Vendor RESOURCES AND FAQs

We hold a Vendor Interest Meeting every year to cover the basics of vending. The 2024 meeting recording is available here.

How DO I apply to be a Vendor?

Applications were accepted January 6 - February 9, 2025. Next year’s application period will open the first or second week of January 2026.

Outside of the application period, fill out our Vendor Interest Form. This form is NOT an application to the markets. We may invite and accept applications outside the application period depending on space available and product variety.

What do I need to become a vendor?

All vendors need to carry business liability insurance. Liability insurance protects you as well as the market. Minimum coverage amounts are $1,000,000 occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate. We recommend insurance through MFMA, FLIP, Next Insurance, and Thimble.

A certificate of additional insured naming Neighborhood Roots, P.O. Box 19307 Minneapolis, MN 55419 should be emailed to info@neighborhoodrootsmn.org. 

Form ST19 MN Department of Revenue Operator Certificate of Compliance is required for all vendors.

Do I need a permit to sell my goods?

Vendors selling food other than produce will need to obtain a Minneapolis Seasonal Food Permit or Cottage Food Certificate. Which permit you need depends on what products you wish to sell and where you produce them. You do not need the permits or licenses in place to apply. Contact manager@neighborhoodrootsmn.org for help with permitting questions.

Do I need to charge sales tax?

It depends on what products you’re selling. Food (groceries), clothing, and drugs are exempt goods in Minnesota. However, candy, soft drinks, and prepared food (intended for immediate consumption) are non-exempt. This flowchart and this list of exempt and non-exempt foods can help determine what foods are taxable. Cottage Food Producers can check this list of taxable and non-taxable cottage foods. See the Minnesota Sales and Use Tax Business Guide for more detailed information.

What are the Market rules?

Check out our Vendor Handbook. These rules are subject to change annually and vendors are notified of material changes.

HOW Busy are the Markets?

We saw over 36,000 visits to Kingfield Farmers Market and 9,000 visits to Nokomis Farmers Market. On average, over 1,500 shoppers attend each Kingfield market date and over 500 shoppers attend each Nokomis market date. We expect strong attendance at the Southwest Farmers Market but will not have data to share until the end of the debut season. Traffic is weather and timing dependent. Our busiest months are July, August, and September; typically May and October are a bit slower.

The average shopper spends about $20 to $25 per trip to the market, while some amazing customers spend $100+.

Is your question not answered here?

Let’s find you an answer! Email your question to manager@neighborhoodrootsmn.org.