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VENDOR
GUIDELINES:
Land
O’Lakes Saturday Market evolved from
a vision dedicated to promoting local, green and sustainable culture in Pasco
and surrounding counties. We want to encourage the production of fresh, local
food, providing our customers with the superior nutrition and taste that can
only be provided by locally harvested foods.
It is also our intention to provide a venue for local artists and craftsmen to
display their wares in a fun and convenient atmosphere where our community may
become acquainted with them and the wealth of creative talent in our area.
In addition, we have a mission to facilitate the growth of local and service
businesses, especially green enterprises.
We believe that this endeavor will be beneficial in stimulating local economy
while invigorating a sense of community and cooperation.
VENDOR
REQUIREMENTS:
Vendors are screened for type and
quality of product and presentation. Vendors must reside within a 100 mile
radius of Land O' Lakes. It is also very important to us that our
vendors be friendly, positive people who will consistently promote the values of
our community. We encourage you to get to know and support the vendors around
you, thus fostering the friendly neighborhood atmosphere as a primary reason
that vendors and customers will return again and again. Booth set up,
appearance, and customer interaction are as important as your product. Warm
greetings, smiles, and eye contact radiate the personalized service that we wish
to foster in the market. Learn your customer’s names, and encourage them to
relax by being relaxed yourself.
Think about your product line and how
you can “dress the part”. How can you use your appearance to complement your
products? Have business cards so that customers can remember you and tell their
friends about you. It also enhances your professional image.
If it’s
your first time coming to a market, practice setting up your booth before your
first vending day. Observe your set up with a critical eye for what you can do
to make it more attractive and inviting. If you’re an experienced vendor, make
it a policy to improve your display continuously. Attention to details adds up
to a superior booth. Make sure prices are easy to find. Many people will not ask
for a price if they don’t see it, but will just move along. Design appealing
signs which display your business name and describe what is unique about you and
your product.
Be prepared! Have sun protection (canopy, umbrella, hat, sunscreen) and a way to
protect your merchandise in inclement weather. Bring weights to stabilize your
canopy or umbrella in the wind. (Gallon jugs full of water or sand will work.)
Vendors are welcome to offer discount prices at the end of the market day.
PRODUCT AND SERVICE TYPES:
1. Locally grown produce and farmers have the highest priority.
The Market Manager will visit and inspect each farm to ensure that the produce
being sold is grown by the farmer.
“Vendors
who sell only fruits and vegetables in their natural, as harvested state with no
processing, i.e. the way the produce is picked from the tree, bush, plant, or
vine are not required to have a food permit.” (Department of
Agriculture Standards for Farmers’/Green Markets Vendors)
2. We are looking for fresh, organic, healthy, prepared foods which our
customers may take home or enjoy at the market. We are also interested in
unique, gourmet and ethnic recipes. Picnic tables are available for people to
sit down and eat while enjoying the market atmosphere. Vendors of prepared foods
must comply with
Department of Agriculture Standards for Farmers’/Green Market Vendors. (http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/onestop/index.html)
Vendors who prepare or cook food at the event also must comply with the
regulations of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation – Hotel
and Restaurant Division. (http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/onestop/fs/foodsafe.html)
3. Florida native plants. Please see (http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/onestop/index.html)
for appropriate regulations.
4. Arts and Crafts – only hand made by the artist/craftsman. No reselling.
5. Green, environmentally friendly and local service businesses .
6. Community non-profit organizations may participate for free.
VENDOR FEES:
$20 -
for a 12 x 12 foot space per week
$10 - for a half
space or 12 x 6 foot space per week
FEES MUST BE
PAID BEFORE SATURDAY IN ADVANCE TO ENSURE A SPACE RESERVATION. - However you may
call us and then come the day of the market if agreed.
Growers - If
you suddenly realize that you have produce to bring to the market please call the market manager, Pam St. Mary for a space reservation
at 813-731-5168.
* All
vendors are required to maintain and display appropriate licenses and pay
applicable sales taxes.
If you need your Florida
Resale Certificate contact:
www.myflorida.com/dor or Port Richey Service Center, 6709 Ridge Rd Ste 300,
Port Richey, Florida 34668-6842, phone - 727-841-4407
* Once
approved, vendors may not add new products without permission of the market
manager.
Cancellation/Refund
Policy - Payments made to reserve a spot are not refundable. If
you cancel your scheduled date to the Saturday Market your
payment will be credited to a future scheduled date.
VENDOR SETUP TIMES are 7:30
AM to 8:30 AM for a market that opens for business at 9 AM - please arrange your
schedule to stay until market close at 2 PM
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