Our mission is to support our local farmers and small businesses by creating the most welcoming and enjoyable market experience for the people of our community. We will accomplish this by respecting the long history of the market, and building on that foundation an improved infrastructure and renewed spirit that supports vendors and serves customers with kindness, respect, and enthusiasm.
In recognition of the mission of Venture Leasing LLC dba Lewisburg Farmers Market (hereinafter called the “LFM”) described above, and to ensure everyone is on the same page and benefits from LFM, these rules and regulations (the “Rules”) will govern how our market operates and shall apply to any and all vendors selling goods and/or services from designated stands or booths (each called a “Booth” in these Rules) at the indoor and outdoor farmers markets (the “Market”) on the property located at 499 Fairground Road, Lewisburg, PA 17837 (the “Property”).
Vendors, by submitting an application to vend and/or continuing to operate as described in the termination section below agree to be legally bound by the following:
Hours of Operation
The market is to be open and ready for business each Wednesday of the month from 8 AM-3 PM (each called a “Market Day”), unless the date falls on a designated holiday or in the unlikely event it is otherwise canceled by LFM due to an unforeseen circumstance as explained in the cancellation section below. We also have Special Events from 10 AM- 3 PM on select Saturdays. All vendors are expected to be set up in their designated Booths and open for sales for the entire Market Day. Vendors agree not to leave their Booths unattended for more than 15 minutes at a time to ensure customers are able to enjoy all that the Market has to offer.
An empty booth does not contribute
to our Mission of a welcoming market experience. Vendors are expected to be
present at their booth every Market Day, with the allowance for vacations and
unexpected challenges. Vendors are allowed a maximum of 5 instances of non-presence
at their booth: Showing up late; Leaving early; or taking a whole Market Day off.
All absences should be communicated in advance to Market management. All unattended
booths must have a sign indicating their absence and return date.
Vendors may also be asked to come to Market Days held for special events, such as holiday markets or Saturday markets (“Special Market Days”). Vendors agree to coordinate with LFM regarding their attendance at any Special Market Days.
Each vendor agrees to keep the Market and its rental area clean and safe for pedestrians, customers, and other vendors by maintaining a Booth and surrounding common areas free of any items or objects that could pose any kind of hazard, such as but not limited to, a trip or fall hazard, or items sticking out from booths.
Set Up and Tear Down
Vendors should set up their booth prior to the start of a Market day and ensure their booth has proper signage indicating the vendor. Vendors should also display item names, all items should be properly labeled, and pricing should be reasonably displayed. Vendors must only set up in their designated booth. Vendors are responsible for cleaning up and throwing away any waste left from their Booths. Trash bins are provided by LFM for small waste, however, vendors are responsible for the removal of any excess waste, such as damaged or spoiled products, product packaging, or display items.
Vendors with outdoor Booths should clean up and completely empty their Booths every week as the outdoor space cannot be kept entirely sheltered from the weather or the public. Indoor vendors may leave signage, price menus, and non-perishable items such as display crates or other items. All vendors need to remove perishable items from their Booths at the end of every Market Day. Indoor vendors seeking to keep perishable items at their Booths or otherwise at the Market between Market Days must have LFM’s express written permission to do so to ensure LFM can assign them an appropriate Booth and other arrangements as may be necessary and may be subject to additional costs. Vendors cannot bring refrigerators or freezers without express LFM approval as not all Booths are priced for, or able to, supply the utility usage required.
Vendor Types and Alternate Vendors
LFM prides itself on having a variety of various high-quality, locally grown or produced agricultural products, foods, and other items at its Market. This is why no vendor is entitled to exclusivity or to be the only seller of any certain product or product type. Vendors also agree to sell the items and products listed when they applied to be a vendor. Vendors may not significantly change their products without prior approval from LFM. If LFM finds a vendor reselling products not permitted for re-sale or products inconsistent with the goals and mission of the market, LFM may ask the vendor to stop selling the product(s). This helps us maintain our quality and diversity of products.
LFM works hard to get to know its vendors and keep the Market safe for all, so if a vendor cannot be at their Booth on any given Market Day, they will not be entitled to bring in another vendor to replace them. Other interested vendors are always encouraged to, and must, fill out an application in order to vend.
Cross-Vendor Promotions and Activities
We love when our vendors work together and encourage collaboration and cross-promotion, however, in order to ensure promotions comply with these Rules and LFM market standards, we ask that all cross-promotions or collaborations between vendors (“Multiple Vendor Opportunities”) be brought to LFM in writing at the idea stage. Prior to approval, LFM will ensure the Multiple Vendor Opportunity fits into LFM mission, values, and promotional schedule.
Making Rental Payment & Payment Terms
Booths are rented on a monthly basis subject to the vendor fee schedule. Monthly Booth rental payments are due to LFM on the first Market Day of each month to cover their Booth Rental for the upcoming month. Rental Payment is required for the full month, regardless if a vendor is present at the Market every Market Day of the month. LFM has the right to change Booth rental fees with one month’s notice to vendors.
Rent can be paid via cash, check, or credit card at the Market Office located inside the Market prior to 1 PM on each Market Day that it is due. Booth Rental payments are final, non-refundable, and will not be prorated except at LFM’s discretion.
LFM will charge late fees equal to 20% of the booth rental fee for all monthly payments not received by 1 PM on the 2nd market day of the month. Any weekly booth rentals are required to pay before setting up at their booth.
Compliance with local laws, regulations, licensing and health codes
Vendors agree to obey all laws, rules, and regulations of all local, city, state, federal or any other governmental authorities while using the Property or its Booth. This includes, but is not limited to vendors’ owners, employees, contractors, and any other person associated with the vendors following all health and safety required procedures and best practices including but not limited to keeping up with washing their hands, wearing gloves, and any other sanitation requirements of LFM, the Pennsylvania Department of Health or other governing health department, or other government entities, following all food and product labeling laws and regulations, etc.
Each vendor agrees to provide LFM with proof that the vendor has received the necessary permits and approvals from other governmental agencies required of its activities if LFM requests.
Taxes
Each vendor agrees to be solely responsible for possessing and maintaining a current Pennsylvania sales tax ID number and agrees to collect any and pay all taxes related to the vendor’s sales and income.
Code of Conduct
LFM works to create an inclusive, safe, and welcoming farmer’s market for all. Each vendor and its employees, owners, contractors, and agents agree to follow the LFM Code of Conduct. Vendors agree they:
Will respect customers, and provide reasonable customers with quality products or provide them with their money back if they are not satisfied;
Will not be aggressive or pushy in sales in a manner that makes customers uncomfortable;
Will not solicit customers for any other services or products other than the goods they sell;
Will not hawk, canvass or solicit for customers outside of their Booth;
Will not do anything to threaten the safety of any Market attendees, LFM staff, or other vendors, or seek to, or cause, harm to any person or property;
Will not use any other spaces other than the Booth that they have rented;
Will refrain from using amplifiers, speakers or loud music;
Will refrain from smoking anywhere in the Market or on the Property.
Will abide by all applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations;
Will not deny service to, or discriminate against anyone based on their age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion, national origin, physical or mental condition, marital status, military status, ancestry, or any other protected class under local, state, or federal law.
LFM is a privately operated, family-friendly farmer’s market facility. Vendors agree not to engage in illegal speech or to sell or display any type of political merchandise, signage, or activities. Vendors agree not to wear any clothing or accessories, display, use or sell any items, that include, promote, or symbolize hate speech, bigotry, or that includes vulgar language, vulgar imagery, or foul language;
Will not use, distribute, or sell illegal drugs, including marijuana, while on the Property;
Will never use, distribute, sell, or otherwise bring any dangerous items or merchandise to the market, including but not limited to weapons, guns, explosives, harmful chemicals, drug paraphernalia, fireworks, incendiary devices, etc.;
Will follow all other Market policies, procedures, and/or requirements communicated by LFM to the vendors at any time.
Sale of Alcohol
The sale of alcohol is prohibited unless authorized by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board and at LFM’s discretion. LFM may require additional agreements to be signed, proof of licensure, and/or additional insurance from any vendor seeking to sell or serve alcohol.
Insurance Requirements
All prepared food vendors must have insurance coverage for their operations and name LFM as an additional insured. Prepared food vendors are vendors selling any food available for immediate consumption. Prepared food vendors must be able to provide proof of insurance at LFM’s request.
All other vendors should carry insurance as well at their sole responsibility. Any vendors who do not carry content insurance will be fully liable for any and all damages arising out of their operations at the Market and its obligations under the indemnification provision below.
Liability & Indemnification
Vendors are solely liable for their and their employees, contractors, and owners' actions, food service, food products, including acts of negligence, or other liabilities arising out of their business. Each vendor is solely responsible for its equipment and the items it sells. Vendors will also be liable for any damage caused to any LFM-provided equipment.
Vendors agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless LFM and its members, employees, and agents, and Market Holdings LLC and its members, employees, and agents from and against any and all claims for loss, costs, injury, death or damage to persons or property, (including attorneys’ fees) including claims of employees or agents of vendors, arising out of or alleged to be due to activities conducted by the vendors and their parties, including but not limited to, breach of these Rules, negligence, and for any items expressly disclaimed by LFM in these Rules.
Termination
Upon termination for any purpose described below, vendors agree to remove all of their items and leave their Booth in the condition that they found it (reasonable wear and tear expected).
Standard vendor termination procedure: Vendors seeking to terminate their Booth rental must notify LFM at the first Market Day of the month, for termination to take effect for the next month (for example you must provide notice on the first Wednesday of February, to not be liable for payment for March’s fee). LFM may also terminate a vendor’s Booth rental for any reason by giving them the same one month’s notice, except for as permitted below.
Unless terminating for another reason described in these Rules, rentals for vendors with outdoor Booths will automatically renew for the next outdoor Market season. Outdoor vendors not interested in renewing their Booth for the next outdoor Market season need to let LFM know in writing by the end of the calendar year.
Termination After Receipt of Updated Rules: If a vendor received this updated version of the Rules while they are currently a vendor, the vendor has until the first Market Day of the next month from their date of receipt of the Rules to terminate their rental. Otherwise, continued operations after the first Market Day of the next month constitute the vendor’s consent and agreement to the Rules.
Termination due to Late Rental Payments or non-attendance
Vendors whose rental payments are more than one week behind will be considered in arrears, and will not be permitted to sell at the market until their outstanding balances owed to LFM are satisfied in full. If a vendor has not paid for their rental for two weeks LFM may cancel the vendor’s rental after the 2nd week of non-payment and may re-rent the vendor’s Booth to another vendor. This doesn’t limit LFM from being able to collect the amounts owed by the vendor. The vendor will have to re-apply and pay back any outstanding balances. If a vendor misses more than two markets in a row without coordinating with LFM ahead of time, LFM may also terminate the vendor’s participation immediately without a refund in order to ensure a full and well-staffed market. The vendor may work with LFM to reapply if the vendor wishes to come back.
Termination due to violation of the Rules
LFM may immediately terminate a vendor's booth rental and/or ask a vendor to leave without refund if LFM finds the vendor violating any of these Rules, interfering with the orderly and efficient operations of the Market, harming the reputation of the Market or otherwise failing to maintain good relations with the Market’s customers or other vendors.
Please Bring Grievances to LFM
Any grievances regarding the actions of other vendors or LFM shall be brought to the attention of LFM. Vendors agree to work with LFM to come to a resolution to help keep things friendly and ensure a good environment for all. If a resolution cannot be mediated one or more vendors may be asked to leave the Market at LFM’s discretion and will not be entitled to a return or refund of any rental fee except in LFM’s discretion.
Names, Brands, and Logos
Vendors are responsible for any names, brands, and logos displayed on their products and/or booth and ensuring they are not infringing on anyone else’s rights with the items that they are selling, images they are displaying, or in any other way. Vendors agree to indemnify and hold harmless LFM for any actions arising out of infringements.
Market Day Cancellation
The Market will be conducted rain or shine unless it falls on a scheduled holiday. If the Market Day falls on a Holiday the Market Day may be rescheduled to a different day of the applicable week and vendors will be informed in advance.
If LFM needs to cancel for any reason other than the unforeseen circumstances listed below, then the vendor’s payment for that day will be credited toward their rental payment for the next month. If a vendor has not yet made its rental payment for the Market Day that is canceled by LFM, the vendor will only have to pay rent for the number of Market Days actually held in that month.
In the unlikely event LFM needs to cancel a Market Day due to an unforeseeable circumstance such as an act of God, destruction or inaccessibility to the Property or Market, death, government shutdown, pandemics, natural disaster or unsafe weather condition as determined by LFM, utility or service interruption, declared emergency, shortage or inability to access necessary equipment and services for the Market, or other acts outside of the reasonable control of LFM, LFM will notify the vendors as soon as possible via email or phone. Rent will not be abated for any cancellation for unforeseen circumstances.
LFM shall not be responsible to any vendor for any costs, fees, payments, or other expenses incurred in preparation for the Market if a Market Day is canceled under this provision.
If an unforeseen circumstance causes the Market to close for more than one month, a vendor may terminate its Booth rental as explained in the termination section in these Rules.
Photos and Use of Name
We all benefit from getting to share who is selling at our market, and as such, vendors consent to LFM or anyone working for LFM taking photos of them, their Booths, and any products within them, their employees, and owners, and LFM’s using these photos as well as their business names in any of LFM’s marketing materials, website, promotional content, or for any other commercial purpose.
Change of Terms and Additional Policies
LFM can change the terms or these Rules at any time for any reason. LFM will provide vendors with at least one month’s notice of any changes or updates to the Rules and vendors can cancel subject to the cancellation terms above if they do not wish to consent to the new rules. LFM may also issue additional policies and procedures to vendors related to health, safety, and emergency procedures which shall not constitute a change of these terms.
Miscellaneous
These Rules are governed by and under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. If any provision of these Rules is held invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of the Rules shall remain in full force and effect. Where possible, the invalid or unenforceable provision shall be interpreted in such a manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law. Nothing in these Rules, either express or implied creates or is intended to create an employer/employee relationship or joint venture between any of the parties mentioned. If LFM changes owners, these rules and regulations shall still apply unless the new owner provides notice as detailed above.
NON-ADHERENCE OR FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH ANY OF THE ABOVE RULES AND REGULATIONS MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF VENDOR PRIVILEGES AND VENDORS MAY BE ASKED TO IMMEDIATELY VACATE THE PREMISES AND NO REFUNDS SHALL BE GIVEN TO VENDORS WHO VIOLATE THESE RULES AND REGULATIONS.
THANKS FOR YOUR INTEREST IN BEING A LEWISBURG FARMERS MARKET VENDOR!
