Question 1

Who may sell?

Accepted Answer

Growers, craftsmen, bakers, and honey producers. Vendors grow, make, or bake the products they have for sale themselves. Products cannot be purchased by a vendor and then resold at the market.

Question 2

What may be sold?

Accepted Answer

Fresh produce, cut flowers, live plants, baked goods, eggs, honey, jams, jellies, frozen meats and handcrafted items. Product-specific guidelines are outlined in Foods Sold Directly to Consumers in Kansas: Regulations and Food Safety Best Practices.

Question 3

Who much should I charge for my products?

Accepted Answer

Each seller has the privilege and responsibility to establish prices on his/her own goods. Prices should never be lower than supermarket prices, even in peak season. Vendors are encouraged not to underprice! Do not sell yourself or your fellow vendors short!

Question 4

Are vendors inspected?

Accepted Answer

All vendors are subject to inspection by state and local authorities.

Question 5

What are the market dates, times, and locations?

Accepted Answer

The Market (May through October) is located in the parking lot on Merchant Street between 7th and 8th Avenues. SATURDAY markets begin on the first Saturday in May at 8:00am and continue through the end of October.

WEDNESDAY markets begin on the first Wednesday in June at 5:00pm and continue through the end of September, produce and weather permitting.

Indoor Winter Markets are located at Waters Hardware, and take place November through April, generally on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month from 10:00am to Noon. (Location and times are subject to change.)

Question 6

Where do vendors set up for the outdoor markets?

Accepted Answer

Vendors should park between the movable barricades set up by a market volunteer before market 
start time. Double (pull-through) parking stalls directly north of the kiosk are for vendors who require two parking stalls. All vendors are encouraged to fill in the north end of the lot first, then fill spaces progressively southward. Displays must not extend into the traffic/pedestrian aisle at any location in the lot. Please see parking lot map for reserved vendor parking spaces.

Question 7

Where do vendors set up for the indoor markets?

Accepted Answer

For indoor markets held at Waters Hardware, tables and chairs will be provided for vendors. Set up is first come, first served.

Question 8

What are the set up and start times?

Accepted Answer

Set-up in the parking lot may begin forty-five minutes prior to the market starting. Vendors are asked to be in place no later than ½ hour before market start time. The market volunteer will ring the bell at the start time.

Absolutely no selling prior to market beginning at 8:00am on Saturdays and 5:00pm on Wednesdays. In addition, no goods should be “put back” for shoppers before market start time. All customers must have an equal chance at purchasing goods.

Question 9

Do vendors have to carry insurance?

Accepted Answer

Vendors are responsible for their own insurance, licenses and any permits necessary for the products they sell at EFM.

Question 10

What are the vendor fees?

Accepted Answer

Each vendor pays both:
● An annual promotion fee of $25. This fee must be paid prior to the start of selling at the vendor’s first market of the year. The market year is defined as January through December.
● A commission fee of 6.5% for all sales will be collected at each market to help offset market operations. Vendors are responsible for remitting sales tax for sales at the Emporia Farmers Market. Vendors will receive a statement at the end of the year summarizing total sales reported and the amount submitted to the market as commission and vendor fees.

Question 11

Can Food Trucks sell at the market?

Accepted Answer

Food Trucks certified with the state of KS to provide hot, ready to eat foods are welcome to sell at the Emporia Farmers Market. Food Truck vendors will be expected to abide by the same setup and start times as regular vendors.
● Food truck vendors will pay a flat $15 stall fee at each market attended. It is understood that Food Truck vendors will be responsible for paying their own sales tax to the state of Kansas.
● For the purposes of market records, Food Truck Vendors will be asked to turn in a daily total sales summary at the markets they attend.

Question 12

Are there any required trainings for market vendors?

Accepted Answer

All vendors are required to watch the following webinar:
Accepting SNAP and Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) at Farmers' Markets

Additionally, participation in Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is recommended for all produce and honey vendors. In order to participate, you must complete a training program developed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. See https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/1048/Farmers-Growers or the EFM Manager for training information. Vendors are responsible for their own registration and certification. Notify the market manager if you complete this training.

Additional helpful, but not required, webinars can be found here: https://www.fromthelandofkansas.com/page/farmers-market-regional-workshops

Question 13

What if someone gives me a coupon or gift certificate?

Accepted Answer

EFM is a member of the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce and Emporia Main Street. Send 
customers to the kiosk for exchange of Chamber or Main Street Gift Certificates for market currency. All other currency inquiries should be directed to the market manager or kiosk volunteer.

Question 14

What information are vendors required to report?

Accepted Answer

At the end of each market, vendors should report to the kiosk with:
1) The daily vendor report handed to you by the market volunteer at the beginning of market time.
2) All tokens, coupons, and market money you have collected that day. 
3) Your daily commission fees, payable in any combination of tokens, market bucks, coupons and cash.

In the event of EFM owing the vendor a return, a check may be issued instead of cash

Question 15

Does the EFM have a grievance procedure?

Accepted Answer

Any Grievance regarding the pricing habits, displays or conduct of another vendor should be immediately directed to the market manager and NOT directed to the vendor in question. If the market manager fails to settle the grievance, it shall be directed to the EFM board for discussion and vote.

Vendor

Resources

Quick Links

Market Procedures & Expectations

Vendor Training & Educational Resources

Food Safety Resources

Cottage Food Producers

Farmers & Growers

Market Marketing Resources

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