VENDORHANDBOOK
Our Vendor Handbook is to
inform market vendors of
the Ocean Pines
Farmers Market’s rules,
procedures and policies.
Ocean Pines Farmers Market Handbook �
Table of Contents
About the Farmers Market ............................................................. 5
Our Mission .................................................................................... 5
Our Strategy ................................................................................... 5
Market Schedule ............................................................................ 6
Vendor Selection ApplicationConsiderations .......................................................... 7 ProductBalance........................................................................... 7 MarketNeeds .............................................................................. 7 Exclusivity .................................................................................... 7 Conduct ....................................................................................... 7 ProductQuality............................................................................ 7 Seniority ...................................................................................... 7 Requirements .............................................................................. 7
Market Policies MarketOpeningandClosing ....................................................... 8 CertificationsandLicenses .......................................................... 8 ComplianceandEnforcement ..................................................... 8 HonorableMarketing .................................................................. 9 Attendance .................................................................................. 9 Fulltime DropIn Canceling WeatherCancellation .................................................................. 9
The Vendor ContactInformation .................................................................. 10 CustomerServiceandCourtesy................................................. 10 ProtocolforGrievances ............................................................. 10
The Market Booth BoothComponents ................................................................... 10 Weights ...................................................................................... 10 TripHazards ............................................................................... 11 AssignedLocation ...................................................................... 11 BoothandProductIdentification .............................................. 11 TrashDisposal ............................................................................ 11 Electricity ................................................................................... 11 TransferofMarketBoothSpace ................................................ 12 MusicatMarketBooth .............................................................. 12
� Ocean Pines Farmers Market Handbook
Market Promotion and Communications Website ..................................................................................... 12 SocialMedia .............................................................................. 12 TheMarketVendorReport ........................................................ 12 NewsletterandActivityGuide ................................................... 1� PrintandBroadcastMedia ........................................................ 1�
The Farmers Market TheFrontPorchStage ............................................................... 1� MarketPicnicGrove .................................................................. 1� TheMarketShed ....................................................................... 1� MarketplaceConcessions .......................................................... 1� VeggieValet ............................................................................... 1� Volunteers ................................................................................. 1� PetsintheMarket ..................................................................... 1� GleaningProgram ...................................................................... 1� Buskers ...................................................................................... 15
Programs and Special Events ThemedMarketDays ................................................................ 15 Chef@Market .......................................................................... 15 MeetMeattheMarket ............................................................. 15 FundraisingEvents ..................................................................... 16 HolidayFarmersMarkets ........................................................... 16
Market Currency MarketBucks ............................................................................. 16 ATM ........................................................................................... 17 ChangeService .......................................................................... 17 WICandSNAP ........................................................................... 17
Monitoring and Enforcement of Compliance Rules Monitoring................................................................................. 18 Enforcement .............................................................................. 18 Consequences ........................................................................... 18 RemedyofaNon-ComplianceIssue .......................................... 18
Appendices Merchandising101:SellingSmartandIncreasingProfits ......... 19 AChecklistforaSuccessfulMarketDay .................................... 21 On-SiteVendorComplianceChecklist ....................................... 22 VendorConcernForm ............................................................... 2� HealthDepartmentRegulations ................................................ 25 MarylandCottageIndustryLabelingRequirements .................. 26
Ocean Pines Farmers Market Handbook 5
About the Farmers Market
The Ocean Pines Farmers Market is Worcester County Maryland’s largestyear-roundfarmersmarket.Thiscommunity-orientedmarketisheldinWhiteHorseParkonSaturdaysundermajestic shade trees.Throughout theyear,themarketishometohundredsofvendors.Theestablishedfarmersmarketattractsacustomerfollowingfromalloverthecountyandbeyond.
TheOceanPinesFarmersMarketisaplacewherefarmers,ranchers,watermen,bakers,wineries,specialtyfoodpurveyorsandartisanalcraftsmencaninteractwithcustomersinacolorful,exciting,family-friendlyatmospherethatmimicstheopen-airvillagemarketspopularthroughoutEurope.Livemusic,cookingdemonstrationsandspecialeventsarejustapartofwhathappensweeklyatthispopularDelmarvafarmersmarket.
Our Mission
TheOceanPinesFarmersMarketoperatesasamarket that contributes tothesuccessoflocalfoods,growers,producers,smallbusinessesandartisans.Each market day’s goal is to create a vibrant community gathering. Themarketbuilds,nourishesandinspirescommunity.Asaninnovativemarket,thesuccessforourvendorsisourprimaryobjective.Listeningtoandlearningfrom our vendors and shoppers produces an outstanding farmers marketwherevendorsprosperandcommunitiesthrive.
Our Strategy
Itall startswithastrongfoundation.TheOceanPinesFarmersMarket isamarket that invests in its vendors and volunteers. This strong base allowsus to lead in the local farmersmarket community.Weareanorganizationthatattractsshopperstothemarketplace,allowingourvendorstoprosper.We are committed to providing business acceleration opportunities suchas continually expanding themarketplacewith a unique vendor selection,educationalopportunities,eventsandadiversifiedshopperbase.
6 Ocean Pines Farmers Market Handbook
MARKET SCHEDULE
Saturday Market - Spring & Summer
Location: WhiteHorsePark,239OceanParkway, OceanPines,MD21811 Dates:MaytoSeptember Hours:8amto1pm
Saturday Market – Fall & Winter
Location:WhiteHorsePark,239OceanParkway,OceanPines,MD21811Dates:OctobertoApril
Hours:8amto1pm
Ocean Pines Farmers Market Handbook 7
VENDOR SELECTIONTheOceanPinesFarmersMarketiscommittedtocreatingadiversemarket-placefeaturingtheregion’sbestvendorswiththehighestqualityandlocally-producedproductswhenavailable.
Application ConsiderationsTheOceanPinesFarmersMarketwillnotbeboundtoapplyaparticularsetofselectioncriteriaineveryinstanceandreservesunconditionaldiscretiontoacceptorrefuseanyoneasanOceanPinesFarmersMarketvendor.
Product BalancePrioritymaybegiventouniqueorunusualproductsnotalreadyrepresentedinthemarket.
Market NeedsThemarketseeksvendorswithproductsthatcomplementthemarketforawell-roundedproductbalance.
ExclusivityTheOceanPinesFarmersMarketdoesnotextendexclusiverightstoanyonevendortosellanyoneproduct.However,iftheOceanPinesFarmersMarketbelieves the number of vendors offering the same or similar products isexcessive,duplicateproductsmaybedeniedentry.
ConductThehistoryofcompliancewithmarketrulesandstateand localregulationsisconsideredalongwiththemarketattendanceofareturningvendor. ThepaymenthistoryoffeesandtheadherencetotheOceanPinesFarmersMarketpolicyprohibitingnegativeinfluentialviewsarealsoreviewed.
Product QualityVendors should offer consistently high product quality, including productfreshness,selectionandappeal.Acleanmarketboothandattractivedisplaysarealsocrucial.
SeniorityThe number of years a vendor has continuously sold at themarketwith apositiveattendancerecordandthehistoryofcompliancewithmarketruleswillbeconsidered.
RequirementsAll prospective vendors must complete and sign an Ocean Pines FarmersMarketVendorApplication.VendorsmustreadtheentirevendorhandbookbeforethestartoftheirseasontoensureafullunderstandingoftheOceanPinesFarmersMarketpoliciesandupdatedmaterials.
8 Ocean Pines Farmers Market Handbook
MARKET POLICIES
AsavaluedOceanPinesFarmersMarketvendor,youandyourat-marketstaffareresponsibleforreading,understandingandfollowingallapplicablemarketrules, policies and regulations pertaining to your business category. Thisincludes regulationsandpolicies setbyapplicable local and stateagencies.FollowingtheruleshelpskeeptheOceanPinesFarmersMarketavibrantandviablecommunityassetwiththehighestdegreeofintegrity.
Complying with the rulesmakes you a “vendor in good standing.” Actionsandbehavior that result in non-compliancewithmarket ruleswill result inarangeofconsequences,includingwarnings,probationandsuspension.Weappreciateyourcooperation!
Market Opening and Closing
ThevendorvehiclegatetoWhiteHorseParkisopenedat6:30amandclosesat7:45am.Allvendorsmustbeinplace,setupandreadytosellby7:45am;theymustremainsetupuntilthecloseofmarket.Thevendorgatere-opensat1:00pmforthedepartureofvendors.Novehiclesarepermittedtotravelwithinthemarketduringthehoursthefarmersmarketisopen.Intheeventthevendorsellsoutofproduct,theymustremainsetupandinplaceuntilthecloseofmarket. Ifthevendorknowsinadvancethattheywillneedtoleaveearly,thevendormayasktobeassigneda“visitingvendorlocation”thatisneartothevendorvehiclegate. In theeventofa latearrivaloranemergencydeparture, thevendormustcontactamemberofthemarket’smanagementteam.
Certifications and Licenses
Vendorsmust provide theOcean Pines FarmersMarketwith copies of anycertificationsandlicensesapplicabletothesaleoftheirproducts.Examplesareeggs,meat,poultryandseafoodsellerlicensesand/orcertifications
Compliance and Enforcement
Themarketmanagerandhisdesigneemay,withorwithoutnotice,evaluatevendor booths for the market’s compliance requirements and assesspenalties.
Ocean Pines Farmers Market Handbook 9
Honorable Marketing
Vendorsarenotpermittedtousethefollowingtechniqueswhileatthemarket:hawking,callingattentiontoproductsinaloud,repetitivepublicmannerorsellingproductsinanaggressiveway.
Attendance
Full-TimeVendor:A full-time vendor must attend 80% of market days to hold the vendor’sassignedlocationatthemarket.Thisminimumattendancerequirementmaybewaivedatthediscretionofthemarketmanagement.Attendancetrackingbeginswiththefirstscheduledmarketday.
Drop-InVendor:Adrop-invendormustscheduletheirparticipationatmarket5daysinadvanceofthemarketday.Drop-invendorswhodonothaveaconfirmedmarketboothassignmentshouldspeakwithmarketstaffbeforeenteringthemarket.
Canceling:A vendor canceling a scheduled market day is asked to provide 72 hours’notice.Noticemustbegivenbycallingoremailingthemarketmanager.
Weather Cancellation
TheOceanPinesFarmersMarketisanopen-airmarketandourpolicyisnottoclosethemarketduetoweatherunlessitisdeterminedthatitwillbeunsafeforvendors,volunteersandcustomers.Themarketreliesonseveralweatherpredictorstomakethebestdecisionforthesafetyofthemarket.Themarketmanagerwillcommunicateanymarketclosurestoallaffectedvendorswiththemost notice possible. Market closings will be posted on themarket’swebsite,socialmediaaccountsandemail.
10 Ocean Pines Farmers Market Handbook
THE VENDOR
Contact Information
Themarketwillnotreleaseanypersonalvendorinformationtothepublic.Ifrequested,themarketwillforwardtheinquiringparty’scontactinformationtothefarmersmarketvendor.
Customer Service and Courtesy
While at the market, vendors are expected to conduct themselvesprofessionallyatalltimes,behavingcourteouslytowardothermarketvendors,customers,managementandvolunteers.Vendorsmaynotpubliclydisparageothervendors,volunteers,management,customers,marketproductsorthefarmersmarket.
Protocol for Grievances
Complaintsorproblemsshouldbedirectedtothemarketmanagerinatimelymanner that is not disruptive to themarket. Vendorswho have concernsregarding other vendors’ compliance, safety or policies should complete avendorconcernform.Formswillbeavailablefromthemarketmanager.Themarketmanagerwillrevieweachconcernformandtheconcernedvendorwillreceiveaspecificresponsewithintwoweeks.
THE MARKET BOOTH
Booth Components Vendors supply their own market booth, including tables, tent/canopy/umbrellaandcoverings. Theboothandtablesmustnotbeahazardtothepublicorothervendors.
Amarketboothmust includea tablewhenmerchandise is tobedisplayed.Merchandisemaynotbedisplayedsolelyontheground. Large items,suchaspumpkins,largeartorfurniture,canbeplacedontheground.Nopartofaboothset-upmayextendintothecommoncustomertrafficareas.
Weights
Alltents/canopies/umbrellasandotherboothcoveringsarerequiredtohaveweights (minimum ten pounds) securely attached to each leg. This rule isstrictlyenforcedforeverymarketday,nomatterthepredicted,perceivedoractualweather.
Ocean Pines Farmers Market Handbook 11
Trip Hazards
Vendorsareresponsibleforensuringthatboothset-up,equipment,electricalcords,back-stockandallproductsdonotposesafetyhazardstoanyoneonpremises.
Assigned Location
Vendorsareassigneda locationbythemarketmanagement. Authorizationfrom the market management is required to change a vendor’s location.Change inavendor’sassignedmarketboothspacemayoccurattheOceanPinesFarmersMarket’sdiscretion.
Booth and Product Identification
Signs must be professional in appearance. Signs should be posted by theopeningofthemarketdayandremainposteduntilthemarketcloses.
Alldescriptionsofproductsmustbeaccurateandtruthful.Allitemsforsalemust be clearlymarkedwith the retail price. Pricesmay be posted on theproductwith an individual signorpostedas a list of priceson a large signboard,flyer/handoutorcatalog.
Trash Disposal
All trash generated by vendorsmust be removed at the end of the day. AtrashdumpsterislocatedbehindtheOceanPinesCommunityCenterforeasydisposal.Trashreceptaclesinthemarketareforcustomeruseonly.
Beforeleavingthemarket,allvendorsmustchecktheirboothspacesensuringthatalllitter,produceandotherproductdebrisisremoved.
Electricity
Electricalserviceisavailableatselectlocationsatthefarmersmarket.RequestforelectricalserviceshouldbemadetotheMarketManageratthetimeofapplication. AccesstoelectricityisnotguaranteedandprovidedatOceanPinesFarmersMarket’sdiscretion.Vendorsapprovedtouseelectricalpowerareresponsibleforprovidingtheirownoutdoorextensioncordsandmatstocoverallportionsofthecord.
Vendorsmayuseagenerator.Thegeneratorshouldbeplacedawayfromthepublicareastopreventanoiseconcern. Matsneedtocoverallportionsofextensioncordscomingfromthegenerator.
12 Ocean Pines Farmers Market Handbook
Transfer of Market Booth Space
Vendorsmaynotsubletorloanamarketboothspacetoothers.Ifavendorsells his or her business, the space does not transfer to the new businessowner.Thenewownermustsubmitanapplicationforapproval.TheOceanPineFarmersMarketdoesnotguaranteeacceptance.
Music at Market Booth
Vendorsarepermittedtoplaylow-volume“soft”musicattheirmarketbooth.Themusicshouldnotinterferewiththefarmersmarketorothervendorsoroffendcustomers.
MARKET PROMOTION AND COMMUNICATIONS
Themarkethasseveralsourcestohelppromotethemarketandourvendors,including a website, social media accounts (Facebook and Twitter) andpublications.Thesepowerfulmarketingtoolspromoteourmarketandvendorsbyalertingcustomersaboutin-seasoncrops,newartisanitems,specialdeals,andbyshowcasingthefarmers,foodproducers,artisansandsmallbusinesseswhobringtheirproductstoourmarket.
Website
The farmersmarket’swebpageatwww.oceanpines.org garners thousandsofvisitseachmonthandshowcaseswhat’sfreshatmarket,vendorproductprofilesandevents information. Thepagealso includesa rosterofcurrentvendorsparticipatingatthemarket.
Social Media
TheOceanPinesFarmersMarketisaleaderinusingsocialmediatobuildanonlinecommunity.Themarket’sFacebookandTwitterfeedsreachanaudienceofmarketfollowersfromalloverDelmarvaandbeyond.Themarket’sFacebookpagereceived1stplacehonorsin2015fromtheMarylandParks&RecreationAssociation. Ifyourbusiness is listedonFacebookorTwitter,please letusknowsowecan“Like”andfollowyou.
The Market Vendor Report
TheMarketVendorReportcirculatessemi-regularlytobringupdatesbyemailtocommunicatemarketnews,policychangesandotherinformationrelevanttoourmarketcommunity.Vendorsareexpectedtoreadthesecommunicationsthoroughlyastheycontainimportantandtime-sensitiveinformation.
Ocean Pines Farmers Market Handbook 1�
Newsletter and Activity Guide
Quarterly,theOceanPinesAssociationpublishesacommunitynewsletterandanactivityguide.Thenewsletterfeaturesarticlesaboutthemarket,includingspotlightsoneventsandvendors.Theactivityguidealsosharesselecteventsandhappeningstakingplaceatthemarket.
Print and Broadcast Media
Thefarmersmarketpurchasesprintadvertisingwithlocalpublishersincludingnewspapers,magazinesanddirectmailservices.Commercialsarealsoplacedwithradio,TVandclosed-circuitcablebroadcastmedia.
All of these channels of communication have proven effective in reachingpotentialcustomersandcanworkinconcertwithyourownmarketingeffortsorprovidehelpfulsupportwhileyouarebuildingyourownwebpresence.AsanOceanPinesFarmersMarketvendor,we inviteyoutotakeadvantageofthesetools,thoughitisuptoyoutoinformusofthenewsandinformationyouwouldlikeustosharewithourreaders.
Social Media AccountsFacebook:www.facebook.com/oceanpinesfarmersmarket
Twitter:@OPfarmersMktWebsite:www.oceanpines.org
THE FARMERS MARKET
The Front Porch Stage
Music at the market provides enjoyable entertainment, creates a festiveatmosphere and builds community. The Ocean Pines Farmers Marketschedulesmusicalactsanddisc jockeysforthemarket. Wheneveryoufindyourself tappingyour footordancing inyourbooth, thinkaboutgiving themusiciansatipintrade.MusiciansreportthattheirfavoritepartofplayingattheOceanPinesFarmersMarketisthegenerousgiftsofproduceandmarketgoodiestheyreceive.
Market Picnic Grove
Thisopengreenspaceis locatedattheheartofthefarmersmarket. PicnictablesarelocatedintheMarketPicnicGrovesomarketgoerscantakeabreakfromshopping,sitandrelaxorcatchupwithfriendsandneighbors.
1� Ocean Pines Farmers Market Handbook
The Market Shed
FansoftheOceanPinesFarmersMarketcanshowtheirsupportbypurchasingfarmers market logo merchandise. Shoppers will find items like ball caps,bumperstickers,aprons,teeshirtsandtotebags.These itemsareavailableforpurchaseeachSaturdayatTheMarketShedandinthelobbyoftheOceanPinesAdministrationbuildingduringtheweek.
Marketplace Concessions
Located in theMarket PicnicGrove, our concessions area is a placewherepatrons can purchase beverages and foods from food trucks and nonprofitorganizations.
Veggie Valet
TheOceanPinesFarmersMarketoffersaVeggieValetservicethat includeswagons and handbaskets for our shoppers. The free service can be foundat theMarket Information Booth. Market volunteers are available to helpcustomersloadtheirpurchasesintotheircars.Ifyouseecustomersstrugglingwithpurchases,besuretoletthemknowaboutthisgreatservice.
Volunteers
Our volunteer group, The Friends of the Ocean Pines Farmers Market, isa group of very special folks; we appreciate their service and we couldn’toperatethemarketwithoutthem.Youcan’tmissthem–theywillbewearinga blue apron and a giant smile! Volunteers donate their personal time tosupportourvendorsandhelpthemarketbystaffingtheMarketInformationBooth,supervisingkids’activities,organizingmarketeventsandassistingwithothermarket tasks. Annually, theOcean Pines FarmersMarket volunteerscontributeover1,000hourstothemarket.Youcanfollowourvolunteersatwww.facebook.com/FriendsoftheOceanPinesFarmersMarket
Pets in the Market
TheOcean Pines FarmersMarket is a pet-friendlymarket. Dogs are to bekeptonashortleashandkeptundercontrolattheowner’ssideatalltimes.Dogsaretobefriendlywithotherdogsandpeople. Apetownerneedstobeconsiderateofthosewhodonotwishtobeincontactwithdogsorotheranimals.Ownersmustcleanupafterpets.
Gleaning Program
TheOceanPinesFarmersMarketencouragesdonationsofperishablefoodattheendofthemarketdaytolocalnon-profits.Theseorganizationsefficientlydistribute unsold produce and other products to the local community.GleanersgenerallyarriveatthemarketduringthelasthourandcheckinwiththevolunteersattheMarketInformationBoothforpickupofdonateditems.
Ocean Pines Farmers Market Handbook 15
Buskers
Buskers are permitted at select Ocean Pines Farmers Market locations asspaceallows.TheyareaskedtocheckinattheMarketInformationBoothandadheretoassignedlocationswithinthemarketfootprint.
Electronic amplification is not allowed nor is any disruptive performancethat impedescommunicationbetweenvendorsandcustomers.VendorsareencouragedtocommunicatewithOceanPinesFarmersMarketstaffiftheseguidelinesarenotbeingfollowedbyanindividualbusker.
PROGRAMS AND SPECIAL EVENTS
MarketprogramsandspecialeventsarethevehiclesforenhancingtheOceanPines Farmers Market’s educational experience. The Ocean Pines FarmersMarketbelievesifthemarketistocontinuetogrowandflourishitiscriticaltoeducateconsumersonthevalueofsupportingregionalagriculture,artisansandsmallbusinesses.Fundingfortheseactivitiesisraisedthroughsponsors,fundraisersandin-kinddonations.Inaddition,volunteersgivecountlesshoursoftheirtimetoensurethesuccessoftheseevents.
Themed Market Days
The Ocean Pines Farmers Market celebrates seasonal foods with demon-strations, children’s activities, recipes and other educational activities atthemarket.Theyserveasbothpromotionalandeducationalopportunities,drawingpeople to themarket to learnfirsthand thebenefitsof supportingregionalagricultureandeatinglocal.
Chef @ Market
Chef@Marketisaseriesofopen-airhostedcookingdemonstrationsattheOceanPinesFarmersMarket.Market-goerswatchchefs,marketvendorsandothercookingprosturnthemarket’sseasonalbountyintosimple,delectabledishes.
Meet Me at the Market
MeetMeattheMarketeventsareofferedby lifestyleexperts,authorsandother professionals. These conversations or workshops create the perfectopportunitytomeetandlearnfromourcommunity.
16 Ocean Pines Farmers Market Handbook
Fundraising Events
Eachyear,themarketholdsfundraisingeventsforthemarketitselfandselectnonprofit organizations. Thesemarket events often include special visitingvendors,invitedguests,demonstrationsandspecialentertainment.Themarketdayeventmayincludecontestsforshoppers,rafflesandotherpromotionstohelpraisefundsandcreateawarenessfortheselectedorganization.
Holiday Farmers Markets
Themarketcelebratesmanyof themajorholidaysthroughouttheyear. AspringEasterMarketisfollowedbybusysummerholidaymarketsthatincludeMemorialDay,July4thandLaborDay.Asthecalendarturnstofall,themarketmovesaheadtocelebratewithafallHalloweenmarketandDelmarva’slargestThanksgivingfarmersmarketwhichwelcomestheopeningofallthetraditionalwinterholidaymarketsincludingChristmas,Hanukkah,KwanzaaandtheNewYear.Holidaymarketsoftenincludespecialeventsandactivitiestopromoteshoppingwithourvendors.
Ocean Pines Farmers Market Handbook 17
MARKET CURRENCY
VendorsoftheOceanPinesFarmersMarketarerequiredtohonorallformsofthemarket’scurrency.
Market Bucks
TopurchaseMarketBucks,shoppersusecashorpersonalcheckattheMarketInformationBooth.TheBuckscomeina$5denomination.TheseBucksareeligibletopurchaseallmarketitemsandshouldbetreatedexactlylikea$5bill.Cashchangeisgivenforapurchaseamountlessthan$5.
MarketBucksarenon-refundableoncepurchasedandexpireoneyearfromthe purchase date. The expiration date is found on the front of the Buck.IfanexpiredBuck ispresented,pleasecontactmarketmanagementbeforedecliningtheMarketBuck.
Vendors redeem acceptedMarket Bucks at theMarket Information Booth.Redemptionisavailabletovendorsuntil30minutesafterthemarketcloses.
ATM
An on-site ATM is available in the lobby of the Ocean Pines AssociationAdministrationBuilding,adjacenttoWhiteHorsePark.
Change Service
A limited amount of change is available at theMarket Information Booth.Vendorscancashinlargerdollarbillsforsmallerbills.Vendorsshouldcomepreparedwiththecorrectchangeneededtooperatetheirbusiness,andshouldonlyusethisserviceinanemergency.
WIC and SNAP
All Ocean Pines Farmers Market vendors selling eligible products areencouragedtoparticipateintheMarylandSNAPandWICprograms.ToapplytobeeligibletoacceptcheckscontactShelbyWaston,AgriculturalMarketingSpecialist,MarylandDepartmentofAgricultureat(410)841-5776.
18 Ocean Pines Farmers Market Handbook
MONITORING AND ENFORCEMENT OF COMPLIANCE RULES
VendorsshareresponsibilityforkeepingtheOceanPinesFarmersMarketviableandensuringpublic safety.By following the rulesdescribed in theprevioussections,vendorswillremaina“vendoringoodstanding”andhelpcreateasafe,funandprofitablemarketenvironment.Violationoftheruleswillputthevendor“outofcompliance”andresultinarangeofconsequences.
MonitoringTheOceanPinesFarmersMarketfrequentlymonitorsmarketactivitytoensurethatvendorsarecomplyingwiththerules.Themarketalsokeepsrecordsofviolations, including local and state regulations, customer complaints, latepaymentoffees,etc.,thatmayputavendoroutofcompliance.Themarketutilizesachecklistasatooltoregulateat-marketcompliance.
EnforcementAllrulesofthemarketareenforcedbythemarketmanagerorhisdesignee,whohasultimateon-siteauthority.Themarketwillregularlyevaluatevendorsusing a vendor compliance checklist. TheOcean Pines FarmersMarketwillcontact the business owner to address the non-complying behavior andcorrespondingconsequence.
Customercomplaintswillbeforwardedtovendorsandkeptonfile.Complaintsmayresultindisciplinaryaction,includingremovalfromthemarket.
ConsequencesIfavendordoesnotabidebytherulesoftheOceanPinesFarmersMarketorcomplywith state, and local regulations applicable tomarket participation,themarketmanagerordesigneemay takeanyactiondeemedappropriate,includingbarringthevendorfromsellingatthemarketforthatdayandanyfuturemarketdays.
Disciplinaryactionmaytaketheformofaverbalwarningorawrittennoticeofnon-compliancethatmayincludeprobationorsuspension.Probationputsavendoronnoticethatanyfurtherviolationswillleadtosuspension.
TheOceanPinesFarmersMarketreservestherighttomakeexceptiontotheserulesandenforcementpoliciesatitsdiscretion.
Remedy of a Non-Compliance IssueThevendormustcorrecttheviolationleadingtotheverbalwarningorwrittennoticeofnon-compliance immediatelyorbythe followingweek,whichevertheOceanPinesFarmersMarketdeterminestobeappropriate.Ifthesituationhasnotbeenremediedbythefollowingweek,thevendormaybesuspendedfromthemarketforaweekorseasonandforfeittheirmarketboothfee.
Ocean Pines Farmers Market Handbook 19
Merchandising 101: Selling Smart and Increasing Profits
Rememberthatmostmarketcustomersareinterestedinapersonalconnectionwith vendor businesses andmarket staff. Grow yourmarket experience bycultivatingaloyalclientele.Cultivateauniqueidentityforyourself!
Theoptionsareendless.Somesuggestions:
• Createabanner to clearlydisplayyourbusinessname locationandlogo.
• Wearbrandedt-shirtsorapronsthatdisplayyourbusinesslogo.• Wearnametagstobuildapersonalbondwithshoppers.• Learnthenamesoffrequentshoppers.• Takeadvantageoftheopportunitytoeducateshopperswithaflyerto
distributetocustomers.• Mostimportantly,createanattractive,invitingandaccessiblebooth.
Thisincludesaboothfreeoftriphazardsandonewithsignagethatclearly displays prices and product varieties, straight tablecloths, asmilingvendorandbeautifulproducts.
Achievesuccessbydeliveringexcellentcustomerservice.Turnonthecharm!If you are not a “people person,” send someone to market who is. Makesureon-sitestaffareknowledgeableaboutyourproductsandyourbusiness.Keepinmindthatcontinuityofsalespeoplebuildsrelationshipswithrepeatcustomers.Bringtop-qualityproductstogettopprices.Again,mostmarketshoppers seek out the farmersmarket to find fresh, high-quality products.Investyourtimewisely:
• Bepreparedandallowenoughtimefortravel,parkingyourvehicle,boothsetup,abathroombreakandanyotherpre-marketnecessities.
• Bereadytosellat7:45am.Themajorityofyoursalesmayoccurwithinthemarket’sfirstcoupleofhours.
• Bring everything you need.Mostmarket stalls are a 15’ x 15’ barepieceofland.
20 Ocean Pines Farmers Market Handbook
• Letyourcustomerstastethedifference!Samplingcanincreasesalesupto30%.Askcustomers,“Haveyouevertriedthisvariety?”Besuretofollowprepackaged,closedcontainersamplingguidelines.
• Offerrecipes,servingandstoragesuggestions.Findrecipesthataresimpleandcontainafewingredientsthatcanbefoundatyourstandorotherpartsofthemarket.
• Take advantage of socialmedia.More andmore shoppers look forinformationviasocialmedia.Dependingonyourproduct,availabilityand interest, consider starting a Facebook, Twitter or Instagramaccounttosharenewproducts,eventsandotherinformationrelatedtoyourbusiness.
• Startanemaillist.Letyourloyalcustomerssignupforamailinglistsoyoucaninformthemaboutspecialopportunities,othermarketsandlocationstheycanfindyouoryourproduct.
Ocean Pines Farmers Market Handbook 21
A Checklist for a Successful Market Day
Carefulplanningformarketisessentialtoyoursuccess.Beontimeandreadytosellby7:45amforan8:00amopeningofthefarmersmarket.
Makeachecklist!Herearesomeexamplesofitemstoinclude:
□ Marketmanager’scellphonenumber.(DavidBean410-251-6383)
□ Canopy/tent/umbrellaand10poundsofweightminimumforeachleg ofthecanopy
□ Boothstructure:tables,tablecovering,racks,shelvesandother displayinfrastructure
□ Displaycontainersforyourproduct
□ Bags(paperorreusablearebest,plasticformeats)
□ Cashboxandbank.Bepreparedtomakechangefor$20bills
□ Licensedscale(asappropriateforyourproducts)
□ Checkoutitems:pencils,pens,calculator,salesrecord/receipt book,notepad,bags
□ Trashcan
□ Signage–bannerhungateyelevel
□ Individualproductnames,pricesandhowtheitemissold (byweight,piece,andquantity)
□ Educationalflair:handoutswithrecipes,how-to’s,newitems
□ Informationaboutyourbusinessandbusinesscards
□ Miscellaneousdisplayitemssuchasbaskets,risers,displayracks
□ Personalcomfortitems:weathergear,waterbottle,arubbermaton whichtostand,heater
□ Yourcustomerservicepersonality—abigsmileisyourbestasset
22 Ocean Pines Farmers Market Handbook
ON-SITE VENDOR COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST
Vendors are responsible at all times to adhere to theOceanPines FarmersMarket’s rules and policies. Ongoing inspections will occur to ensure thatallvendorsareconductingbusinessinamannerthatcreatesasafeandfairenvironmentforshoppers,staffandvendors.ThefollowingisachecklisttheOceanPinesFarmersMarketmayutilizetomonitorvendorcompliance.
Booth Safety
□ Aminimumof10poundcanopy/tent/umbrellaweightssecurelyattached toeachleg.Weightsmustnotposeatrippinghazard.
□ Ifusingelectricity,outdoorextensioncordsarecompletelycovered andsetupwithregardforpublicsafety.
□ Boothissetupwithregardforpublicsafety.
□ Allcomponentsofthebootharecontainedwithintheboundaries ofthebooth.
□ Ifboothisgeneratingwaste,atrashreceptaclemustbeavailable forcustomerstouse.Vendorsareexpectedtotakethiswastewiththem.
Health Codes and Regulations
□ Foodisstored/displayedofftheground(6”)orinimperviousplastictubs.
□ Non-producefoodproductsareindividuallywrapped.
□ Safeclosed-containersamplingispracticed.
Signage
□ Ifvendorclaimsproductsareorganic,certificationmustbeposted.
□ Allpackagedfoodislabeledwithnameoftheproduct,net weight,ingredientsindescendingorderbyweightandnameand addressofproducer.
Ocean Pines Farmers Market Handbook 2�
VENDORCONCERN FORM
Ocean Pines Farmers Market vendors who have concerns about a marketvendorscompliancewithmarketrulesshouldsubmitthisconcernform.Formsaresubmitteddirectlytothemarketmanagerwithinoneweekofthemarketduringwhichtheallegedviolationoccurred.
The Ocean Pines Farmers Market will not reveal the inquiring vendor’s name.
DateofConcern:
VendorBusinessName:
YourName:
Your Concern.Pleaseusethevendorhandbooktoreferencethepolicywithwhichyouhaveaconcern. If this isacomplaint regardingavendor,specifyvendor’sname.
Form Continued on Back
2� Ocean Pines Farmers Market Handbook
Marketdateandapproximatetimeatwhichtheviolationoccurred(ifany):Pleasestatethespecificsoftheviolationoftherule.Provideanyevidencethatsupportsyourconcern.
Signed: Date:
DateRec’d. By:Notes:
ForMarketUseOnly:
Ocean Pines Farmers Market Handbook 25
Health Department Regulations
ApplicabletoaMaryland/WorcesterCountyFarmersMarket
AccordingtoMaryland’sHealthCodeCOMAR10.15.03.27,thefollowingfoodsarepermittedtobesoldatafarmersmarketwithoutaHealthDepartmentlicense.
1. Prepackaged,non-potentiallyhazardousfoods.Theseitemsinclude:• Whole,unprocessedfruitsandvegetables• Hot-filledcannedacidjellies,jamspreservesandbutters.Must
belabeledincompliancewithCOMAR10.15.03.27.• Prepackaged,non-potentiallyhazardousbakedgoodsandcandy.
MustbelabeledincompliancewithCOMAR10.15.03.27.• Unflavoredrawhoney• Prepackaged non-potentially hazardous food produced by a
licensedentity.
2. The following potentially hazardous foodmay be soldwith a currentDHMHorMDAlicense:
• Eggs–VendorsmustbecurrentlyregisteredwiththeMarylandDepartment of Agriculture. Registration must be displayedduringoperation.
• MeatsandPoultry–VendormusthaveacurrentOn-FarmHomeProcessing License issued by the Department of Health andMentalHygiene.Licensemustbedisplayedduringoperation.
3. Thefollowingitemsarepermittedtobesold,providedthevendorhasobtainedaMobileVendorLicensefortheHealthDepartment.
• Wholefishandheads-onshrimp.• Crabmeat• Shellstock(clams,oysters,mussels,etc.)• OtherpotentiallyhazardousfoodsasapprovedbytheWorcester
CountyHealthDepartment.
4. Thefollowingfoodsandactivitiesareprohibitedatafarmersmarket:• Cut,processedfruitsandvegetables• Bakedgoodswithcustard,creamcheese,meringuetoppings,
basesorfillings• Flavoredhoney• Picklesandrelishes• Canneditemsnotproducedinalicensedprocessingfacility• Dispensingopensamplesoffoodproductsandcandies• Cookingfoods• Providing food to the public that is cooked during a cooking
demonstration• Shucking,cutting,slicing,etc.ofanyfood
26 Ocean Pines Farmers Market Handbook
Maryland Cottage Industry Labeling Requirements
Allprepackagedfoodsofferedforsaleatafarmersmarketmustcontainthefollowinginformationoneveryprepackagedfooditem:
Thenameandaddressofthecottagefoodbusiness;*• Thenameofthecottagefoodproduct;**• Theingredientsofthecottagefoodproductindescendingorderofthe
amountofeachingredientbyweight;• Thenetweightornetvolumeofthecottagefoodproduct;• Allergeninformationasspecifiedbyfederallabelingrequirements;• Nutritionalinformationasspecifiedbyfederallabelingrequirements,
ifanynutritionalinformationclaimismadeandprintedin10pointorlargertypeinacolorthatprovidesaclearcontrasttothebackgroundofthelabel:“MadebyacottagefoodbusinessthatisnotsubjecttoMaryland’sfoodsafetyregulations.”
* Cottagefoodbusinessmeansabusinessthatproducesorpackages cottagefoodproductsinaresidentialkitchen.**Cottagefoodproductmeansanon-potentiallyhazardousfoodas specifiedinCOMAR10.15.03.27thatisofferedforsaleonlyata farmersmarketorpublicevent.
StrawberryJam8oz.
Ingredients:strawberries,sugar,pectin
ExampleFarms1234FarmsRoad
Anywhere,MD55555
MadebyacottagefoodbusinessthatisnotsubjecttoMaryland’sfoodsafetyregulations
OceanPinesAssociation,Inc
AdministrationOffice239OceanParkway
OceanPines,MD21811410-641-7717–MainNumber410-641-5581–FaxNumber
Monday–Friday8:00am–5:00pm
www.oceanpines.org