Feb 12 2009
Farmer’s Market Vendor Insurance
I love farmer’s markets. Whether I’m selling merchandise or just enjoying shopping there, it makes for a festive atmosphere. If you’ve never been to one, even to look around, you may be missing out. Each one has a different atmosphere- many of the people working there have been friends for a long time. The vendors look out for each other, sometimes sell for each other and swap lots of stories to pass the time.
I recently received my Farmers’ Market Federation of New York Farmer/Vendor Membership application and insurance form. I knew the membership always costs $25, but honestly, I wasn’t prepared for the insurance cost. Just to let everyone know, yes, insurance is mandatory at these markets- at least in NY. The insurance- vendor liability- is now going for $357. Yikes! Talk about eating up the profits. I’m tempted to just sell at the roadside this coming year on my own property, or get together with someone near the local highway to save money.
I’m not stupid; I understand why the insurance is needed. What I don’t get is what a bunch of farmers on a Wednesday afternoon could possibly do to the village square that would cost this amount of money (just a guesstimate- 20 farmers x $357 = $7,140). Heck, half of these farmers are selling melons, squash and one just sells quilts, soaps and candles. For $7,140 we could open a produce shop on the square year ’round….
Now there’s an idea!
