In an increasingly “green aware” world, environmentally friendly products sell better now than ever before. Selling farm-raised ornamentals represent the most basic way to appeal to the consumer’s sense of conservation and protection of the environment.

Use your farm-raised stock as a powerful marketing tool by focusing on its power to protect wild stocks of fresh and marine aquatics. Hundreds of green product marketers have already figured out the equation. Sell green and sell more. Use these tips for marketing green products to their fullest.

Ø Visit your local Whole Foods, Wild Oats or Trader Joe’s supermarket. These chains have literally grown up around the increasing demand for green products. Take note of the signage they use, their choice of words on store graphics and even the colors they use to grab the consumer’s attention – particularly where new products are concerned. These subtle methods have been time-tested and proven effective over the last several years, as these chains have grown into household names.

Ø A trip to your local big box megamart or home improvement chain also yields lots of tips for environmentally friendly marketing strategies. Green products have crept into these wholesalers at an astounding rate. As they experiment with an increasingly green approach to marketing with organic produce and recycled building materials, you can learn from their forays. If their promos and display techniques create empty shelves, borrow their concepts for your farm-raised fish stock.

Ø Go organic. Purchase a few green products yourself – whether a vegetable or recycled cotton insulation for your home. The only way to get into the mind-set of this consumer is to become one. By understanding the feelings of gratification consumers get when they open their wallets and take a stand for the Earth, you’ll better understand which approaches to marketing – any product – they might be attracted to.

Ø Don’t be afraid to mark up your farm-raised fish. Consumers who care enough to purchase green products on a consistent basis are prepared to spend more. Though they do like a bargain, they also know the production of these products costs more and their supply is limited.

Ø Educate your staff on the differences between farm-raised and wild caught. When they explain the real difference, you may find many consumers would far prefer to purchase farm-raised than wild caught. <HOME>