The Good Ol’ Honor System

So it’s that time of year again…when the farmer’s markets are beginning to be full of fresh, local fruits and vegetables like squash, zucchini, strawberries, and watermelon.  It is also the time our neighbors start putting their produce out in a wagon at the end of the driveway for us to exchange for a few dollars in a can. That’s right…the good ol’ honor system is back!

Although the trusting business model certainly isn’t crime-proof, honor boxes remain a point of pride and practicality for many small farmers who would prefer to spend their time tending the crops than manning a roadside cart.

And truthfully, most customers end up leaving more money than they actually owe.  It’s a win-win situation because the farmer makes a larger profit and the customers leave feeling good about themselves.

In the agriculture industry, trust is extremely important.  As farmers, your consumers trust that the food you have produced is of high quality and safe.  So, why not trust your customers to do the right thing and bring back the good ol’ honor system?

So tell us – what are your thoughts or experiences with the honor system?