Semi-Bulk Chickpea, Faba Bean and Malt Barley Market Research

Lbboughton on 17/05/2017 - 16:27
Last edited 17/05/2017 - 16:29

Hi there, this is a sort of crude market research attempt. Thanks for your time. I have often admired the frank and honest discussion on these forums although not participated much at all.

A little background: I am part of a family farm business based in north west NSW. We grow a range of non irrigated crops which includes chickpea, barley, wheat and in the past have successfully grown mung beans and faba beans.

I am wondering if there would be much demand for these grains available up to 5kg. It would be sold through an online store so postage would be significant factor on such a bulky item.

Lets look at an example, say 3kg bag of dry desi chickpeas. It would cost $13.80 to post in a prepaid satchel most places in Australia. Lets say the bag had a retail price of $22, with postage is close to $36 for customer. It is a lot of nutrition for $36 delivered but would there be demand for such a raw product?

Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks

Poll Options

  • 0
    Giving it away
  • 0
    Good price
  • 4
    Expensive
  • 1
    Noone will buy that at any price
Food & Grocery

Comments

  • hashtagbargain on 17/05/2017 - 16:44
    +3

    If you are talking about chickpeas like this one, why would yours be so expensive? The one in my link is an established brand and sells for $6 a kilo. I can find it at Indian stores for cheaper…

    If you retailed a 5 kilo bag for $22, that would be something to consider.

    • bboughton on 17/05/2017 - 16:55
      +2

      Thanks for ideas on pricing. Given your link my price is expensive.

  • BuyoTheCat on 17/05/2017 - 16:48
    +1

    Would like to support local farmer. I cannot recall how much I pay for chickpeas. I think it is $8 per kg, from Victoria Market in Melbourne.
    However, postage is a killer (as it always is in Australia).

    I usually buy 500g of each type of beans and chickpeas and it lasts me ages. I make stews and eat them over the week/s.

    An idea is to have 5kg packs for $x
    Then I can choose 1kg of this for $8/kg
    1 kg of that for $7/kg to making up a total of 5kg

  • bboughton on 17/05/2017 - 16:54
    +1

    Yes as I thought it looks like postage and small scale processing would be the killer. I like the idea of the mix and match - cheers.

    The fact that the small Coles bag is cheaper than my original price not including postage is not a good start.

    • BuyoTheCat on 17/05/2017 - 19:17

      I reread my post and realise perhaps I wasnt clear.

      To elaborate: If you can negotiate a good rate for postage, then have rates for weight. 3 kg bags for $x 5kg bags for $y

      Then I can select different type of produce to make up the weight at their respective cost.

      You dont have to be cheaper. You need to be give people a good reason to buy from you. If you were the same price, I could still give you my business. You need to compete with the below factors for me.

      I do not need 5kg of produce at a time (however beans can keep so I dont mind)
      Victoria market/supermarket is very convenient for me to not need to buy in bulk.
      Then of course there is the final factor of price.

      You do not have to be the cheapest. But you need to give us a reason for paying more.

      I hope you work something out. Always happy to throw ideas at you.

  • hashtagbargain on 17/05/2017 - 17:10
    +1

    Also OP, AusPost is a really expensive courier service - if you want to do it with them as a business, negotiate with them for better rates.

    Also consider other logistic options - https://www.officeworks.com.au/mailman or such… just google for cheap couriers.
    Here's a sample of rates from fastway: http://www.fastway.com.au/images/pricing/FastwayRateSchedule…

    • bboughton on 17/05/2017 - 17:16
      +1

      I'll look into those couriers thanks for idea.

      An issue I face is being rather remote (not really but not a big centre) many of the budget couriers may not be able to offer the same service as AusPost.

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