Hello and welcome! I have been asked many questions about the Virtual Farmers Market so I decided to put all my responses together for you to read. If you have any further questions that you would like to ask me, don’t forget you can always reach me on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and I’ll be happy to help.

About VFM

What is the Virtual Farmers Market (VFM)?

The VFM is a virtual take on the traditional farmers market. It’s an interactive online shop where you will be transported into a virtual 3D world allowing you to ‘meet’ the people that produce your food, and purchase food & drink from independent producers just as you would at any farmers market throughout the UK.

The VFM is a unique place where you can hear stories from the producers’ first-hand, find out their inspiration, and how they make their food & drink so tasty. It’s a place where you can ‘top-up’ your larder with artisan items of food & drink that you would not be able to find in any supermarket, then get them delivered to your door.

The VFM is set to revolutionise the way you shop for food. It is unique to other online shops because it offers products from small producers that can’t be found anywhere else.

How does the VFM work?

The programme utilises the latest 3D games technology to create a virtual representation of a farmers market. The proof of concept was hosted in the biggest global virtual environment, Second Life. Digital Presence upgraded the programme to give it its own 3D platform, a move that now allows users of new technology such as iPhones and other mobile devices to access the site.

To get started all you need to do is download the software from this site (see ‘getting started’ on the main menu bar) which will only take a few moments, the rest will happen automatically; it’s that simple. You will only have to do this once, no matter how many times you visit the VFM.

Once started, you will be able to ‘walk’ freely around a grid of market stalls where you can view and buy the same high quality home produced foods you might find in a real farmers market.

Most importantly, you will be able to ‘meet’ the producer via a video stream that gives a brief description of the goods for sale, its producer and a link to a virtual shopping basket allowing a mixture of items for home delivery.

Food producers benefit because it extends the scope of their business, allowing them 24/7 access to the already massive and growing online home shopping market.

Why was it created?

The VFM was created in order to re-connect you with the people that produce your food & drink, and to take the farmers market experience direct to your home. Founders Marcus Carter and Roger Saunt wanted to be able to offer independent food & drink producers the opportunity to reach new people and new markets without having to go through the multiples.

How easy is it to use?

It’s as easy as pie. The VFM is as easy and fun as visiting any ‘real-life’ farmers market but with the VFM you can visit it 24/7.

Food miles?

At The Virtual Farmers Market we pre-order in bulk all the goods to reduce the food miles and store in a distribution unit in London.  Gower brownies and the Fudge Kitchen are the only 2 companies we order in on an order by order basis as they are fresh items and we don’t want to have to freeze them to gain extended life.  All the other fresh items I pick up personally from shops or manufacturers in London as we get your order in.

What type of products can I find at the VFM?

All categories of products, from meat and fresh vegetables to jars of preserves and sauces to alcoholic and non-alcoholic tipples. We also offer special boxes. We are particularly proud to be able to offer an exclusive Saturday Breakfast Box by the legendary Peter Gott of Sillfield Farm in the Lake District. New food & drink producers will be invited to join us all the time so it really is just like heading down to your local farmers market.

Delivery

What about the delivery charge?

The delivery charge throughout March is set at £6 (inc vat).  You can shop from 50+ great producers and incur only one delivery charge.

Delivery Options?

Once you have made your order and submitted it the virtual farmer will make contact via email to arrange a suitable delivery date.  Some chilled items are picked up from the producers as they are ordered to make sure you get them at their freshest.  This can mean a few days from order to door.

Last orders taken for normal delivery each week are around 10am on Thursdays

We can deliver to your home or work address.  Each delivery needs to be signed for.  We have agreed with Parcelforce that if no one is home the box can be left without a signature somewhere safe and a note to tell you where to find it should be put through your letterbox?

We use temperature controlled boxes (when needed) to ensure your food stays fresh. This can keep the goods cool for in excess of 24 hours but once opened, it will need to go into a refrigerator within 30 minutes.

Pick up in person - The Virtual Farmer is based in London.  It is possible to make prior arrangement for the box to be collected in NW6 or NW2.  You can also collect your order from the Farmers Market on the Kings road on a Saturday from 10am-4pm.  Please use the feedback form on the “contact us” page to make enquirers about these options before selecting at check out “pick up in person” (£0.00) Or simply email  us phone 02476 158226

Shipping outside the UK?

Currently we are charging £6 per deliver to mainland UK.  If you live out side mainland UK please email for a quote or place your order and we will arrange collection of extra funds needed over the phone.  If the order is not possible to be shipped we will refund immediately.  All orders outside the UK will only be shipped with ambient goods and no fresh/chilled food will be included, again fresh/chilled food with be refunded immediately

Packaging?

Here at the Virtual Farmers Market we believe in recycling in it's truest sense.  So the boxes and packets that your gorgeous perfect products will arrive in may not be as perfect themselves because we reuse the boxes from our producers wherever we can.

Is there a minimum order?

We don’t have a minimum order

I hope this answers most of your questions! Enjoy shopping with us!