Selling eggs- people not paying for eggs

[DaisyBuff]

Was just wondering if anyone was having the same problem I’ve been having selling eggs.

Ive been selling eggs by the side of the road last year and this year. Last year was going great, selling dozens every week. I have a small container for the customers to put the money in. My sign was clearly marked $4 for eggs. One day I go out and see someone has taken the eggs but put no money… I try again the next day, same result. Someone was taking the eggs without paying. I had to stop putting the eggs out by the road.

A new year comes and the chickens are back into laying. I try again to sell by the road. My sign clearly says $5/dozen. I put 4 dozen out to sell… see 2 dozen have sold and I go get the money. There was only $5 instead of $10. I’ve put the eggs out to sell again… I’m not sure what to do at this point if someone keeps taking the eggs without paying for them. If this happens the next few times I put them out to sell I’ll have to stop selling by the road again.

Has anyone come across a problem like this? It’s very discouraging

Stealing is wrong, no matter what it is even chicken eggs. I had this problem before. I would highly recommend staying at your chicken egg booth when you can to monitor the people buying the eggs, a little chair and table with little essentials like sunblock, water, ect. I always stay at my booth when selling. You won't be able to sell 24-7 but I guess getting lots of money over time is better than getting your goods stolen from you. You could also put your chicken booth stand on facebook so more of your friends will know about it. Just a bit of advice from a chicken keeper who had the same problem as you. Luckily I found who was taking them, my neighbors dog, who put his paws on the stand nabbed an egg container and dragged it into his owners yard. Leaving some broken egg shells along the way. I was inside my house, but at least I saw what happend, crazy. Just an average day in my neighborhood.

 

[Arelwood]

I created a Google Voice number and made a sign. I have people text me and arrange an exchange at my house. It’s been working really well so far!
View attachment 3030023

This is a great idea!

 

[Cackel Shack]

Stupid question, but what does your sign say?
The only time I've heard this was a problem was when a neighbor up the road put a sign out that said "free range eggs $3"
Local campers thought the eggs where free.
My signage says FARM EGGS-Open Range Available to avoid that confusion.
Other than that, I'd think putting out a fake security camera and sign that says due to XX, theft, site is now monitored.

My sign says" Fresh, LG colored eggs, $4.00/doz, uncaged/free-ranging

 

[U_Stormcrow]

My sign says" Fresh, LG colored eggs, $4.00/doz, uncaged/free-ranging

Depending on where* you are (*what State), you might not legally be able to advertise "Fresh" eggs, even if you are pulling them from the nest, moments after they are laid. The law is an ass, truth is not always a defense in advertising.

Chances are good no one will take you to court over it, but its a case wher best you be aware, so you can manage risk - its an unfair/deceptive trade practice in some places, with statutory minimum damages and fee shifting, nor merely compensatory damages under the "American rule".

 

[Ons3Saam]

Was just wondering if anyone was having the same problem I’ve been having selling eggs.

Ive been selling eggs by the side of the road last year and this year. Last year was going great, selling dozens every week. I have a small container for the customers to put the money in. My sign was clearly marked $4 for eggs. One day I go out and see someone has taken the eggs but put no money… I try again the next day, same result. Someone was taking the eggs without paying. I had to stop putting the eggs out by the road.

A new year comes and the chickens are back into laying. I try again to sell by the road. My sign clearly says $5/dozen. I put 4 dozen out to sell… see 2 dozen have sold and I go get the money. There was only $5 instead of $10. I’ve put the eggs out to sell again… I’m not sure what to do at this point if someone keeps taking the eggs without paying for them. If this happens the next few times I put them out to sell I’ll have to stop selling by the road again.

Has anyone come across a problem like this? It’s very discouraging

G'day and thanks for posting.

It sucks having dishonest neighbours but I feel that if someone can't afford the four or five dollars for eggs, then they have a problem and I don't feel too bad helping them out with some eggs. I would keep putting them out and let karma sort it out if they're really dishonest and not just in need.

Just my two cents.

Have a wonderful day further,
Ons3Saam

 

[Red-Stars-in-RI]

A security camera takes a LOT of eggs to pay off...I'd start with a sign implying video surveillance as a first step.

 

[HomesteadNowhere]

I didn't read every post but I agree with the general response. It seems an honesty box system won't work with someone/people being dishonest.

I also think it's a good idea to make a sign for one day that you will be home and able to watch it.

If you want to try a camera I have a wyze camera (off Amazon) it isn't expensive and it is pretty small and could easily be hidden. You can put a micro SD card in it to keep many hours of video on. You also just download the app and sign in, connect the camera, and ta-da. Just open the app and watch it live.
The picture is really good and has night vision that's good as well. I use mine for in the barn at lambing.
The camera also has a microphone and speaker. You can pic up sound or talk out it. I haven't done much with that since it's just to watch the sheep but I did test it.

If you decide to go that route I'd be cautious of someone stealing it and hide it carefully plus maybe like an old broken trail cam, and put that within sight of the actual hidden camera. If they steal the eggs/money/fake camera then you'll catch it. Which can then be shown to police if you go that route.
Even here out in the middle of nowhere my dad has had game cameras stolen on the farm. It becomes a big mess. One doesn't just accidentally pick up a game cam in the middle of private property 250 acres.

 

[Red-Stars-in-RI]

The one thing with a camera, I guess I'd say "to what end?"

You'd need it set up that it'd record enough of the area so you could see:

1. That someone was there
2. That they did pay
3. You also get their vehicle/license number

Assuming you managed to get all that (good luck with only one camera), then what? Do you confront someone (dangerous)? Do you call the police (will they help?)? Post to social media (what if YOU got it wrong?)?

 

[Ret]

Was just wondering if anyone was having the same problem I’ve been having selling eggs.

Ive been selling eggs by the side of the road last year and this year. Last year was going great, selling dozens every week. I have a small container for the customers to put the money in. My sign was clearly marked $4 for eggs. One day I go out and see someone has taken the eggs but put no money… I try again the next day, same result. Someone was taking the eggs without paying. I had to stop putting the eggs out by the road.

A new year comes and the chickens are back into laying. I try again to sell by the road. My sign clearly says $5/dozen. I put 4 dozen out to sell… see 2 dozen have sold and I go get the money. There was only $5 instead of $10. I’ve put the eggs out to sell again… I’m not sure what to do at this point if someone keeps taking the eggs without paying for them. If this happens the next few times I put them out to sell I’ll have to stop selling by the road again.

Has anyone come across a problem like this? It’s very discouraging

Put out a game camera and catch their sorry ass!

 

[maarijke]

Unfortunately I’m a little uncertain about answering the door to anyone. If the customer caught me outside and asked about eggs that’s a different story, I was always glad to tell them yes or no if I had eggs. So if this keeps happening I’ll either have to stop or maybe try a security camera. My friends and family can only eat so many eggs per week and we still have extra eggs. Oh well…

Donate them or sell at a lower price to a shelter? Sell to a local church? Sell to a local preschool? Montessori? Waldorf? Someplace like a homesköœl co-op who appreciates them? And eill pay for quality eggs!