or kitchen like that without introduction. I would like to hold off on selling to them or even asking them to until I know I can handle the load in the bank account.

[@johnhargreavesii8181]

I would understand chains but is there anything I don't know like types of restaurant that would be more prone to shy away from $cod

[@williamchamberlain2263]

#3