Vendor Information
Read below for information regarding:
- Product Rules
- Vendor Fees
- Storage Units
- Vendor Application, Process and Responsibilities
- Code of Conduct
- Marketing and Promotion
List of Services
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Product RulesList Item 1
- Products eligible for sale at the Marketplace:
• Fruits, vegetables, and field crops
• Eggs, cheese and other dairy
• Plants, flowers (fresh or dried) and herbs
• Honey and maple syrup
• Baked goods (breads, pies, cookies, etc.)
• Jams, jellies and spreads
• Dried/cured meat products
• Soaps, lotions and candles
• Local handmade crafts and jewelry
• Local arts and artwork
• Tools, equipment, used items
- Products not listed here, and not specifically excluded by these rules or by law, may be considered. Contact the Market Host if interested in offering a product not listed.
- Produce and products from throughout Michigan are invited to participate, however, priority of acceptance and allocation of Vendor space will be given based on the proximity to the Marketplace.
- The Marketplace does not permit the sale of any marijuana or ingestible/consumable products that contain THC.
- Vendors may not be part of a franchise or sell products relating to any form of multi-level marketing.
- If a Vendor is found to be offering an ineligible product or does not comply with the rules indicated in these “Policies, Procedures and Operational Guidelines,” the Market Host reserves the right to immediately discontinue the Vendors participation for the current market. The Vendor may be allowed to return to future markets but repeat offenses will result in permanent ineligibility. The discontinuation of a Vendor for non-compliance of Marketplace “Policies, Procedures and Operational Guidelines”, will result in the forfeiture of any fees paid. (Fees are not refunded.)
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Vendors FeesList Item 2
- Daily Outdoor Rates:
• $15.00 – 10’ x 10’
• $25.00 – 10’ x 20’
• $40.00 – Food Trailers
- Vendor fees must be paid to the Market Host prior to the start of each market. Fees may be paid during set up, prior to 9:00 AM the day of each market. Vendors may prepay Vendor fees for future markets. Fees are non-refundable, but prepaid fees will act as “credits” for any future market.
- Payments can be made to the Market Host with cash or check payable to: Clearwater Community Marketplace.
- Payments made with a credit card will incur additional processing fees.
- A $25.00 fee will be charged for any returned checks. The Market Host reserves the right to deny payment by check to any Vendor with a previous returned check.
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Storage UnitsList Item 3
- There are several 10’ x 20’ storage units located on site. To limit repeated transportation of non-perishable materials to and from every market, Vendors may lease these units and store non-perishable materials (tables, tents, shelves, etc.) between markets.
- For lease availability, contact APlus Rentals:
• Website: www.APlus.Rentals
• Email: info@APlus.Rentals
• Call/Text: 231-350-6660
• Availability is limited and on a first-come basis.
• Current pricing is $125.00/month.
• Tenants may use the 10’ x 10’ space beyond the door of their unit during the market (no additional fee).
• Tenants receive 50% off Vendor Fees for regular Marketplace space.
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Vendor Application, Process and ResponsibilitiesList Item 4
- Applications may be completed online at www.ClearwaterCommunityMarketplace.com/application or can be filled out and emailed to Host@ClearwaterCommunityMarketplace.com. If you require a paper application, please contact the Market Host.
- Applications will be processed in the order they are received, and space will be assigned based on the factors outlined in these Policies, Procedures and Operational Guidelines.
- Vendors are required to register with the Market Host upon arrival.
- Vendors are expected to arrive early to be set up and prepared to start sales at 9:00 AM. To allow all Vendors to set up without interruption, early sales are discouraged.
- Vendors are expected to bring enough products to participate the entire day and to stay until close.
- A reasonable effort will be made to keep vendors in the same space throughout the market season. To maintain the best environment for all Vendors, those arriving late, closing early or absent may have their space relocated by the Market Host.
- Vendors with canopies must have them secured by weights or anchors to withstand wind or weather conditions.
- Vendors are responsible for insurance coverage, compliance with local and state laws relating to farmers markets and for acquiring and maintaining applicable licenses for their products. Proof of insurance and licenses must be available upon request.
- Processed Foods: Vendors who sell processed foods must have a valid Food Establishment Licenses or sell products allowed by and in compliance with Michigan Cottage Food Law, PA 113 of 2010. Vendors can contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to obtain a Food Establishment License. Under Michigan's Cottage Food Law, non-potentially hazardous foods that do not require time and\or temperature control for safety can be produced in a home kitchen (the kitchen of the person’s domestic residence) for the direct sale to customers at farmers markets, roadside stands, or other direct markets. More information on the Cottage Food can be found at www.michigan.gov/cottagefood or contacting the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), they can be reached at mdainfo@mighigan.gov or 800-292-3939.
- Vendors wanting to share a booth space must obtain advanced written approval from the Market Host. No more than two (2) Vendors may share a single space.
- Vendors are requested to submit descriptions and photos of goods to be sold, including the location where the goods are produced, i.e., “Smith Farms – Williamsburg, MI”. Descriptions and photos can be emailed to Host@ClearwaterCommunityMarketplace.com.
- Vendors are encouraged to form partnerships with local businesses and other vendors to enhance community participation and marketplace atmosphere, i.e., coupons and flyers to encourage attendance.
- Vendors are encouraged to participate every week. Any changes in planned participation should be communicated to the Market Host as soon as possible. Notification at least 24 hours in advance is appreciated.
- Photos and videos taken at the Marketplace by the Market Host, or by persons designated by the Market Host, or any media provided by the Vendor, may be used for advertising and promotional purposes.
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Code of Conduct
- Animals, including vendor pets, are not allowed in the Marketplace, except for service animals.
- The Marketplace is a Non-Smoking environment. Smoking or the use of any smoking device is prohibited.
- Vendors are expected to be professional, courteous and respectful. Loud music and profanity are not permitted.
- Trash receptacles will be provided for customers and a dumpster will be provided for Vendors. To be used for Marketplace-related trash only.
- Any activity by any person not under contract with the Clearwater Community Marketplace, such as petitioning, campaigning, or other public speaking must take place outside of the Marketplace. This ensures the Marketplace remains a safe and neutral zone to enjoy fresh and local produce and crafted items.
- The Market Host has the right to refuse Vendor participation if they do not comply with the Policies, Procedures and Operational Guidelines. Repeat offenses will result in a loss of the ability to participate in future markets and any fees paid will not be refunded.
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Marketing and Promotion
- The Market Host will maintain a Facebook page during the market season (www.facebook.com/ClearwaterCommunityMarketplace). Vendors are encouraged to like and share this page through their personal and/or business profiles.
- Vendors can contact the Market Host through Facebook messaging to send information and photos of products and promotional materials, as well as to communicate about Marketplace participation, request information about sales, products, and to provide links to Vendor social media accounts.
- Vendors are encouraged to promote their business and the Marketplace. This may be accomplished through word of mouth, fliers and promotional materials, social media, and email lists. Use of Clearwater Community Marketplace content, promotional materials or logo must be approved by the Market Host before distribution.
- As Clearwater Community Marketplace is an environment to move food from farm to table, Vendors are encouraged to educate customers about their food/products and the farm/place of origin.