Have you ever thought about selling at a farmers market?

We recommend you follow these tips to see if farmers markets are the best space for your business. 

TIPS TO GET YOUR BUSINESS INTO THE FARMERS MARKET

Step 1:

Develop a brand

Unique Branding is critical at Farmers Markets. If a market is only once a week, year-round that means who only have 52 chances to make an impression on a customer. All potential vendors are juried based on market compatibility and overall aesthetic, make sure your products stand out and are something you are proud to present!

Step 2

Visit Markets you are interested in

Do your research to find which markets have the crowd and demographics that fit your product. Crowd count information is not available. It is best to go to the market as a customer for a few weeks to determine potential demand for your product. Heritage Farmers Markets seldomly adds duplicate vendor types. We like to cultivate a space where vendor experiences are profitable and frankly, worth coming out week to week. Coming to the markets you plan to apply for can give you a better assessment of how likely you are to get in.

Step 3

Research Permits and Supplies

Please do not obtain a health permit prior to this point. Health permits cannot be refunded. Rather, research proper permits and licenses needed for your business. When applying to Heritage Farmers Markets you will need the proper documents and equipment for your application to be considered. Our rules may be different than other markets you apply to, therefore decide if investing in the necessary permits/licenses and market equipment such as canopies, tables, safety devices, etc. is something you really want to do.

*If you have made the decision to start the market process please see the following steps specific to Heritage Farmers Markets.*

Step 4

Have proper permits and licenses

Farm Vendors

Farmers with current California Certified Producer certificates can sell fresh fruits and vegetables, cut flowers, nuts, meat and eggs, and some other products.

• A Certified Producer's Certificate enables farmers to sell California-grown agricultural products in Certified Farmers Markets. For more information click here.

Added Value Vendors

Non- agricultural food vendors need the proper health permits to participate in farmers markets. Please contact your local Environmental Health Services for detail on which permits you qualify for.

examples below.

Health Permits: CA Cottage Food Health Permit / Commercial Kitchen Health Permit.

Plant Vendors

Plant sellers who are not certified producers will need to obtain a Nursery Stock License from the Ag Department. Click here for details

Hot Food Vendors

Prepared food vendors need a TFF permit for the county you plan to operate in. Click the links below to find out more information.

TFF Permit (* in our case, San Bernardino).

Craft Vendors

General Liability Insurance- Vendors must add Heritage Farmers Market onto their liability insurance as an “additional insured” to their policy. If you currently do not have liability insurance you can look into FLIP & ACT.

All arts and crafts must be made by the person selling them.

All Vendors

Must have a business license and liability insurance.

-If operating in Rancho Cucamonga markets you will need to obtain a Rancho Cucamonga Business License as well.

Step 5

Buy mandatory market materials

All Heritage Farmers Markets need the following items prior to being accepted into their markets:

• a 10x10 Canopy with a white top.

• Canopy Weights (Total of 40 lb minimum)

• a Table

• Floor-length table cloth

Please visit our market essentials page for more.

Step 6

Submit a complete application to HFMs

Please apply to your market of choice to be placed into the application pool. your application will never expire and it is best to have your name on the list when the moment arises to add you into the market. Please ensure that your certificate/permit information is accurate, as it is needed to complete the application. The only documents not needed at the time of submitting an application will be the general liability and Rancho Business License. You will obtain them once you are added to your market of choice as needed.

-Unfortunately, an application is not a ticket into a market as space is limited.

| Click here to become a vendor! |

Step 7

Acceptance into a Market

Heritage does not guarantee placement into specific markets. Applying to your market of choice places your business on a list showing your level of interest in the markets we offer. The applications do not expire so there is no need to apply more than once to a market. If you are not added, your business type may not be needed at our markets. When there is an opening for your kind of product, your chance of being selected will increase. If you haven’t heard from us in a while, feel free to inquire about the market environment.

To maintain the highest quality state-certified farmers' markets, Heritage Farmers Market requires that all vendors follow our Rules and Regulations.

Step 8

Come to Market! Be consistent!
Sell your product and have fun!

| Ready? Click here to become a vendor! |

There is no outside solicitation allowed at our markets.

*Solicitation refers to any oral or written request, offer or enticement, or action which indicates the availability to provide services for compensation or which seeks to purchase or secure services or goods; the purchase or sale of goods; a request for money or other property; or a contribution of money or other property.