Vendor Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I become a vendor (GENERAL)
A: Stall space at the market is rented on a daily basis at the discretion of the Market Manager. Items allowed for sale at the market are all farm produce (fruits, vegetables, flowers, fresh meat from a licensed packing facility, poultry, eggs, cheese, etc.) flowers and bedding plants, baked goods, and handmade arts and crafts. Priority is given to farm produce and all new vendors are required to grow or make a minimum of 80% of what they sell. Daily vendors must see the Market Manager for a stall assignment prior to setting up in the market.
As a first time vendor, it is helpful to first contact the Market Manager by phone: (231) 722-3251 or e-mail [email protected], or simply stop by the Market to discuss stall availability and vendor requirements. There are no reservations for daily stall rental. Open stall space is rented at 7:30 am each day from our office. Once July arrives, space on Saturdays is limited.
All vendors selling edible items (produce, baked goods, etc.) are required to carry a minimum of $500,000 product liability insurance and name Muskegon Farmers Market on their rider. Proof of this insurance (Accord 25) will be required to be submitted to market management prior to your attendance at the start of the market. If you have questions about this quideline, please feel free to contact the market staff.
All vendors are required to comply with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development other County, State and Federal regulations. If you are interested in selling baked or processed goods, vendors are required to supply the Market Manager a copy of their license or certification from the State of Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. The Muskegon Farmers Market does allow the sale of goods produced under the Cottage Food Law.
Vendors seeking to sell arts and crafts are required to supply the Market Manager in advance with an application as well as proof of the handmade nature of their craft, and a copy of their sales tax license.
Vendor stall rental rates are listed here. For complete details on vending at the Muskegon Farmers Market, please refer to the official guidelines.
All beginning vendors are considered to be “daily vendors”. Seasonal (reserved) stalls are limited in quantity; currently, there is a waiting list for these spots. Frequency of attendance and product mix are taken into account when awarding new seasonal spots. The market takes into account product mix when assigning stalls and allowing vendors to rent space at the market.
Farmers
Q: What should I be made aware of as a farming vendor?
A: The Market is focused on the diversity of agriculture that West Michigan has to offer. If you grow your own produce for sale, we would love to have you join our market! As a farmer, you have priority for stall assignments over other food products. We will always have availability for farmers on Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Typically, Saturdays are full during peak season and there is no guarantee that you will get a spot. If a farmer attends the Market regularly on any of the weekdays, they will be more likely to get a guaranteed spot on Saturdays when one becomes available.
No produce may be cut at the Market unless the vendor has all appropriate equipment and licensing. However, fully intact produce may be handed out as a sample. Signage identifying name and location is required for all vendors. Signs are required on any items that are not of the vendor’s own production. The Market reserves the right to inspect any vendor’s farm at any time for any reason as a condition of the privilege of selling at the Market.
Plants & Flowers
Q: What should I be made aware of as a Plant or Flower vendor?
A: Plants and flowers are second in priority for stall assignments. Sale of perennials requires an inspection license to be on file in the Market office. Inspections are required to ensure that disease or invasive pests are not transmitted to other plants and gardens. Information on perennial inspections is available through the Michigan Department of Agriculture.
Baked Goods/Processed Foods
Q: What should I be made aware of as a vendor of baked or processed foods?
A: Baked goods and processed foods are Third in priority for stall assignments at the Market.
All processed foods must be made in a licensed facility. Vendors who wish to sample their goods must follow all Department of Agriculture guidelines must be pre-approved by the Market manager and have a signed sampling contract on file in the market office. For questions on licensing or proper sampling procedures, please contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Artisans & Craft Vendors
Q: What should I be made aware of as an artisan or crafter?
A: Artisans and crafters will receive stall assignments after all perishable item vendors have received a spot. Stalls are available on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays on a first come first served basis after checking in at the office. On days when space is limited, vendors will receive a ticket in the Market office and a lottery will be held at 7:30 am for any remaining stalls. Lottery tickets will not be given out after 7:15 am. Artisans and crafters must submit a completed application, Michigan sales tax license, and proof of the homemade nature of their product prior to the day they wish to sell.
Hot Prepared Food/Concession Vendors FAQ
Q: Can I sell hot prepared foods (i.e. hot dog carts, etc.)
A: Due to the nature of the design of the market, there is not enough space for vendors of these types in the market itself. Lines tend to form and block other vendors’ stalls and the aisle way, causing unhappy customers and vendors.
If you are interested in becoming a food concession vendor, please leave your contact information with the Market Manager or Assistant Manager in the office. Please contact market staff for further information.
Market Staff at (231) 722-3251, or e-mail [email protected]