Sales | Evaluation Guide

MEASURE: SALES

Method 1: track each transaction on a sheet of paper and add them up at the end of the day, plus tips

You’ll be able to count cash transactions at the end of the day. However, keeping a log of transactions helps you "close out" or balance sales: The amount in your log should match the amount you have in hand.

Click the button below to download a very detailed guide on operating a market and closing out sales. Reach out to Resourceful Communities if you would like training!

Youth Ambassador for Men and Women United for Youth and Families sells produce at the Elizabethtown Farmers Market.

Cash-only Market Guide

Case Study

Use the editable harvest log (download below) to track the value of produce for market sales or donations, all in one place. Tracking the value of produce intended for market helps keep track of your sales goals. Any difference between actual sales and value of produce intended for a market indicates room to improve: You might increase market outreach, ask customers what crops they want, or find additional places to sell.

Tracking the value of produce intended for donations is also a great metric to report. At the end of the year, you’ll be able to report something like "in 2020 we donated $6,000 worth of produce to XYZ food pantry!"

Click here to download an editable Harvest Log example

Method 2: Calculate sales via difference in inventory

Inventory how many units (pieces or pounds) of each item you have
- If you’re selling per piece, inventory the number of items you have.
- If you’re selling by the pound, inventory how many pounds you have

At the end of the market, do another inventory. Subtract this new inventory total from your original inventory to determine how much you sold. Then multiply by the unit price.