2024 Vendor Rules and Regulations
As a member market of the BC Association of Farmers Markets, all vendors must be in compliance with the criteria of the BCAFM to be eligible for the South Cariboo Farmers Market (SCFM).
Local boundaries: South to Clinton, North to Williams Lake, East to Lac Des Roches, and West to Gang Ranch. Out of boundaries vendors (must be local to British Columbia) will be considered on an individual basis by the Market Manager.
Market Manager: It is the role of the manager to assign stall spaces, collect fees, provide information, outline market rules and regulations to vendors, and monitor vendor compliance. The market manager has authority to revoke a vendor’s authorization to participate in one or more markets if the vendor disregards the SCFM Rules and Regulations or Code of Ethics and Conduct.
Vendor: A vendor is defined as a person (or family member of the same household, named partnership, or non-profit organization) who has applied to and received authorization from the South Cariboo Farmers Market Society to participate in the SCFM. Vendors must give the SCFMS the physical address of the locations where the product(s) to be sold at the market are grown, raised, harvested, or made. The Market Manager has the authority to verify production at the site. Vendors must have proper signage which prominently displays their name and the production address of any goods sold.
Criteria for non-food vendors: Priority will be given to non-food vendors who’s products are garden/food/agriculture/market related, and which are classified as consumable. For example, but not limited to: non-food plants, compost, garden products, botanicals, cut flowers, personal care, or household care. Other non-food vendors will be accepted based on quality of product, presentation, space availability, and provincial restrictions. The decision to include non-food vendors rests with the Market Manager.
Service Vendors: These would include but not be limited to: hot food vendors, massage, or hairdressers. Services must be provided on-site at the market. No market spaces will be available for selling or advertising services to be provided elsewhere.
Health Code: Vendors of food, food-related products, or cosmetics are responsible for determining and following all applicable health codes. Copies of all permits need to be submitted to the Market Manager prior to your first attendance at the SCFM. The market manager may provide input on areas of possible concern. If the Market Manager deems vendor practices are unsafe or in violation of current health codes, the manager has the authority to restrict which products may be sold, and if necessary disallow a vendor from further participation in the market.
Organic Certification: Products labelled or advertised as organic must be certified through a recognized BC organic certification or organization.
Punctuality: Vendor booths must be set up and ready to be open by 9:00AM at the latest. Vendors are expected to arrive for setup between 7:15AM and 8:30AM. Vendors must have unloaded and removed their vehicles from the market site 30 minutes prior to scheduled market opening. Failure to arrive before 8:30AM without advance notice may result in a loss of a regularly assigned space.
Cancellations: All vendors must notify the Market Manager of a cancellation at least 48 hours in advance, with preference for a week in advance. Failure to properly notify the Manager of cancellations can result in suspension of vendor privileges or the loss of a regularly assigned space.
Unloading: When arriving before 8:30AM all vendors are welcome to briefly park their vehicles on the market site to unload their gear. Before commencing setup they must remove their vehicle from the site in order to facilitate unloading by other vendors.
Parking: In cooperation with local business needs, vendors must park their vehicles only in the designated lots as directed by the Market Manager. Vendors must not park their vehicles in any business’ parking lots.
Cleanup: Vendors are responsible for cleaning up and leaving their stall area in spotless condition at the end of each market. Vendors must not start packing up to leave before 2:00PM unless they have prior approval from the Market Manager.
Stall Spaces: Vendors must keep all items within the stall limits (usually 11’x11’). **ALL TENTS MUST BE SECURELY ANCHORED WITH APPROPRIATE WEIGHTS** as our location is prone to unexpected strong gusts of wind. This is necessary for the safety of vendors, market attendees, as well as the traffic on Birch Ave. Every effort will be made to satisfy vendors requirements and to provide regular spaces, however assigned spaces are not guaranteed. There are occasions where vendors will need to be moved to a different space in order to maintain the flow of the market.
No Smoking: The SCFM is a non-smoking environment. There is no smoking allowed anywhere within the market area.
Pets: Vendors must refrain from bringing pets to the market. Animals belonging to the public are under the jurisdiction of the local bylaw officer (District of 100 Mile House, 250-395-2434).
Etiquette: SCFM has a zero-tolerance approach to any bullying or discourtesy and vendors exhibiting such behaviour are subject to having vendor privileges revoked immediately. All members, managers, and vendors are required to read, and sign the Code of Ethics and Conduct of the SCFM. Vendors must be respectful and courteous to customers, other vendors, and to the Market Manager.
Covid Mandates: Compliance and regulatory restrictions by the province of British Columbia; SCFM will act in accordance with all restrictions and guidelines. Failure to do so by vendors may cause vendors to be restricted from participation in the SCFM. Vendors will be notified of all developments and changes related to Covid-19 related restrictions and requirements as needed by the Market Manager.
Dispute Procedure: Decisions made by the Market Manager are final. Grievances must be submitted in writing and handed to a Director of the SCFMS or mailed to: SCFMS, Box 495, 100 Mile House, BC V0K 2E0. Incident reports will be filed with the SCFMS by the Market Manager at any time that intervention is deemed necessary for the smooth operation of the market.
Customer Service: Vendors are encouraged to guarantee their customers’ satisfaction and offer refund or replacement product as necessary.
Disclaimer: The South Cariboo Farmers Market Society will not be responsible for any damages caused by vendors, the public, weather, or any acts of God. Vendors should take note and be aware that they are solely and financially responsible for any damages caused by them, whether to person, property, vehicles, or products on display.