Pecans are a favorite snack and recipe ingredient especially in the South. A wide variety of pecans grow easily in most climates and people sell them in bulk through large nut companies or individually at roadside produce stands or flea markets.
Instructions
1. Evaluate the potential stock of pecans to sell. Whether dealing with an orchard full of productive pecan trees or a small backyard crop, there is a market for pecans. To target the correct market it is important to take stock of the size of the crop and the amount of work to be done in preparing it.
2. Research the local pecan market or branch out into the larger state or national market. If the local market is desirable, look for bustling flea markets or bazaars, county fairs and produce stands interested in selling pecans. For larger-scale operations, many companies or farms specializing in pecans and other nuts are willing to buy from individuals with quality crops.
3. Harvest the pecans. For small businesses this can be as simple as gathering the nuts from the ground in the backyard. Larger businesses often require mechanical assistance in harvesting pecans. Specialized machinery can shake the trees and gather the pecans, thus eliminating the need for extensive labor.
4. Clean the pecans. Hand-held shellers are easily purchased at hardware and department stores across the country. Larger operations may require shelling machines that quickly and efficiently strip the hulls from the nuts and sort them into varying sizes and weights.
5. Package pecans for sale. Packaging depends largely on the method of sale. If pecans are sold in bulk it is often appropriate to leave them in the shell. If the target buyer is unlikely to shell the pecans by hand, place the cleaned pecans in a sealable plastic bag.
6. Price pecans for sale. Pecans are a popular food and they are widely available from supermarkets and individuals. Research the market to get a feel for pricing in a particular area. Pecans are also considered a holiday food by some, so prices may rise around select holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
7. Consider shipping pecans. Depending on the size of the target market and the available crop, shipping pecans is an option and increases the ability to sell. Be familiar with shipping and sanitation regulations. Regulations and advice are available from a number of growers' associations and state pecan foundations.
Tags: available from, flea markets, pecans sale, produce stands, shipping pecans
