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Running a business, especially a farm, can get expensive. With a farm that direct markets, the type of expenses can be more vast.

Yes, these costs need to be factored when building out your budget and setting prices. But, one way we’ve been able to work to manage these items is investing in buying in bulk, either on our own, purchasing items with a group, or a combination of both. It’s about getting scrappy and creative to help your bottom line and keep moving your business forward.

A few of the items we’ve taken this approach with include:

✔️ Insulated shipping liners (we will group order with other farmers, which allows us to get prices down and reduce freight rates)

✔️ Shipping rates (power of the group for discounted rates)

We’re currently using VNDR.com. They have great rates for overnight shipping, better than we can get on our own. Previously we had been using ShipStation.

✔️ Hay feeders (shared cost in freight with local farmers)

✔️ Printed marketing materials + stickers (bulk & multiple items ordered usually results in better pricing & discounts)

I like to order/do printing through PS Print and get my stickers from Sticker Mule (here’s a $10 off coupon for your first order).

✔️ General supplies from Uline (I wait to order a lot of items, try to purchase in bulk, even will do pick up since we live near a distribution facility). Once in a while they’ll have a rare free shipping coupon.

✔️Vet supplies (order all at 1x to save on shipping, especially with vaccination overnight rates).

I usually order from Valley Vet, Jeffers or Premier 1 Supplies. Sometimes I’ll watch for 10% off coupons, once in a while Jeffers will have a 20% off coupon.

I’m sure I’m missing more examples! Are there ways you’re doing this?

This month on my blog I’ll be focusing on the backend of my business, sharing approaches, tools, and resources.