Farmers markets are a terrific place for locals to find fresh fruit and vegetables at reasonable prices. They also give farmers the chance to earn extra money, while advertising their services.

The first step a farmer needs to take is to make contact with his or her local market and find out how the details of selling work. Sometimes a market will have an ad in a local paper but a sure way to gain the needed information is to contact the market by calling or stopping by. Other people showing can often supply a phone number or contact information.

The Department of Agriculture also has a web presence that will give information on local market areas. This site is uaually a great place to find out about laws, rules and guides for developing a market in a region. They often have a list of markets that will accept new vendors and their products.

Showing and selling at a market does have a fee associated with it and this fee can vary from area to area and each market is different. Some markets supply the basic essentials such as tents, poles for banners, tables, and chairs. Electricity and water are other valuable things to have at a space depending on what is being sold and displayed. Others simply rent out the space. Typically the more things that are supplied by the market the more they will charge for renting the space. Some markets charge by the day, others by the week, month or even season. Always check out the details to be well informed. Insurance is often needed so the owner of the market will not be liable.

Legitimate farmers markets follow their local regulatory agency requirements regarding licensing, health and cleanliness, food labeling and eligibility. Vendors should receive this information from the market organizers or can visit the Department of Agriculture website for information.

Farmers are responsible for providing safe and properly labeled food, whether or not the market provides them with the rules and regulations. Farmers who grow their produce themselves usually do not need a license, but if a farmer buys any produce from another source to resell at the market, a license is required.

Although some farmers markets provide tax information to their vendors, many markets leave tax issues up to the vendors. Vendors should always keep professional sales tax records as well as accurate records of their crops production history, produce sales, and business related expenses. Farmers who sell their goods should check with their state and federal departments of revenue for tax information. Unless you have a solid understanding of tax issues such as sales tax and income tax, you should hire an expert to help you manage the financial aspect of your farming business.

Signs are helpful to be successful at a farmers market. People often wander around and look and a sign will help them remember the name of the place they want to come back to. They can also refer people when they know the name of the vendor. Vendors need to also have supplies such as a place for money, pricing information and bags to sell their product in. Never overlook transportation either. Getting product to market is important and large quantities often require a great deal of space to move to market.

A good looking display helps get a space noticed. Vendor displays can compete with each other so having good details in place to catch a customers eye help. Good signs, use of color, and clever displays will help sales soar.