10 BULLETIN 1002, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



of hundreds of thousands of dollars — in the hands of poorly paid 

 and incompetent managers can not be too strongly condemned as a 

 short-sighted and wasteful policy. 



ESTABLISHMENT OF A MARKET. 



When a community, or an organization in a community, desires 

 to establish an open public market, the first step should be the 

 making of a thorough survey to determine whether local conditions 

 are favorable for a market. 



A suggestion in topical form of the data that usually are found 

 useful in reaching a determination as to the feasibility of establish- 

 ing an open public market follows : 



Approximate number of each of various types of existing agencies 

 (wholesale and retail) distributing farm produce and their relative 

 importance. 



Buying habits of consumers. (Whether food purchases are pre- 

 dominantly on credit or for cash, to what extent delivery is de- 

 manded, etc.) 



Sentiment of important organizations in regard to the need for a 

 market. 



Agricultural conditions in relation to immediate and potential 

 supply of products, in hauling distance of the city, to be sold through 

 the market. 



Sentiment among producers in regard to the need for a market. 



Grouping of city's population. (Main residence districts, racial 

 districts if marked, etc.) 



Location of street railway lines. 



Location of main business zone. 



Location of most important subordinate business centers. 



With the data enumerated available it should be a relatively 

 simple matter to reach an intelligent decision as to whether an open 

 public market should be established ; and if so, the type which will 

 best meet local conditions. Unless the existence of both a reasonable 

 supply of local produce and a demand for it is shown, and in ad- 

 dition a desire for a market on the part of a considerable number of 

 consumers and producers, the chances for the success of a market 

 are slight. 



If a market seems feasible but only a slight interest is manifested 

 in it or only a small supply of produce is available, the simplest 

 type of curb or vacant lot market only should be established, with a 

 view to the development of a better market or a system of markets 

 later. In relatively small cities, or wherever there is any doubt as 

 to the market being properly supported, it is always safest to begin 

 with a simple type of market, in large measure as a demonstration 

 project. Such beginnings have often led to substantial and healthy 



