Set up Your Account

Once you have purchased your Metrics account, use your FMC member user name and password to log in at FarmersMarketMetrics.org, to set up that account. You’ll enter basic information about your operating organization, including contact information. If you are joining Metrics as part of a network, check with your network administrator on this step.
Resources: FarmersMarketMetrics.org  //  Account Registration Questions

Create Profiles for your Farmers Markets

Click “Add a Market” to create a Market Profile for each of your farmers market locations. It’s vital that your audience understand the details of your individual markets (location, day, time of day). The information from each Market Profile will be included in your Summary Reports, helping to provide context about how your market is administered.
Resources: FarmersMarketMetrics.org  //  Account Registration Questions

Review the Data Collection Methods

The Metrics Workbook includes data collection instructions for the six recommended methods, as well exercises to help you select which metrics are most relevant to your goals and audience. Understanding the requirements of each method will allow you to create a data collection plan that is compatible with your goals and capacity.

Plan & Prepare for Data Collection

Set your data collection schedule for the season, and prepare your vendors, customers, and volunteers. Use the Data Collection Plan Worksheets to help you build a schedule and identify a point-person for each task. Use the communications templates to create announcements for vendors, customers and partners, so they’re comfortable and ready to assist with data collection when needed. If you’re collecting vendor demographic information, add the vendor profile questions to your vendor application and renewal forms.
 

Enter Data Throughout Your Market Season

Each Data Collection Method page on this guide site includes a short videos on how to enter data into FarmersMarketMetrics.org. Additionally, you can reference the Metrics Data Entry Guide for step-by-step guidance and screenshots to help you navigate.  If you have an issue even after reviewing the Metrics Data Entry Guide, take a screenshot of the trouble, and submit a Help Desk Ticket right away.
Resources: Metrics Data Entry Guide  

Share Reports! 

Customize your widgets in your Summary Report, and share the reports with your community, partners and with some new eyes too! Be sure to check out the Metrics in Action page to see how other markets across the country are using Metrics, and borrow some their good ideas. Please also share with the Metrics team so we can add you to the page! Send to metrics@farmersmarketcoalition.org.
Resources: Metrics in Action

Stay in Touch

Join the Metrics Google Group site, where you’ll get information on the newest updates to functionality and be able to ask questions of the Metrics community.

Want to talk with other metrics users to address a concern, or maybe brag about your success?  Join us at monthly Metrics Clinics, held on the 4th Monday of the month at 2ET. The call in details are shared on the Metrics Google Group. (Tip): Make a monthly calendar note with this sign in information to remind you.

Need more help getting started?

Check out our training videos below to gain skills and insight into the different parts of the Metrics online software.  Visit the Video Training Library page for more.