Greensboro Farmers Market Vendor Information & Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market! As an approved GFM Vendor you are a part of our community. The following information pertains to vending at the Market:

How can we let management know of attendance plans or table requests?

Please email or call by Thursday, 12 noon for Saturday Market, or Tuesday, 12 noon for Wednesday Market.

You can call and leave a message (and your return phone number if you like): 336-373-2402 or email us at  MarketopsGfm@gmail.com

We understand that LIFE HAPPENS, if you have an emergency, illness, weather challenges etc. Please email or call with updates so that the market ops team knows you will be out and can communicate with the customers and community.

What should I do if I have a personal situation or specific question related to my business?

To set up an in-person meeting or a phone meeting, email marketopsgfm@gmail.com or call the GFM office at 336-373-2402 (leave a message with the best phone number to reach you).

GFM’s office is open by appointment only Tuesday-Friday. The office is closed on Saturdays (see us at the Market Info Hub 7:30am-Noon), Sundays & Mondays.

We also invite you to check out more Frequently Asked Questions on this page as well as the links to the “Display Style Guide”, “Rates & Fees”, “Request to Add products” and “Vendor Guidelines”  links to the right for your immediate information. 

What are the Market operation hours?

The Market is open to the public Saturdays year-round 7:30am -12pm; Wednesday Mid- Week Market is open seasonally April thru October 8am-12pm

GFM may offer additional Markets, models and equipment for additional dates and fees.

In the case of inclement weather, updates will be posted on the Market Facebook and by email to vendors. Safety is of the most importance and vendors should use caution and discretion for safe travels during adverse weather.

When can Vendors load-in?

Winter Market –
October to March, 6:30-7:30 am; Market opens at 8:00 am.
Vendors are expected to be set-up by 7:45 am

Peak Season Market –
April to September 6:00-7:00, Market opens at 7:30 am
Vendors are expected to be set-up by 7:15 am

Mid Week Wednesday Market Load In –

6:50am-7:50; ready to sell by 8am

Vendor Load-In : Fridays 12pm-2pm

What are the fees to be a Vendor?

GFM Rates and Fees can be found here. Additional funds to reduce vendor table fees and provide programming and five food security programs is raised through sponsorships, grants, individual donations, special events and ongoing fundraiser efforts.

GFM is proud to support the City of Greensboro and citizens with access to fresh, local food year-round, as well as five vibrant food security programs that address food poverty in our community.

How long do I have to clean up after Market?

Vendors have 30 minutes on Saturdays, November – March and up to 60 minutes April – October, and 30 minutes on Wednesdays following market closing to remove product & trash, clean booths, and return carts. Vendors are responsible for removing their own trash from the Market. If you need more time let management know.

Vendor Use of Market Tables:

Vendors are provided the use of the Market table and shelf below for Saturday indoor markets. Interior market tables are 3 deep’ x 5’ wide; and in case of two tables, the dimensions are 3’ deep x 10’ wide. In the case of outdoor markets, there will be a limited number of folding tables available to loan vendors. Aisles to front and side of tables must be kept clear and vendors shall sell from behind their tables.

What are storage options for the market?

Storage of display materials in between market days is provided subject to availability. GFM is not responsible for any loss or damage to items left on site. Vendors are not encouraged to leave personal belongings, display materials, products or otherwise, as the Market is a multi-use facility. Approved storage is assigned to designated closets. All materials placed in closets must be labeled with the business name and stored neatly in plastic tubs in designated space(s). Please check with GFM Management about placements. Paper goods and cardboard boxes on site must be placed within sealed, plastic bags/containers for pest control measures. Vendor products must be stored off the market floor and aisles to allow for sanitizing and cleaning.

What’s the difference between an Annual Vendor and a Daily Vendor?

Annual Vendors are vendors who have tables pre-approved and assigned to a designated table for an entire one-year period when the Market is open at 501 Yanceyville Street. Annual status for Vendors is assigned in December for the following year by GFM. Currently, the Market maintains a wait-list of interest for Annual vendor status and reviews annually based upon priority to farm producers. Vendors with Annual status will be assigned tables by Management for the Vendor’s use for the entire year. Returning Annual Vendor table locations are not transferable and locations are not guaranteed.

Daily Vendors are vendors who are approved to sell and have tables approved and assigned for one market-day at a time. Please note: Daily Vendor space is not guaranteed and your location may change week to week. Priority tabling is designated for farmers, followed by food artisans and then craft artisans. Accordingly, Daily Vendors must make a table request and receive confirmation of a table in order to vend at the Market. Daily Vendors, please see “Daily Tabling Procedures” for more information on requesting a vending space.

May I rent additional table space?

Yes, additional tables may be available with priority provided to farmers, followed by food artisans and crafters. Additional table requests must be submitted to management by noon on the Thursday preceding Saturday Market and Management will advise vendors if a table is available. Payment for additional table space is due at check-in at the information desk. Additional table fees are as outline in “GFM Rates and Fees.” Payment is expected in cash, check pre-written to “GFM, Inc.” or via PayPal or credit card with convenience fees for annual payment or daily payment as per GFM Guidelines and “Daily Tabling Procedures” for daily vendors.

How can we let management know of product arrivals and announcements?

To share news of produce/product arrivals or special (approved) offerings, the deadline is Wednesday at noon. For example: the first day of strawberries or tomatoes. Earlier notification is better. Feel free to include photos, etc. GFM reserves the right to edit copy, etc. 
Email: HelloCurbMarket@gmail.com 

Where can I send my table rent, certifications etc.?

Drop off at Information Hub during Market hours or mail: GFM, Inc., PO Box 2617, Greensboro, NC 27402.

How can I help my business and the market grow?

Participate! Read and respond to our monthly updates, submit your new product news to be included in communications, participate in social media by tagging us, join in event efforts, and provide feedback to market management and Vendor Advisory Chair.

• Read and Follow the Vendor Guidelines and Vendor Agreement. Be certain to advise all representatives, staff/families to do so as well.
• Represent products in an honest manner at all times, both in written form on signs and in oral form during conversation.
• Conduct yourself in a courteous and professional manner.
• Treat all customers, market team members, and fellow vendors with respect at all times.
• No loud or aggressive promotion is permitted.
• Vendors are required to follow the guidelines as agreed to with vendor agreements.
• Grow or produce all you offer for sale.
• Communicate well in advance with management about storage and table requests. Market may provide additional space at stock coolers and shelving for CSA bags for a nominal fee.
• Vendors are provided use of the table and the shelf below.
• The only items allowed to be left on tables between markets are risers; however, in the case of events (e.g. MADE 4 the Market or Plant Shows), all items must be removed.

How can I find out about special events?

Email: Gfmarketevents@gmail.com

How can I add items to my approved application?

All items must be approved on vendor applications. Requests to add new items are submitted in writing. For category jumps, ( ex. farm to prepared food), an application fee and application are required and typically reviewed at the quarterly VAC meeting. Additional Item Request form to add on items at no cost within a category is available to download online. Navigate to the Vendor Section at GSOFarmersMarket.org

Where is designated vendor parking?

In order to allow all vendors time and access to unload, Vendors can unload adjacent to the building during load-in hours and for no more than 15 minutes. Vehicles must be moved to the designated Vendor parking areas.

Vendor parking is designated and all vendors and vendor staff are required to park in vendor reserved parking in order to maintain parking for our customers. There are 3 parking lots for vendors and staff parking:

–Homeland Street gravel lot at the corner of Homeland and Yanceyville Street (across the street from the Market-adjacent parking lot).
– In the War Memorial Stadium side lot adjacent to Lindsay Street- not in front of the stadium/on Yanceyville Street.
– In the lot at the A&T Research Station lot at the corner of Lindsay and Beech Street.

Vendors may apply for a “Special Needs Vendor Reserve Parking Space” by completing a request form available online at GSOFarmersMarket.org or by request at the Information Hub during Market hours.

What Vendor Licenses/Certificates do I need?

All prepared food items, meat, fish, and cheese sold must meet state and local health regulations including the inspection of the prepared food seller’s kitchen by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture health inspectors and labeling in compliance with regulations. Sellers of meat and fish must have valid licenses and provide proof of licenses. The NC Department of Revenue requires Prepared food and artisan vendors are required to register for a “sales and use tax” certificate. Unprepared foods (such as meat and produce) are exempt from this requirement. There is no fee associated with this requirement and you can register online by going to the following website: http://www.dornc.com/electronic/registration/index.html. If you have any questions regarding this please contact the DOR at 1-877-308-9103.

What do I need to do for table inspections?

Table should always be ready for routine inspection at any time during any market, from opening to close. Table inspections will be conducted at least once a season and include verification of proper certification and paperwork in addition to the requirements needed for a satisfactory table inspection as found in the guidelines (name of business and location posted, all products listed on application, pricing for all products).

During COVID-19 and flu season, vendors are responsible for having hand sanitizer, disinfecting supplies (e.g. wipes, towels, spray) and their own trash bags and containers for sampling disposal.

I’d like to make a special display, banner or other type – what is the process?

Signage can be important part of a vendor’s display. Professional signage or homegrown unique signage is welcome. Displays should not be permanently attached to tables, walls or otherwise. Displays should be reviewed with market management prior to design/purchase, etc. All displays must not impede sightlines across the market. See “Display Guidelines”. Plan accordingly.

What are the GFM Vendor Guidelines?

Greensboro Farmers Market (GFM) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit corporation under contract with the City of Greensboro to manage and operate the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market. GFM is committed to operating the Market with integrity and transparency, promoting the success of our vendors, upholding Market standards, and ensuring an optimal shopping experience for customers. GFM is also committed to complying with applicable legal requirements, including food safety regulations, nondiscrimination and accessibility requirements and adherence to local health department guidance. Vendor Guidelines help GFM meet these commitments by defining Market rules and detailing what Vendors must do to sell at the Market. Vendors are required to agree in writing that they have read, understand, and will comply with Vendor Guidelines. These Vendor Guidelines are updated annually.

What is the Vendor Agreement?

Vendors are expected to comply with all Vendor Guidelines in the spirit of creating a collaborative community space for all who choose to vend, shop, or explore the Market. Vendors are required to agree in writing that they have read, understand, and will comply with Vendor Guidelines as such all vendors must submit a signed copy the Vendor Agreement Form with applications.