Market Rules & Guidelines
The Port Austin Farmers Market is an exciting and high traffic environment for both vendors and visitors. To ensure a smooth, efficient an successful market, the following rules and guidelines have been set fourth by the Port Austin Chamber of Commerce, Village of Port Austin, State of Michigan, and Market Master. We sincerely appreciate your understanding and cooperation!
Scroll down to view the market rules & procedures, or use the links below to see a specific section.
Applications & Products
All vendors, new and returning, are required to complete a vendor application with photos of products for approval. Vendors are welcome to apply throughout the season. However, we recommend applications are sent in prior to the season or as early as possible.
As we received many applications, we kindly ask vendors to have patience as your application is reviewed. If your application is not approved, please refer to the Vendor Product Requirements and Policies below.
Vendor Product Requirements and Policies:
Vendors are responsible for meeting any and all local, state and federal requirements.
Items with swear words or vulgar content is not permitted. Acceptability is subject to the Market Master's discretion.
Weapons of any type, new, used or antique (knives, hand guns, long guns, etc.) may NOT be sold as a vendor item.
Ammunition, fireworks, or other hazardous materials are NOT allowed.
“Flea Market” type items are not acceptable.
Commercial items are not often accepted into the market.
Puppies and kittens may NOT be sold at the Market.
All products must be approved by the Market Master during the application process.
The Market Management reserves the right to reject a vendor application if the goods or food items are not compatible with the overall concept of the Market, or the product mix currently offered at the Market.
Approval & Agreements
You’re Approved!
Upon approval, vendors will received a Vendor Agreement, login password, and payment information. Vendors must submit payment and agreement by designated due date, prior to first date of attendance.
New Vendors must pay one time $15 processing fee, and participate in at least one regular market before permitted to attend a Holiday or Special Event Market.
Attendance & Payments
Weekly vendors are to declare their attendance and submit payment by Noon on Wednesdays prior to the market. A $15 late fee will be applied to payments received after the deadline. Last minute notifications on Friday will not be accepted.
If you must cancel, all vendors are asked to give a 24 hour notice. No refunds will be issued for cancelations. Some exceptions may be made. Should space become limited or full, new vendors may be declined from attending the market.
2024 Market Rates:
Daily: $30. Due Wednesday by Noon. All payments are to made online.
Full Season: $525 - May 18 - Oct. 5
Early Season: $275 - May 18 - July 27
Late Season: $250 - Aug 3rd - Oct 5th
All seasonal rates are to be made in full. Payments may be made online or by check.
Maps, & Arrival
Each week, all vendors are assigned a spot and arrival time on the Market Map. Maps are posted Friday. To avoid vehicle congestion, vendors are kindly asked to adhere to arrival time. All vendors MUST arrive by 7:30 or they may not be permitted to set up and/or may lose their spot.
Upon arrival, vendors are to follow the outlined flow of traffic. Food vendors are to enter at the intersection of Lake and State Street. Non food vendors are to enter at the intersection of West Spring and Line Street. Please refer to image below.
Vendors are to use vehicle awareness at all times. Upon entering, departing market grounds and throughout the Village of Port Austin.
Unloading, Parking, and Set Up
Once at assigned spot, vendors are to UNLOAD ONLY. Vendors are not to set up tents, displays, or products until vehicles are removed and parked in designated vendor parking areas.
This is meant to keep traffic flowing and prevent congestion so the next arriving vendors may begin unloading. We kindly ask vendors to be mindful and try to keep uploading to 15-20 minutes. If more time is needed, you may be assigned an earlier arrival time. When unloading is complete, with vehicles removed, vendors are free to set up their tents, displays and products. All vehicles are to be removed from Market Grounds and parked by 7:45.
Vendors are to park in DESIGNATED VENDOR PARKING AREAS ONLY. Street parking is reserved for local residents, businesses, and customers. Vendors found in no parking zones will be asked to move immediately. We kindly as vendors to maximize parking areas to help accommodate as many vehicles as possible.
Vendor Spaces, Set-ups & Tents
Each vendor space is approximately 10x12 and rent for $30 per space (daily rate). Vendors can request to rent multiple spaces. While we always try to accommodate for everyone, during busy markets multiple spaces may not be available. Electrical sites are available, but limited. Generators are not permitted unless approved by the Market Master.
Set-ups are to remain within assigned vendor space. Products and displays shall not impede isles, walkways, or neighboring vendors. Should a vendor occupy more space than what has been agreed upon, additional fees may apply.
Vendors are not permitted to use stakes or tent sides during the market. The Market Master may allow tent sidings in the event of bad weather. Special flags and banner advertisements must be approved by the Market Master, cannot pose any hazards, and may not be permitted on windy days.
Vendors must supply their own tents, tables, displays,foul weather gear. Always bring necessary tents, weights, and table covers to ensure that your setup is secure and protected. The Port Austin Farmers Market is not liable for any damage to vendors merchandise due to weather or otherwise.
Weather Policy
Weather Policy: The Port Austin Farmers Market is a "rain or shine" market. If foul weather is predicted, please be aware of any weather or market updates. Vendors who cancel due to weather will not receive a refund. Vendors who attend market days with the potential for bad weather, come at their own risk with the intention to stay through the entire market.
We recognize that extenuating circumstances may require market cancellation. If very severe weather such as high winds, tornadoes, etc. is predicted, the Market Master will decide if it’s necessary to cancel. In the event of a cancellation, the announced will be made on our public Facebook page and private Facebook Vendor Group.
In extreme weather circumstances, some exceptions to rules may be made at the discretion of the Market Master.
During Market Hours
All vendors are to be set up and open for business by 8:00am. Once set up, vendors are expected to stay through the entire market. Should a vendor break down and pack up during the market, they may not be permitted to return.
Vendors are not to abandon their booth. If you must leave for a short period of time, please ask your neighbor to watch your set up. Should you sell out, vendors are asked to display a “Sold Out” sign. In this instance, you are free to leave your booth and enjoy the market. However, you are to remain set-up until 1:00pm.
Vendors are to keep their booth neat and presentable at all times and are responsible for their own trash. Please avoid using farmers market trash cans if possible, especially on Holiday weekends. All trash must be removed from site before departure.
Breakdown & Departure
Vendors are NOT permitted to pack up products or break down displays before 1:00pm. All vendors are in business until the market has concluded. Many vendors continue to make sales past 1:00pm. Packing up early discourages potential sales for you AND your neighboring vendors.
After 1:00pm: Vendors are permitted to begin breakdown. Please utilize time wisely until barricades are removed. Efficiently prepare for loading vehicles. Remove signs/ banners, pack unsold products, collect trash, and any other activities that give the appearance that you are no longer open for business. We request all vendors to remain attentive to late arriving customers, as you still have an opportunity to showcase your brand and promote your business, even if you are sold out.
Barricades: Barricades are normally lifted at 1:15pm. Under special circumstances, they may be removed early. Barricades may stay in place past 1:15 on busy market days. During Holiday weekends, and special market events, barricades may stay in place until 1:30. Only the Market Master and/or volunteers are permitted to remove barricades. Vehicles are not permitted on market grounds until barricades have been officially lifted by the Market Master.
Loading & Departure: All vendors MUST break down their entire space BEFORE bringing in vehicles for loading. This makes for a smooth departure for all, helping to avoid a vehicle bottleneck, sitting vehicles, and preventing those who are ready to load from leaving promptly. Please always be considerate of your fellow vendors. Always practice caution as there may still be foot traffic wandering around the market space.
Vehicle Awareness
Be aware of pedestrians, vendors, and customers, at all times while on the market grounds and through the Village. Arrival and departure times can be extremely busy with vehicles coming and going. Please be patient and do not get in a rush. This includes through the Village of Port Austin and main roads when coming or going. Vendors are not to block parking lot entrances when unloading/ loading.
Code of Conduct
Vendors are required to adhere to the Port Austin Farmers Market Code of Conduct. Should this code be broken, vendors risk suspension or expulsion from the farmers market.
Conflict, threats, and/or bullying between vendors or customers is strictly prohibited.
Any behavior to negatively affect morale among vendors will not be tolerated.
Appropriate language is to be used at all times during the market.
Vendors will be respectful and pleasant with all other vendors and customers.
Absolutely no heckling of customers.
Negative behaviors towards volunteers will not be tolerated
Should an issue arise, please notify Market Master immediately so the situation can be promptly settled.
Any issue or conflict, should it be with another vendor or the Market directly, shall be resolved at an appropriate time and in a respectful manner. Communication on these matters will be conducted only by contracted vendors and the Market Master.
General Rules
No smoking on market space.
Vendors are responsible for their own trash. Do not throw garbage in trash cans or dumpsters, especially on holiday weekends.
No side walls on tents. The Market Master will choose based on inclement weather and select product safety/ integrity.
No product pushed out of the allotted vendor space to interfere with walkways
The solicitation of customers and/ or collections jars for fundraising is not permitted.
Items with swear words or vulgar content are not permitted. Up to the Market Masters discretion on if acceptable.
The use of flags and banners must be pre-approved by the Market Master.
Pets are NOT allowed in the market during designated market times.
ALL rules will be enforced and may be cause for expulsion from the market. Three strikes, you’re out.