Vendor Resources

Whether you are new to direct sales and looking for information on permits, or you’re just looking for more details on our specific policies, NFM is here to help. In addition to the resources on this page, new vendors accepted to our markets are given an orientation to our food access currencies, our day-of logistics, and help with an initial marketing boost to build a customer base within our markets. Note: If you are a prospective vendor, be sure to read our info page for interested vendors first.

Here is a cheat sheet of how to be prepared for market day, which may be especially useful for training new employees. All vendors and their staff must also read our Vendor Handbook  and manager handouts, be prepared with the right equipment and signage, and have a good understanding of our programs and procedures prior to selling in our markets.  Our market currency guide can be found here.  

Before your first day of sales, your Market Manager will contact you to review market-specific information regarding loading area, timing, your booth space, etc.

 
 

NFM Equipment Lending Library

NFM’s Equipment Lending Library is available for vendor use and consists of standard required market equipment (tents + weights, tables, scales), merchandising equipment, and technical devices for processing in-market sales. For specific equipment availability, please submit the Equipment Reservation Request Form. Both new and current vendors may borrow equipment from the library. Priority will be given to new vendors and to current vendors who are expanding to additional NFM markets or expanding booth size within a market.

Resources for Farmers and Food Vendors

General:

Permits and Licenses for Farmers and Food Vendors:

Resources for Start-up Food Businesses:

  • City of Seattle Office of Economic Development - Small Business Support and Resources for Food Businesses.  "This guide clarifies the city, county, state, and federal requirements you'll face as you prepare for your first customers."  Also visit the Frequently Asked Questions page.

  • Farm King County also has a good info page for farm and food business requirements (scroll down for food business info).

  • Ventures: Information and Resources for start-up food businesses.  La información del Ventures en español está aquí, y también sobre la cocina comercial.

  • 21 Acres: Commercial kitchen rental for farmers to value-add.  21 Acres is a nonprofit agricultural and environmental learning center and living laboratory for green and sustainable building design. They focus on a whole system approach to solving issues around food availability, small-scale food economies, environmental preservation, and sustainability.

  • Street Food Vending in Seattle - info sheet and checklist

  • The Kitchen Door lists available shared use and commercial kitchens to rent.  One north end option: The North Seattle Commissary Kitchen is a well-equipped facility in the Maple Leaf/Lake City area, they can be contacted at nscommissary@gmail.com for details and pricing.  

  • The Governor’s Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance (ORIA) has a call center, consultants, and online resources that answer questions like: “How do I start a business in Washington” or “If I’m hiring employees for the first time, what do I have to do?” or "Is workers' comp required for business owners?” or “What permits and licenses do I need?”  Visit the website for more info, including the Small Business Guide, the Regulatory Handbook and the Project Questionnaire. 

  • Farmers Markets draft COVID-19 plan, and training document.  Recommended glove use guidelines for vendors.

Associations and Networks:

Marketing and Display Resources:

Federal Benefits Programs:

 

Note: the internet is a wealth of information - use it to search on any topic you can think of ("how to sell at a farmers market" or "how to set up an attractive farm stall booth" or...).  As always, though, make sure you are in compliance with our rules and regulations.