Step 1: Find out if you qualify
Tacoma Farmers Market is a farm, food, and craft market place. We showcase locally-grown fruits, vegetables, and locally-sourced value added products. We also have artisan quality crafts and local hot food vendors. We accept farmers, food processors, hot food vendors, and craft vendors at all of our markets. We prioritize vendors that use locally sourced foods and materials.
The following will NOT be accepted at our markets:
- Commercial or imported items
- Second hand items (exception: those vendors who take a second had item and recycle that item into a new use)
- Franchises
- Non-owner operated businesses
- Out-of-State processed items
- Overly processed and/or fried foods
- Nationally distributed packaged foods
- Energy Drinks
- Cannabis and CBD products
- Live Animals
Step 2: Learn about market rules and regulations
How much does it cost to have a booth at Tacoma Farmers Market? What licenses and permits are required? What are “market tokens”? What equipment is needed to set up a booth?
As a prospective vendor, we are sure you have many questions. To help guide you, we have created a comprehensive handbook that clearly outlines all of our rules, regulations, and other important information you should know about becoming a vendor at Tacoma Farmers Market. Download our TFM Market Rules and Guidelines 2024 before applying to Tacoma Farmers Market, it is essential to read and understand them.
Step 3: Submit Vendor Application
Now that you have been introduced to our organization, we would like to learn more about you and your business. We will begin accepting applications on March 1st. During the months of March and April TFM accepts applications from all qualifying vendors through our online vendor application system.
Your application will help us determine whether your business is a match for our markets. All prospective vendors must create an account and pay the application fee to be considered. Application fees are non-refundable.
After you submit the application, we will review it and decide if your business is a potential fit for our markets. Our application process is active March through May of each year and vendors are selected the first week of April for the current season. If you apply after March 31, the application fee for the Broadway market increases from $35 to $50.
Step 4: Application review and status notification
Tacoma Farmers Market is committed to creating a diverse marketplace with the highest quality, locally produced products available. Although Tacoma Farmers Market reserves unconditional discretion to accept or refuse anyone as a market vendor, the selection process is quite rigorous and takes into consideration many factors, including product quality, sourcing, growing practices, presentation, safety, compliance, customer service, and the right product mix to ensure a successful market.
- One month prior to the close of the application period, TFM will review all applications and contact prospective vendors.
- All Processors, Prepared Food Vendors and Artisans/Craft Vendors must go through a product jury process before final acceptance. (If you are invited to participate in the product jury, details will be provided to you.)
- All farmers, growers, ranchers and fishers must go through a phone interview or site visit before final acceptance.
Step 5: Attend New vendor Orientation
**All vendors are strongly encouraged to attend a vendor orientation before the start of market season, new vendors are required to attend. You will receive adequate advance notice about the time, date and location of this orientation meeting. During the meeting, vendors will meet Tacoma Farmers Market staff members, review the rules and regulations provided in the Market Guidelines and have the opportunity to ask questions and meet fellow members of their new market community.