Markets

This includes where things are bought and sold (such as marketplaces, shops, passing ships, visitors, internet) but also how things are traded (transport, rules and laws, taxes) and information (on prices or competition) or credit and loans.

What is the market for your livelihood product?

• Who wants to buy the product you want to sell?
• Where are the markets or the people you want to supply?
• How much of the product do they want?
• What are the prices that you may be offered and how can you check these?
• Do the prices vary, by how much and why?
• Will the buyer or market offer any help?
• Will the jobs of men and women related to markets differ (e.g. preparation, transport, sale)?

What transport, handling, packaging or other help do you need?

• Are there many other people selling the product? Is this good or bad?
• What is the cost of transport and is it reliable enough?
• Can you meet the quality requirements?
• Can you produce or handle the right amounts for market demand?
• Do you need packaging or advertising? What will it cost?
• Do you need to go through another person, middleman or company?
• What laws, regulations, permits, standards or rules may apply?
• Do you need any other service or support? What will it cost?
• Are there any things that could change and affect costs or prices?

How can you work to improve or reduce costs of marketing and transport and is any further information needed?

• In what ways can you compete with others?
• Can you add value by processing or packaging so you can charge more?
• Is it possible to cooperate with other producers for transport or marketing?
• What are ways of reducing costs of transport?
• Can you reduce time and money costs of marketing?
• How can you handle changes in price, cost or market demand?
• Can you reduce reliance on just one buyer or transporter?