Become a Vendor - New Design | Cary Downtown Farmers Market

BECOME A VENDOR

How To Become A Vendor – Please Read Before Applying

So you are interested in becoming a vendor at our market? Awesome! Thanks for thinking of us. Before you apply or write us, please look over the following to make sure you qualify.

Requirements:

  • All vendors must grow or make the items they sell within 100 miles of our market. We do not allow resale at our market.
  • All vendors must have proof of their Sales Tax ID number or Qualifying Farmer Exception.
  • All vendors selling prepared food must have proof of a kitchen approved by the NC Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services. If you are selling shelf stable salsas, sauces, pickles, specific jams/preserves (low acid fruits like peppers, tropical fruits, and elderberries), or acidified foods, you will also need proof of laboratory testing as required by the Dept. of Agriculture. If you need to learn more about this, you can do so on the State’s website here.
  • We do not accept food trucks or allow generators at our market.

The Process of Applying:

  • First and foremost, check below to make sure we are accepting applications for the season.
  • If we are accepting applications, read all the information listed about the season and apply below. Please note that Guest vendors are required to request the dates in which they would like to participate.
  • Once applications are received, they are given to our Vendor Approval Committee to review. If submitted during our open enrollment period, all applications will all be held until the deadline and reviewed together the following week.
  • The Vendor Committee makes their decision based on market needs,  available space, current vendor lineup, & demand for specific items by our of customers. We do not accept everyone and work very hard to create a market that provides quality products to our dedicated customers. We want every single one of our vendors to thrive and that is achieved through thoughtful curation.
  • If you are a farm, a farm inspection may be scheduled by our market manager and farm inspector from our board.
  • Once a decision is made, you will be notified by the market manager and work with them (if accepted) to solidify dates and make payment.

2024 Traditional Season 

April 2024-October 2024

WE ARE ONLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR OUR 2024 TRADITIONAL SEASON FROM RETURNING VENDORS OR THOSE INVITED TO APPLY DIRECTLY BY THE MARKET MANAGER.  IF YOU ARE NOT IN ONE OF THESE CATEGORIES, PLEASE DO NOT APPLY AS YOU WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

2024 Traditional Season Vendor Pricing/Packages:

  • Traditional Season runs from April to October 2023.
  • ALL vendors, including Full Time, Guest, and Seasonal have to apply and pay the non-refundable application fee.  $35 Application Fee for New Vendors; $25 Application Fee for Current Vendors.  This is required regardless of approval/acceptance into Market.  This fee covers administration and operations of paperwork and document review.
  • Full Time (FT) Vendors Package Requirements:
    • Must commit to 26 weeks (out of 29 weeks). Once vendors attend 26 markets, any remaining markets are free.
    • Pay Package Price in full $520 ($20 per Market).
    • Pay $50 Membership Fee.
  • Guest Vendors – $30 per week of participation.
  • Seasonal Produce Vendors will follow the same pricing structure as Full Time Vendors, however specific payment package must be discussed ahead of time with the Market Manager.
  • September 23rd is our Farmers Fall Festival and not included in the Traditional Season. It has a separate application process and current vendors are given priority.
  • Our Market Rules is a living/dynamic document, which is continually edited and updated.  Please review before you apply.  Any revisions will be highlighted and communicated immediately.

Questions?  Email Brett Pinsent, Market Manager

brett@caryfarmersmarket.org

2023-24 WINTER MARKET

(November 2023 thru March 2024)  

THE OPEN APPLICATION PERIOD FOR OUR 2023 WINTER SEASON HAS ENDED. HOWEVER, IF YOU ARE IN ONE OF THE CATEGORIES LISTED BELOW, PLEASE REACH OUT TO OUR MARKET MANAGER AT BRETT@CARYFARMERSMARKET.ORG AND HE CAN DISCUSS POTENTIAL GUEST SPOTS OR FUTURE SEASONS. DO NOT APPLY BEFORE CONTACTING THE MARKET MANAGER. APPLICATION FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.  

-FRUIT AND VEGETABLE FARMERS 

-HONEY  

-LOCALLY MADE FOOD PRODUCTS (WE DO NOT ACCEPT FOOD TRUCKS)

*WE ARE NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING ANY NEW CRAFT, CANDLE, OR SOAP/BEAUTY VENDORS  

The WINTER market operates:  

  • Every Saturday, November 4th– March 30th  
  • Total of 20 Saturday Markets – No Market 11/25, & 12/30  
  • Hours:  9 am-Noon; Pending Inclement Weather  
  • Full Time – must commit to 16 of the 20 Saturdays (if you attend 16, the last 4 are free)– $240 ($15 per Market)  
  • Guest Weekly Rate – $25  
  • New Vendor Application Fee – $15  
  • Pay full season package or weekly rates via website Paypal  
  • Internal Marketing to include intermittent social media posts, weekly Newsletter, and general information via CDFM Website  
  • External Marketing to include Town of Cary Weekend Update  

Our Market Rules is a living/dynamic document, which is continually edited and updated.  Please review before you apply.  Any revisions will be highlighted and communicated immediately.  

Once your application is received, our Board will review and notify you of your acceptance status.  Please allow 7-10 days after the application deadline for the approval process.  

Have questions?  Email Brett, the Market Manager, before applying and he will be happy to help you.  

brett@caryfarmersmarket.org 

Open Saturdays at our NEW LOCATION next to the Downtown Cary Park (160 E. Park St. Cary, NC) | Winter Season Nov-March: 9a.m. - Noon | Traditional Season April-October: 8a.m. - Noon | Check our Social Media or Newsletter for Weather or Holiday Closures
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