Delivery helps farm stand triple business

While this blog has talked about the fact that many large companies are looking to deploy a delivery service, what is often lost is how it can actually help a business. Sure, consumers want their product as soon as possible, but a quality delivery service -- not necessarily a speedy one -- can have major benefits for companies of all sizes.

A recent article from Windsorite, a Windsor, Ontario news outlet, profiled Kingsville's Lee and Maria's Market. The local farm stand and market has been in business for 35 years. Over 20 crops are grown on site, including field tomatoes, corn, beans and melons. Recently, they launched a new service where fresh local produce is delivered right to customers doors in the Windsor and Essex County.

Last year, the service was launched with 70 families receiving weekly or bi-weekly deliveries. That number has since increased to 200. The entire process is handled through the company's website where users can signup, pay with a credit card and manage their subscription.

According to manager Kathy Black, the idea of delivering farm fresh produce right to consumers doors is a new concept for local farmers. It has also helped to triple business.

"More and more people are looking to eat healthy," Black said. "We're trying to make it easier for the busy family who doesn't have time to go to the roadside stand, or the senior who can't always get out to a farm market when they want."

With the right third party logistics service, any company can follow this path and potentially unlock a new revenue stream.