After residents have expressed concerns and raised questions regarding the fee structure for Emporia Farmers Market vendors, Market Manager Trisha Fullerton took time to explain both the structure and the benefits it brings.
Specifically, Fullerton responded to some residents who have stated their weariness of attending markets due to the vendors’ participation coming at a cost to said vendors. According to Fullerton, there are two fees paid by vendors, the first being a $25 vendor fee to set up at the market throughout the year.
She stressed this fee is only paid once per year and covers both the indoor and outdoor seasons, which averages around 55 markets per year. The other fee of note is a 6.5 percent commission fee paid at the end of markets each week.
Fullerton says this fee helps to cover a range of expenses for the market, namely operational and staffing costs.
Fullerton adds that the commission is based solely on sales, meaning vendors don’t owe anything if they don’t sell anything.
As for the benefits to vendors, Fullerton says one of the expenses the fees help to cover is equipment that allows vendors to accept SNAP and other food assistance payment methods from shoppers.
Additionally, being a part of the farmers market is a great networking resource, with Fullerton saying that, whether they sell all of their offerings or not, each market is an opportunity to gain more notoriety and grow awareness of their respective businesses.
For more information on the Emporia Farmers Market and how to become involved, be sure to find the market on Facebook or call (620) 343-6555.
