General Information for Vendors

Artisan Farmers Market’s Society has been in operation since 2002. We offer three locations for our markets from May to October. We strive to support local farmers and artisans who make, bake, grow, fish or forage with hopes that we encourage people in our community to shop local so we call all support economic growth and environmental sustainability in our community.

Market Locations

Burnaby – market is located on the North Parking lot of Burnaby City Hall at 4949 Canada Way. The Market runs on Saturdays with a start time of 10am and ending at 2pm

Lonsdale North Vancouver – market is located on the East plaza of Lonsdale Quay and shops at 123 Carrie Cates Court at the foot of Lonsdale Ave North. Start time for this market is 10am and ends at 3pm. There are spots outside and inside at this location on Saturdays.

Ambleside West Vancouver – market is held in Ambleside Park, overlooking the water on Sundays. Address is 1000 Argyle Ave at the foot of 13th Street. Start time is 10am and ends at 3pm.

Before you Apply to become a vendor:

Think about what you are selling. Is it a BC product, local, made or grown by the applicant? We do not accept franchise’s even if the product is made locally.

Do you have everything you need before you apply to the market.

1. Do you have insurance? The market carries a limited policy, each vendor must also have their own insurance. Here is what you need to consider: 1. Those only going to farmers markets. can get a simple product offered through the Vancouver Farmers Market that is cheap (less than $200 in most cases) and takes care of all their needs at the farmers markets. http://www.bcfarmersmarket.org/vendors/vendor-insurance-program One thing to consider is that it goes from Feb-Feb so if you purchase the insurance in June, then it will expire the next Feb. 2. If you are doing anything other than farmers markets then you will need another type of product and that is when you should contact one of our own market vendors for further advise. brent@brokerbc.ca or 604-973-0244

The Soap and Cosmetics Association of Canada, The Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetic Guild and the Canadian Guild of Soapmakers, Chandlers & Cosmetic Crafters offer insurance to Canadian members as the BCAFM’s vendor insurance does not cover at-home soap making.

These links are from https://www.creationsfromeden.com/resources/frequently_asked_questions/i_want_to_start_a_cosmetic_making_business_in_canada…_what_do_i_need_to_do

You can contact The Co- operators orest_kocherkewych@cooperators.ca for insurance needs as well they handle lots of BC Farmers Markets needs.

2. If you are selling food items, have you contacted the Department of Health for assessment of your product, testing if it is needed and permits to sample.

Burnaby contact – Eric.Decastro@fraserhealth.ca

Lonsdale and Ambleside contact – Vancouver Coastal Health Corporate Office

601 West Broadway, 11th floor

Vancouver, BC

V5Z 4C2

(604) 736-2033 – Open Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

1 (866) 884-0888 – Toll-free if you live outside the Lower Mainland

You will be required to have Food Safe if you are selling prepared foods, as well if you are giving samples you will require a permit from the health inspector. All permits must be on display at your stall at each market.

Do you have the tools you need to set up a stall at the markets?

1. You must have a tent or similar covering. If you are dealing with food this is a requirement of the health regions. There are several places to purchase these. Impact Canopies deals with many farmers markets and vendors, but you can usually get a fairly good tent at the following places: Costco, Canadian Tire, Walmart

2. Do you have tables and a chair? You will need your own tables to set up your stall and display and it can be a long day so bring a chair, the market only supplies chairs for our customers.

3. Signage – do you have proper signage telling customers who you are, where you are from, what your prices are.

4. If you are a food vendor or giving samples, you must have a wash station. This includes something to hold water in, many vendors will use a big blue camping jug with a spout, you need a basin to catch the water, paper towels, spray bottle with bleach, hand sanitizer and hand soap. Rubber gloves are helpful if you are sampling and samples should be given in individual little cups. If you are sampling, you must also have a garbage receptacle in plain view for the customers.

5. Tent weights – in the case of windy weather you as a vendor are required to have 40 pounds minimum of weight to hold your tent down should the wind come up. The best weights would be at each corner. Weights may not be on the ground where customers could trip on them.

6. Signing up to become a vendor – please read the terms of AFMS with vendors. It covers prices cancellation policy, changing dates etc. The market mangers and the board are always available to help answer any questions. Please pick your dates carefully. Note that Burnaby and Lonsdale are on the same day of the week, many times vendors will click both and unless you have staff to cover another location you may not be up for the challenge of being in two places on the same day. Once you have applied, your application will be reviewed and answered within 48 hours.

If you have any questions before signing up please do not hesitate to contact us.

Proceed to form and Wecome to our Markets!