By: Lacey Noterman, District Livestock Extension Agent
Direct marketing of your eggs can be profitable, but it can also be time-consuming. Be sure you have a consistent supply of high-quality eggs and the market outlets before taking on this task.
Small flock owners should consider developing a specialty egg for a niche market. A “niche” market is generally small but more profitable. This product must be different from the ones offered in large superstores. Examples could be organically grown eggs, free-range eggs, hand-gathered and processed eggs, or colored eggs.
Producers often underprice their eggs and fail to count all processing and marketing costs. Base your selling price to customer on a local market or nearby graded market. If you are selling a specialty egg, remember that consumers will expect to pay more for those eggs. Add to this quoted market price your processing and marketing costs above production costs, plus the amount of profit you expect to make. Cost will vary, depending on volume, type of equipment, distance from market, number of deliveries, and labor. Do not forget, these cost are in addition to the cost of producing eggs, which includes facilities, feed and the cost of replacement stock. Miscellaneous costs include electricity, water, refrigeration, taxes and processing equipment.
A few tips to help you sell your farm fresh eggs for more money. Show your potential buyers how great your eggs look. Eggs that are fresh from the farm have more vibrant yolks and look fresher than store-bought eggs. Especially, if those chickens are eating a lot of grass, weeds, and herbs. Try selling colored eggs by adding a pop of color to your cartons can entice buyers. Raise some chickens that lay blue, green or cream-colored eggs. Try raising different types of eggs. Chicken eggs can be a dime a dozen because of the large supply available, so try something different! Duck eggs are larger than chicken eggs and thought to be better for baking due to their higher fat content. Quail eggs are considered a delicacy and are often pickled or used to top burgers or salads due to their smaller size. Be sure to hand out free samples. Studies show that someone is more likely to purchase an item if they have touched or held it.
Selling some of your eggs can be a great way to cover the cost of your feed. An average 50-pound feed bag costs are $15 and will last thirty hens around two weeks. If you can sell your eggs at $3/dozen you’re going to need 3 dozen eggs per week to cover the cost of the feed.
