Westgate Farmers Market Information & Rules

PERMITS:

  • Vendors are responsible for ALL licensing and permits required by law to sell or promote their products.

  • All items must be sold under license and in accordance with all state, local and federal laws, rules and regulations regarding the production, handling and selling of the items.

  • Members must submit photocopies of all inspection forms, licenses and other necessary documents with their yearly membership application, as well as insurance verification.

    • Many insurance companies offer special general liability insurance for exhibitors and vendors.

  • Products labeled organic must be certified by an accredited organization according to the rules of the National Organic Program.

  • Advertising products as organic must be accompanied by written evidence of organic certification.

 

ACCEPTANCE AND SPACE ASSIGNMENTS:

  • The Westgate Farmers Market will try to balance the needs of the market (supplying customers with a complete and competitive selection of produce available in season) with the needs of vendors without overloading the market with particular products.  

  • Vendors who are authorized to accept WIC and Senior Coupons will be given priority for their applications.  See information below on how to be able to accept these benefits:

    • To become an authorized Ohio WIC FMNP farmer, please contact the Ohio Department of Health, WIC Program at 1-800-282-3435 or ohwic@odh.ohio.gov

    • To accept Senior Coupons, please contact the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging, at 614-437-2861 or coaaa@coaaa.org

  • Each vendor will be allotted one 10’ x 10’ space.

  • Space assignments will be made at the discretion of the Market Manager based upon vendor preference as well as the good of the market. Preference for space assignments will be given to vendors who have committed to the full season.

  • Two or more vendors may share one stall, though each vendor is responsible for paying the vendor fee for that day as described above.

FEES/PAYMENTS:

  • Booth rent fee is due upon approval of your application. Payment must be received in full prior to opening day of the market season and must be submitted online. A link to our payment page will be provided along with an approval notice from the Market Manager.

  • Fees are non-refundable. Refunds for missed market days will not be given.

  • All attendees, with the exception of non-profits, are expected to pay fees.

TOKENS:

  • The Westgate Farmers Market may provide tokens for sale to customers to use for purchases at the market. The Market Information tent will accept SNAP/EBT through a central point of sale terminal. Depending on vendor needs, the Market Information tent may accept Credit/Debit through a central point of sale terminal. Users will receive tokens to spend on eligible purchases with eligible vendors.  At the end of the market day, vendors will be reimbursed via PayPal or Venmo by the Market Manager according to the number of tokens the vendor turns into the Manager. 

  • SNAP/EBT and Produce Perks. Patrons may swipe their SNAP/EBT card at the Market Information Booth for the amount requested. SNAP tokens (green plastic) can be used to buy anything except cut flowers and ready to eat food. SNAP tokens can be matched (up to $25) with Produce Perks tokens (green metal) to be used to purchase produce only. SNAP and Produce Perks tokens are in $1 increments. No change is to be given.

VENDOR RULES:

Arrival, setup, departure

  • Vendors are asked to unload product/displays near the market area. After unloading, vendors should park across the street at Hoge Memorial Presbyterian Church, 2930 W. Broad Street. This will leave more parking spaces for customers. Volunteers are on-site to assist with set-up and tear down. Parking exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Market Manager.

  • Vendors with assigned spaces shall occupy only those spaces.

  • Vendors shall arrive no later than ½ hour prior to the opening of the market and be completely set up by the start of the market.

  • VENDORS MUST CONTACT THE MARKET MANAGER ASAP BY PHONE IF THEY ARE RUNNING LATE OR UNABLE TO ATTEND THE MARKET at 614.500.3386.

  • Each Vendor shall display a sign stating the producers’ names and locations and shall have their prices clearly displayed.

  • Each vendor shall provide the necessary tents, tables, and other equipment for their displays.

  • TENTS MUST BE SECURED IMMEDIATELY WITH WEIGHTS AND/OR EXTRA STURDY STAKES

  • Vendors are responsible for maintaining the appearance and cleanliness of their assigned space and displays and must completely cleanup at the end of the market.

  • Vendors are required to stay until close of the market (rain, snow, or shine!). Vendors who sell out early should post a sign letting customers know they have sold out.

Products and sales

  • Vendors must be the producer of products sold. Any exceptions to this rule will be made at the discretion of the Market Manager with the good of the market in mind.

  • Vendors may sell at this market only on the announced days of the market.

  • There will be no sales to the public prior to the opening of the market, but vendors, volunteers, and managers may buy and sell prior to opening. Opening of the market occurs after the Market Bell has been rung.

  • Radical price cutting of top quality produce is prohibited. Poor quality or overripe produce must be labeled as such and can be sold for a discounted price.

  • Selling of dairy products, eggs, meats, canned goods, and other processed or potentially hazardous products must meet all legal requirements.

  • Vendors must comply with all laws, ordinances, and regulations of the United States, State of Ohio, and City of Columbus. Vendors must obtain all licenses or certifications so required, and these must be displayed at the market.

  • The Market Manager has discretion to allow solicitation, entertainment, informational, and advocacy activities, but such activities must not obstruct customer aisles or occupy stalls needed for selling by market vendors. At each market, one stall will be reserved for such activities. Vendors may use their own stall for advocacy or informational displays.

  • In order to track market trends and determine economic impact of the market, the market asks each vendor to anonymously provide sales data for each market. The Market Manager will provide a hard copy to each vendor for each market day. Your help in reporting sales figures is greatly appreciated and information will not be shared with the public.

  • It is the Market Manager’s job to implement market policies. The manager will be responsible for addressing public concerns and vendor complaints.

Courtesy/Conduct

  • With the exception of service animals, no pets are allowed in vendors’ stalls.

  • Smoking is not allowed at the market.

  • Vendors are expected to conduct themselves in a courteous and safe manner.

Enforcement of rules

  • Vendors who suspect that another vendor is violating any market rules should report the matter in writing to the Market Manager. Vendors should not attempt to address violations themselves.

  • The Market Manager has complete authority to interpret and implement policy on the market site. The Market Manager also has the authority to use their best judgment in the absence of a specific policy, up to and including suspension from the market, provided that such action shall not be in conflict with the general mission and objective of the market.

  • If for any reason a vendor wishes to appeal a decision made by the Market Manager the matter may be referred to the Westgate Farmers Market Board to decide the issue.

 

Westgate Farmers Market Vendor Agreement

PLEASE READ THOROUGHLY:

By signing this agreement, participants acknowledge that they have received and read a copy of the Westgate Farmers Market Policies and Procedures and agree to abide by the guidelines and decisions of the Westgate Farmers Market, market manager, or other representatives of the Westgate Farmers Market.  The participant also acknowledges they have read and understand City of Columbus Food Safety requirements and Cottage Food Labeling requirements.  

Participants agree by signing to accept the following hold harmless clause: All authorized vendors participating in the Westgate Farmers Market agree that they are independent operators and not partners or participants in a joint venture, and shall be individually liable for any loss, personal injury, deaths and/or any other damages that may occur as a result of the vendor’s negligence or that of its employees, agents and associates. All vendors agree to indemnify and save the West Gate Lodge, Westgate Farmers Market, its volunteers, and the City of Columbus harmless from any loss, costs, damages and other expenses, including attorney’s fees, suffered or incurred by Westgate Farmers Market by reason of vendor’s negligence or intentional misconduct or that of its employees, agents and associates; provided that, the vendor shall not be liable for nor required to indemnify Westgate Farmers Market, its volunteers, and the City of Columbus for their negligence or that of their servants, agents, employees or associates. It is required that each vendor carry his or her own personal and product liability insurance. Furthermore, vehicle liability insurance is required to cover any damage caused. Vendors participating in the Westgate Farmers Market agree that a market representative may visit the farm or facilities when necessary and with prior notice.