vendor handbook - ocean pines, maryland · our vendor handbook is to inform market vendors of the...
TRANSCRIPT
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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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• 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.
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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
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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