Mission Statement Operation Standards Vendor Application Form Indemnity Agreement
Published February 2021 Buffalo Farmers Market was created to provide a cooperative and organized marketing alternative for small scale agricultural and specialty products. It operates under the direction of the market manager, David Harrison of Texas Vendor Markets. We promote local production of agricultural and specialty products and offer opportunities for producers to enhance their marketing skills. We strive to improve the variety, taste, and freshness of products available to customers in our area. We promote strong, trusting relationships between consumers and vendors by insisting on honesty and transparency in all aspects of the creation of products. We create a space for interaction between the consumer and the producer. We believe that there are inherent benefits for the customer, producer, and community when food is grown, purchased and consumed locally. We enhance the quality of life in our area by providing a community activity that promotes a wholesome, social gathering place.” PURPOSE: Enhance the quality of life within our community and to promote continuing development for the City of Florence and the surrounding area. General Vendor Guidelines
The market is located at the VeraBank parking lot, 100 East Main St., Florence, TX 76527
Hours of operation are 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., rain, or shine, from Saturday, March 12th, 2022 through Saturday, December 10th, 2022.
Vendors should arrive no earlier than 7:00 a.m. and should be set up and ready to greet customers for the opening of the market at 9:00 a.m. No vendor may set up after 9:30 p.m.
The BFAM vendors committee, will have final approval of vendor participation and the market manager, David Harrison will have final authority on site to interpret and enforce rules and regulations.
Vendors not complying with instructions or rules of the market will be considered in material breach and default of the agreements and may be asked to vacate.
The market board of directors may revise the Rules and Regulations and may alter operations of the market at any time. Current rules will be available by request and can be found on the Buffalo Farmers Market website www.buffalofmtx.com.
Vendors agree to comply with the rules of the market and abide by the final decisions of the market manager.
For the safety of other vendors and our customers, masks are suggested until guidance by the CDC and WHO advises otherwise.
All vendors must submit weekly sales estimates within 72 hours after each market by emailing to buffalofarmersmkt@gmail.com. Vendor sales reporting will be used to determine the markets effectiveness.
All vendors, without exception, must sign the Indemnity Agreement before they can sell at the market.
Food vendors must meet additional Health Department requirements and display certification for public view or upon demand of such certification.
Vendor space costs $20 for the day and is payable to the market manager before setup. Revised annual information is available upon request.
The market’s minimum expectations for all market vendors are that they be reliable, be set up to greet customers for the opening of the market by 9:00 a.m., and keep a good, positive attitude for the duration of the market hours. Market vendors are expected to meet these expectations, in addition to complying with the market rules and regulations, to be allowed to continue to participate at the market. Incidents of unruliness and verbal disdain will not be tolerated and will result in immediate and permanent expulsion from the market. Concerns or complaints may be discussed with the market manager before or after market hours.
The market and immediate vicinity are a “Family Friendly” area, and all are expected to act appropriately.
Vendors are required to always wear shoes and shirts.
Vendors should wear clean clothing and present a professional appearance.
Vendors may not smoke in any vendor area.
Foul language, profanity, or other rude behavior is not permitted.
Possession of firearms, use of drugs or operating under the influence is not permitted and is grounds for permanent eviction from the market.
Space Assignment The market manager will work to ensure all vendors have an appropriate booth space. Our goal is to provide patrons a wide variety of goods at the market. The following rules will apply to space assignment:
Vendors with a history of good attendance at the market will be given priority and will receive a regular assigned space. Reserved spaces not occupied 30 minutes prior to the opening of the market may be reassigned.
Each vendor will be assigned one 10 X 10 space or truck/trailer space and provide their own canopy with appropriate weights and tie downs for each leg.
Vendors may CO-OP with other producers, creators, and preparers but must be transparent about the origin of their CO-OP products. Preferably on or near the items or labeled.
Requests for additional spaces will be contingent on history with the market and demonstrated sales.
All vendors must display a sign in their stall clearly identifying the name of the vendor and their location (county or city). Other information, such as telephone number/ website may be included.
Vendors must provide their own table, chairs, signs, and refrigeration (if needed).
Assume electricity is not available unless verified by the market. If electricity is available, vendors must supply their own extension cords and mats or tape to cover any portions of the cord that lie in any walking area used by market customers.
Vendors and their employees are responsible for informing themselves about and complying with federal, state, and local health regulations and licensing requirements governing the production, display, distribution, sampling, and sale of their products.
Foods and food products produced by “Cottage Food Producers” may be sold at the farmers’ market pursuant to the rules and regulations established by the State of Texas Department of Health.
All foods must be properly labeled. No un-labeled packaged or processed foods are allowed.
The vendor is solely responsible and liable for any claims and damages resulting from the sale of unsafe, unapproved, or unsound goods.
Vendors must supply all materials and containers for customer sales.
Artisans and vendors who offer unique and quality handmade or handcrafted work or products are welcome to perform or sell at the farmers’ market.
Vendors are responsible for obtaining a Sales Tax Number if required by the State of Texas and collecting and paying any sales tax that may be assessed on their products. The vendor shall be responsible for filing all returns required by the State of Texas with respect to sales tax collection.
Trash must be placed in suitable containers and carried out with you when you leave. Waste barrels provided for patrons are not to be used by vendors. No trash should be left in the market area.
Fundraising opportunities are also available for nonprofit organizations. Items offered for sale will be by approval only, i.e.: girl scout cookies.
It is the responsibility of the prospective vendor to complete, sign, and return all required paperwork. Incomplete packets will not be processed.
Any and all emergencies are to be reported to the market manager.
Buffalo Farmers & Artisan Market Indemnity Agreement WHEREAS, ___________________________, a vendor, charitable organization or other type of entity (User) desires to participate in Buffalo Farmers & Artisan Market; and WHEREAS, such organization meets the criteria for participation in Buffalo Farmers & Artisan Market and agrees to adhere to the rules of the market and understands the nature of operating within the market and their responsibilities as a market vendor or participant in the market, including assuming responsibility for safe operation and conduct of their business within the market; the User agrees to indemnify, hold harmless and defend Texas Vendor Markets and Buffalo Farmers Market, its officers, agents and employees from and against all liability for and all claims, suits, demands, and/or actions for damages, injuries to person (including death), property damage (including loss of use) and expenses including court costs and attorney’s fees and other reasonable costs occasioned by or arising out of User’s presence within the market area permitted by Buffalo Farmers Market conducted in connection with or incidental to participation and arising out of or resulting from the intentional acts or negligence of User, its officers, agents, employees, or person participating in the event sponsored by the User. User further agrees that it shall, always, exercise reasonable precautions on behalf of, and be solely responsible for the safety of its officers, agents, employees, participants, visitors, and other persons as well as their property, while in or on the market and surrounding areas. It is expressly understood and agreed that Buffalos Farmers Market shall not be liable or responsible for the negligence of User, its agents, servants, employees, customers, visitors, and participants. It is further agreed with respect to the above indemnity, that Buffalo Farmers Market and User will provide the other with prompt and timely notice of any event covered in any way directly or indirectly, contingently, or otherwise affected or which might affect the User Buffalo Farmers Market. User further agrees that this indemnity provision shall be considered as an additional remedy for Buffalo Farmers Market and not as an exclusive remedy. Username: ____________________________________________________ Title: __________________________________________________________ Signature: ______________________________________________________ Date: ____________________________________________________