Equipment

- All vendors must supply their own canopy, weights, tables, table coverings, display equipment, signage, product containers (i.e. sacks, bags, boxes), and cash boxes for making change.- We HIGHLY recommend an EZ-Up style canopy; they are very easy to set up, stand up well in Kansas weather conditions, are built to last through several market seasons.

- Vendors are responsible for providing shopping bags in case the customer does not bring their own.

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Food Safety

- Any food sampling requires a hand wash station, including a water cooler, waste water basin, liquid soap, paper towels, warm water, and a trash bin.  (See video)

- Ensure that proper temperature control precautions are taken for required foods (meat/poultry, prepared foods, eggs, dairy products, etc.)

- Some products and food packaging can become sweaty or damaged in direct sunlight; you might take this into consideration when planning your display.

- Vendors must ensure that all food products displayed are at least 18" above the ground, and stored products are at least 6" above the ground; if not tables, please bring extra boxes/crates or stands, if not storing products inside your vehicle.

- All food labeling must be consistent with KDA Guidelines.

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Scales

- All vendors who sell by weight (and not by unit/quantity) are required to bring a certified scale. (Certification paperwork must be available in case of KDA inspection.)

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Collecting Payments

- Make sure that you bring a cash box or bag with plenty of $5s, $1s, and coins in order to make change - and keep in mind that some days you might need more than you think! Some vendors choose to include sales tax in their prices (and price to the nearest dollar), so that they don't have to use coins to make change.

- It can be risky to accept checks as payment from customers that you don't know and trust; sometimes payment doesn't go through, or the check may bounce, and you will be liable for the amount plus any fees.

- Many vendors choose to bring a credit card reader in order to process electronic payments (such as Square, PayPal, Stripe, etc). Many customers now prefer to use their cards over cash for payments, so you may be missing out on sales if you don't accept card payments. They're fast & secure; however, you will need a mobile device in order to process payments, and some services may have significant fees.

     To learn more:     Top 5 POS Systems for Farmers Markets      Square POS For Beginners

- All vendors at our markets are able to accept the $5 wooden Kansas Grown tokens for payment; these tokens can be treated as cash, and cash may be given as change.

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Signage

- Vendors are required to post signage indicating their business name, location, and a copy of their Kansas Retailers' Sales Tax Certificate.

- The retail prices of all products must be clearly displayed.

- If you are accepting SNAP/DUFB tokens, or KSFMNP vouchers, you will need to display signage indicating what payments you accept and which products are eligible. (We also highly recommend displaying a CASH/TOKENS ONLY sign if you do not accept credit cards!)

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Weather Considerations

- Weights are highly recommended to protect yourself, your products, and other vendors from the wind. (Canopy weights, sand bags, buckets or PVC pipes filled with cement, or bungee cords connected to your vehicle are all good options for securing your canopy.)

- Side walls or tarps are a great way to protect your products from the rain/wind/sun.

- Waterproof signs & labels are easier to read, and less likely to be damaged on humid/misty/rainy days.

- It is a good idea to bring small fans, extra water bottles, sunscreen, and hats/sunglasses for extra protection during the hot summer months; and foam mats or yoga mats can help to protect your feet from the hot pavement.

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Other Considerations

- A good, eye-catching display can help to draw in new customers; you might search for ideas on Google images & Pinterest, or talk with other vendors for some ideas. 

- Full, colorful displays tend to draw more attention than simply setting your items out on a table; consider using baskets, crates, or bins to display your products. Keep your products well-stocked, without looking cluttered.

- Maximize your space by utilizing vertical space - shelving & display racks can help to draw attention, while also giving you more space to display products. 

- Bringing a small USB battery pack can be a life-saver if you are using your phone or a card reader to process payments. You might also want to bring pencils/pens, scrap paper, tape, and trash bags to keep in your booth.

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Here are some great tips on "The Art and Science of a Farmers' Market Display"!

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And a FREE online course on "Making Money at the Farmers Market (101)"!