Current Market Policies

Rules and Regulations

Tampa Bay Markets has created a comprehensive handbook that clearly outlines all of the rules, regulations, and other important information for vendors at our markets.  Vendors are expected to abide by all of the rules set forth in this handbook at all times.

Download our complete 2011 Vendor Handbook

As a vendor of Tampa Bay Markets, it is important to read and understand the entire Vendor Handbook.

Current Market Fees & Payment Information

Below is a basic rental fee for most Fresh Markets currently in session.  They are subject to change at any time.

Standard Rental Fee:

$35.00 per 10×10 space per event.

Grower Rate:

$25.00 per 10×10 space per event (This fee is given only to those vendors who have agricultural or plant products that, they themselves grow).

All vendors are required to pre-pay their booth reservation by one week prior to the specific market date by Mail or Internet. If payment is not received from a Vendor by that day the space for that vendor is forfeited for that market day.

Vendor Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be received by written notice and within two weeks of that day missing.  All emergency cancellations concerning health, family or travel must be made via phone to the Market Manager.  This phone number is available to all accepted Vendors.

If a Vendor does not allow for 2 weeks before a cancellation he/she must pay for that day missed in order to maintain their space as a Vendor.  *This is very important because in order for the Fresh Market to survive it must pay its bills.  We will not keep Vendors in any Fresh Market that they are not willing to pay on time for.

Once a Vendor is accepted to this Market we have full intent on creating a responsible communicative relationship with them.  If a Vendor rents space on their first day or at some point in the season and they decide that this Market is not the best option for their products to be sold and they decide to withdraw for this or any other reason, they must send all notices via email containing a reason for their withdrawal.

*Keep in mind that in order for us to make the adjustments needed for this Market, we need the best communication from our Vendors.

**Also- Keep in mind that due various things such as our economy, weather, the market day and a vendor’s sales approach may affect sales and a Vendor may have slow days at the Market.  It’s our advice to try the Market at least for 4 weeks before any decision to withdraw.  We advise this because customers coming to the Market may not be expecting that Vendor to be there and/or may not have planned to purchase that product at that time.  Location and Display at the Market also contribute to success.  All things can be adjusted and the Vendor may sell better as time moves forward.

Rain or Bad Weather Policy

Each Market, depending on its location and the day it is held may or may not offer a rain date option.

If the Market does offer a rain date option then the Market will close due to rain if the weather report predicts 50% or more during the hours of 11am – 1pm the day of the Market.

All cancellation notices are sent out as early as possible and they are sent out via email.  In the case that the Market closes and there is a rain day option, a vendor will be credited for the rescheduled market event.

If a vendor is not available to rent space on the rescheduled day he/she will not be credited and the forfeited fee will support the operational costs for that particular market.

If there is no rain date option for a specific market then the market will operate Rain or Shine.  If inclement weather is forecast, vendors must then make the best decision as to whether they should attend the market for that day.  If a vendor decides not to attend the market due to inclement weather the vendor fee will not be credited to future market dates or any other market.

As a Vendor you are responsible for keeping track of the weather reports and for reading your emails.