Objective:

The Richmond Farmers Market aims to provide consistency and reliability to our customers while fostering a vibrant marketplace. To achieve this, we expect all season passholders to maintain a high level of attendance throughout the market season. Consistent attendance enables vendors to fully leverage the resources and opportunities provided by the Richmond Farmers Market. From networking with fellow vendors and engaging with customers to accessing promotional avenues, regular participation allows vendors to tap into the full spectrum of benefits offered by our market.

Ultimately, by meeting the attendance threshold, vendors not only contribute to the success of the Richmond Farmers Market but also position themselves to reap the greatest rewards from their participation, both in terms of business growth and community engagement.

Attendance Requirement:

Season Passholder Vendors are required to attend a minimum of 75% of scheduled markets throughout the summer market season to maintain their status as an active season passholder vendor for the following summer season.

If a season pass vendor knows they will be unable to attend the market on a particular day, the vendor should notify the Market Coordinator as soon as possible. This can be done by responding to the "roll call" email, the One Call phone call or text message that is sent weekly to each vendor. If situations arise where you will miss a Market, or if your response to roll calls needs changed, please notify the Market Coordinator at (765) 960-5853.

Calculation of Attendance:

Attendance will be calculated based on the total number of markets scheduled during the market season. Vendors must attend at least 75% of these markets to meet the requirement. For Summer 2024, any absences beyond 7 out of the 26 scheduled Markets will not meet the 75% threshold.

Review Process:

Season Passholder Vendors will be notified once halfway through the season of their attendance by Market Staff, at which time any discrepancies or differences can be reviewed if necessary.

Throughout the season, vendors have the right to request a review of attendance records. Such requests must be submitted in writing to the market coordinator within a specified timeframe. The following is taken into consideration with absences from market:

Planned Absences: Vendors should notify the market management team of any planned absences in advance. Approval of absences is subject to market management discretion.
Emergency Situations: We understand that sometimes situations arise that we cannot plan for. In the case of unforeseen emergencies or circumstances beyond a vendor's control (e.g., extreme weather, illness, family emergencies), vendors are asked to inform market management as soon as possible so that we can make any necessary changes for Market Day.
Make-Up Markets: Vendors are given the opportunity to make up missed Saturday Markets by attending Tuesday Twilight Markets when available.

If a vendor goes beyond 7 missed markets in a season, they will forfeit the ability to obtain a season pass the next year. For example, if you do not meet the 75% threshold for Summer 2024, you cannot obtain a season pass for Summer 2025. You will still be given the opportunity to apply for a daily pass.

Policy Updates:

This attendance policy is subject to periodic review and updates by the market management team. Any changes will be communicated to vendors in a timely manner.

Date of Implementation:

This attendance policy will be effective from May 4, 2024 - October 26th, 2024.

By participating as a season pass vendor in the Richmond Farmers Market, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to comply with the attendance policy outlined above.