Below are answers to some frequently asked questions posed by potential new vendors at the Bellingham Farmers Market (BFM):
Q. What is the best way to speak with the Market Manager?
A. Before the Saturday Market season opens, please send e-mails to market@bellinghamfarmers.org or call 360/647-2060. Once the season begins, please meet the Market Manager at the information booth between 10 am and 2 pm.
Q. What if I don't send in my application by the January 31 deadline?
A. The BFM accepts applications for most of the year, however, priority is given to those applicants who make the initial deadline. The BFM Membership Committee and Board of Directors often consider applications throughout the season, as space becomes available. We encourage all interested parties to apply.
Q. What is the difference between a Partial and a Full Member?
A. A Full Member has full voting rights in the organization and begins accruing seniority on their first vending day. A Full Member is placed on the regular vending schedule before the season begins. A Partial Member can vend for up to three days during the season and is not placed on the regular vending schedule. They need to follow the Roll Call system as outlined in the BFM Handbook. A Partial Member does not accrue seniority.
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Q. Can I become a Full Member after I have first joined as a Partial Member?
A. Yes. Absolutely. The Partial Membership is for people to experience the Market and determine if it is the right venue for selling their products. Once a vendor decides that it is, they may pay the difference between the Partial and Full Membership. It is important to note, though, that the vendor can not be placed on the regular schedule at this time and must follow the Roll Call system.
Q. Can I be a Partial Member at one BFM Market and a Full Member at another?
A. Yes.
Q. If I pass the craft jury will I be eligible to join both markets?
A. Most often, the answer is yes. Occasionally, there is not room at both Markets for a particular type of craft.
Q. If I become a Full Member do I need to vend all season?
A. No. You may submit your requested vending dates to the BFM
and we will try to schedule you
for the days that you request.
Very often vendors are awarded
the dates that they want.
Q. What if I sign up to vend on a particular day and then have a scheduling conflict?
A. Vendors can follow the BFM Handbook cancellation policy and
avoid penalties. We understand that people's schedules change and
have a system to accommodate those situations.
Q. What if I want to vend on additional days that I am not scheduled?
A. We encourage all vendors to pick up additional days. We work hard to accommodate vendors' needs and value a full marketplace. Vendors can follow the BFM Handbook Roll Call system. If the Market Manager knows that space is definitely available prior to a market day, she calls all vendors utilizing the Roll Call system. Frequently, however, it is not known until market day whether or not there will be cancellations. Therefore, we encourage vendors actively participating in the Market to show up before market opens and ask to be placed in the Market on that day.
Q. Do I need a business license?
A. Yes. You need a Washington State Business License and a City of Bellingham License in order to sell at the BFM.
Q. Do you accept vendors who live anywhere?
A. The BFM only accepts vendors who reside in Whatcom or Skagit Counties. With exception, we allow two contract vendors from Eastern Washington, selling produce that cannot be grown in adequate supply in Whatcom or Skagit Counties.
Q. If I apply as a farm vendor can I sell crafts?
A. According the BFM Handbook farm vendors can sell up to 20% of their gross sales in crafts. These craft sales will not count toward seniority accrual as a farmer. All crafts must be juried, including those to be sold by farmers.
Q. If I apply as a craft vendor can I sell farm products?
A. No.
Q. How do I go about become a processed food vendor?
A. You must complete the BFM membership application materials as well as have approval from the Whatcom County Health Department for selling at the Farmers Market. Is important to note that Whatcom County has very strict requirements for selling at Markets and just because someone is approved to sell in Skagit County, it does not mean that they are eligible to sell in Whatcom County.
Q. Where can I buy a white, 10 X 10 canopy that is equivalent to the Easy Up style or Caravan?
A. The internet is a good place to research canopies. In addition, Costco frequently has them in stock in the late spring and early summer. Occasionally Home Depot or Lowes sell them (They are often a different color than white, which the BFM does not allow).
Q. Will I be able to count on having a full 10 X 10 booth space?
A. Space is limited in the Market and often new vendors will need to share space. The Market Manager works hard to pair up complementing vendors and complementing products. Requests by vendors are definitely considered.
Q. If I join one market first, such as the Saturday Market, can I decide to join the Wednesday Market later in the season?
A. Yes. If space is still available at the Wednesday Market.
Q. What factors determine vendor placement on site?
A. The membership and site
committees determine where vendors
are placed each year. This is
based on vendor's seniority points
and the type of vendor they are.
Q. Will another jury session be held this year?
A. No. If you miss this jury, the likelihood is that another
jury will not be scheduled until next season.
Q. What format do I submit my works for the jury?
A. Original. No photos or portfolios
are accepted.
Q. If I don't pass the jury is my membership fee refundable?
A. Yes. The Membership Fee is refundable. The $15 jury fee
is not refundable.
Q. If I decide not to vend in the Market is my membership fee refundable?
A. After the end of March, membership fees are not refundable.
Q. How do I price my products?
A. The BFM encourages all vendors to price their products fairly
and at full market value.
Q. Who can work for me at my booth?
A. Vendors are allowed to have employees, family members and/or
friends sell for them. These people must be aware of the rules
and regulations governing the Market and have read the BFM Handbook.
Q. What things do I need to bring in order to set up to vend at the Market?
A. You need to bring a 10 x 10 white canopy and 25lb weights
for all four corners (if you
are not scheduled for a covered
vending space); anything
that you need to display your merchandise, such as tables or
racks; a sign with your business name; and we’d
highly suggest bringing a chair.
Q. What responsibilities do I have for set up and clean up at the Market?
A. All vendors must help clean up the market.
Q. Do I need to have insurance?
A. The BFM does not absolutely require insurance, however, we
strongly encourage each vendor to carry liability insurance. The
BFM maintains general site insurance, however, it will not cover
problems that arise from vendors' products.
Q. Can I leave the Market early if I sell out?
A. Vendors are not allowed to breakdown early. There is a
$50 penalty charged to anyone
who breaks down early.
