Thanks for your interest in in the farmers markets run by Milk Lady Markets. We manage the Cabin John, Derwood, and Shady Grove markets.
Take a look at our Farmers Market Rules and 2023 Market Meeting Video below and see if we are a match. If you are still interested, please proceed to the application form below. You are responsible for reading and understanding these rules and supplying all required documents with your application. Incomplete applications will not be processed. All fees are non-refundable.
Take a look at our Farmers Market Rules and 2023 Market Meeting Video below and see if we are a match. If you are still interested, please proceed to the application form below. You are responsible for reading and understanding these rules and supplying all required documents with your application. Incomplete applications will not be processed. All fees are non-refundable.
Sampling of Edibles We allow vendors to give samples. This is possible with these two simple rules: a. Pre-packaged Samples Only -- unless you have a MoCo sampling permit. b. Contactless Samples: never pass a sample by hand to a customer. Allow them to pick up the sample from your table or counter. |
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP
Fees
The annual application fee is $100 for all vendors. You may apply to any of our markets within the same application. This is an administrative fee. Space fees are the rent you pay each day you are scheduled at the market. Space fees are listed on the fee chart below.
When you complete the online application, you can choose your attendance dates. All monthly market fees are payable in cash at the market on or before the 24th of each month.
All vendors selling prepared foods are required to have current Food Handling Certification and liability insurance -- details below.
Vendor Application Process Overview:
1. Your application submission constitutes agreement that you have read and agree to the Market Rules here.
2. Complete a single vendor application and select each market you wish to attend.
3. SERIOUS APPLICANTS ONLY: After submitting your application, you will receive an online invoice for the application fee, and the first monthly period. Future month's fees are due on or before the 24th of each month for the following month. Alternating vendors who attend sporadically prepay for the entire season. All fees are non-refundable. Your space fees are based on your selected attendance plan. We no longer accept checks.
4. Upload electronic copies of all relevant proofs of insurance, licenses, and permits as described below.
5. You will be notified of acceptance and invoiced within 14 days of completing an application.
6. After reading the full information provided here, if you still have questions, send an email to MilkLadyMarkets@gmail.com or call 301-792-9448
Fees
The annual application fee is $100 for all vendors. You may apply to any of our markets within the same application. This is an administrative fee. Space fees are the rent you pay each day you are scheduled at the market. Space fees are listed on the fee chart below.
When you complete the online application, you can choose your attendance dates. All monthly market fees are payable in cash at the market on or before the 24th of each month.
All vendors selling prepared foods are required to have current Food Handling Certification and liability insurance -- details below.
Vendor Application Process Overview:
1. Your application submission constitutes agreement that you have read and agree to the Market Rules here.
2. Complete a single vendor application and select each market you wish to attend.
- Cabin John Farmers Market - Sundays, 9 am- 1 pm; May 7 to November 19.
- Derwood Farmers Market – Saturdays, 9 am - 1 pm; April 15 to September 2.
- Shady Grove Farmers Market - Wednesdays, 11 am - 2 pm; May 17 to October 25.
3. SERIOUS APPLICANTS ONLY: After submitting your application, you will receive an online invoice for the application fee, and the first monthly period. Future month's fees are due on or before the 24th of each month for the following month. Alternating vendors who attend sporadically prepay for the entire season. All fees are non-refundable. Your space fees are based on your selected attendance plan. We no longer accept checks.
4. Upload electronic copies of all relevant proofs of insurance, licenses, and permits as described below.
5. You will be notified of acceptance and invoiced within 14 days of completing an application.
6. After reading the full information provided here, if you still have questions, send an email to MilkLadyMarkets@gmail.com or call 301-792-9448
Vendors Are Required to Report Sales
We collect each Market-day Sales Information from each vendor. This allows us to know the value of our markets. If you cannot fulfill the sales reporting requirement at this time, you can return next season to apply. We do not share your individual sales information with any person or any agency.
We collect each Market-day Sales Information from each vendor. This allows us to know the value of our markets. If you cannot fulfill the sales reporting requirement at this time, you can return next season to apply. We do not share your individual sales information with any person or any agency.
Tent And Equipment
1. You bring all of your equipment, including a canopy tent. A canopy is required for all vendors. Only 10 X 10' tents are allowed. 12'x 12' or larger tents are not acceptable without written permission. You can see some vendor-recommended tents at EuroMax here:
http://www.eurmax.com/basic-10x10-canopy-tent.html
2. Tents must have a weight of 25 lbs or more securely attached to each tent leg. Filled water jugs are not acceptable without written permission. Weights that sit unattached on the tent legs are not acceptable. See our tent and weights video here: http://www.shadygrovemarket.org/tents--weights.html. Here are some weights recommended by vendors:
a. The Sandbag Store -- highly recommended by vendors... we suggest filling with stones... sand permeates over time.
b. Eurmax Tents & Weights -- Use PROMO Code: EUR1005 or EurMax on eBay
c. The Home Depot Online
3. You need a 3' x 5' or larger banner or sign with your farm or company name. Your business name should be large enough to occupy about 60% of the sign for visibility across the market. Our very affordable local Signmaker is Kamran 240-408-2288.
1. You bring all of your equipment, including a canopy tent. A canopy is required for all vendors. Only 10 X 10' tents are allowed. 12'x 12' or larger tents are not acceptable without written permission. You can see some vendor-recommended tents at EuroMax here:
http://www.eurmax.com/basic-10x10-canopy-tent.html
2. Tents must have a weight of 25 lbs or more securely attached to each tent leg. Filled water jugs are not acceptable without written permission. Weights that sit unattached on the tent legs are not acceptable. See our tent and weights video here: http://www.shadygrovemarket.org/tents--weights.html. Here are some weights recommended by vendors:
a. The Sandbag Store -- highly recommended by vendors... we suggest filling with stones... sand permeates over time.
b. Eurmax Tents & Weights -- Use PROMO Code: EUR1005 or EurMax on eBay
c. The Home Depot Online
3. You need a 3' x 5' or larger banner or sign with your farm or company name. Your business name should be large enough to occupy about 60% of the sign for visibility across the market. Our very affordable local Signmaker is Kamran 240-408-2288.
Setup Times
Cabin John & Derwood markets - 7:30 am until 8:30 am
Shady Grove market -9:00 am until 10:30 am
Please arrive during this time to set up. On your first market day, come at least 90 minutes before the market starts to clarify your space assignment; this takes about 15 to 20 minutes... hint: be early!
Setup is not about how long it takes you to set up; we have to consider fitting in trucks, allowing space for uniformity, and avoiding gaps in the market. Seasonal members get an assigned space for the season. This space will be held for you until 45 minutes before the market opens. The market goal is to have a balanced presentation and no gaps or empty spaces because a vendor is absent. If you arrive late, you will not be allowed to drive into the market space and disrupt the market to access your space, and you will unload and walk your goods in from the market entry.
For vendors who phone ahead to the market manager and if their space is accessible, we will try to work with you. If you are frequently late setting up and this disrupts the market, you will be moved to another space that is less sensitive to the market operations.
Booth Setup
Your prices must be posted, and farmers must post the state of origin. This is a Maryland State law, and you will not be allowed to set up and sell without posted prices, with no exceptions. All vendors are expected to be ready to serve the patrons by the time the markets officially open. Please feel free to help customers if you are set up and ready to sell before the market opening. At the beginning of the season, we may move your setup a few times until we get the right fit for your product within the market. This is to give you the best merchandising position for your product.
Cabin John & Derwood markets - 7:30 am until 8:30 am
Shady Grove market -9:00 am until 10:30 am
Please arrive during this time to set up. On your first market day, come at least 90 minutes before the market starts to clarify your space assignment; this takes about 15 to 20 minutes... hint: be early!
Setup is not about how long it takes you to set up; we have to consider fitting in trucks, allowing space for uniformity, and avoiding gaps in the market. Seasonal members get an assigned space for the season. This space will be held for you until 45 minutes before the market opens. The market goal is to have a balanced presentation and no gaps or empty spaces because a vendor is absent. If you arrive late, you will not be allowed to drive into the market space and disrupt the market to access your space, and you will unload and walk your goods in from the market entry.
For vendors who phone ahead to the market manager and if their space is accessible, we will try to work with you. If you are frequently late setting up and this disrupts the market, you will be moved to another space that is less sensitive to the market operations.
Booth Setup
Your prices must be posted, and farmers must post the state of origin. This is a Maryland State law, and you will not be allowed to set up and sell without posted prices, with no exceptions. All vendors are expected to be ready to serve the patrons by the time the markets officially open. Please feel free to help customers if you are set up and ready to sell before the market opening. At the beginning of the season, we may move your setup a few times until we get the right fit for your product within the market. This is to give you the best merchandising position for your product.
Market Absences
We encourage you to plan your vacations and get coverage for your booth when you are away. If you email us with two weeks' notice before the month of your scheduled absence, you get that credited. We do not offer refunds. We allow for one emergency but do not credit for that. Repeated last-minute absences risk losing your spot to a reliable vendor.
We encourage you to plan your vacations and get coverage for your booth when you are away. If you email us with two weeks' notice before the month of your scheduled absence, you get that credited. We do not offer refunds. We allow for one emergency but do not credit for that. Repeated last-minute absences risk losing your spot to a reliable vendor.
Market Fines
Maryland law also states that if you are a farmer, you must have the state of origin of your farm products. If a vendor fails to put up signage or post prices and has to be approached by the market manager, a fee of $25/per market will be assessed.
All vendors are expected to stay open until the official closing of the market day. If you have sold out, you may use the time to market your business to potential customers. If you leave the market early or start shutting down before the market officially closes, you will be assessed a $25 fee. You may consolidate as the day continues and as you sell the products, but you may not remove your banner or close your booth!
Vendors who do not show or call that they will be absent or late for the market will lose their designated space. They will need to request to return to the market and will be reassigned a space. There are no refunds for these infractions.
Maryland law also states that if you are a farmer, you must have the state of origin of your farm products. If a vendor fails to put up signage or post prices and has to be approached by the market manager, a fee of $25/per market will be assessed.
All vendors are expected to stay open until the official closing of the market day. If you have sold out, you may use the time to market your business to potential customers. If you leave the market early or start shutting down before the market officially closes, you will be assessed a $25 fee. You may consolidate as the day continues and as you sell the products, but you may not remove your banner or close your booth!
Vendors who do not show or call that they will be absent or late for the market will lose their designated space. They will need to request to return to the market and will be reassigned a space. There are no refunds for these infractions.
Parking
Parking is close as we are on or near parking lots or have designated parking close to your space or an easy walk of a few yards to vehicles; it is very convenient.
Parking is close as we are on or near parking lots or have designated parking close to your space or an easy walk of a few yards to vehicles; it is very convenient.
ELIGIBILITY
Types of Vendors We Accept
We look for products that are overall cohesive and consistent with our healthy outlook and community market feel. We look for innovative and unique products to help diversify the goods available. We look for farmers, makers, and artisans who produce what they sell. Fair traders but no resellers. We are interested in producers of veggies, fruits, dairy, pasture-raised meats, fish, and poultry.
We look for makers who prepare food on-site, smoothie makers, bakers, and chocolatiers who bring foods with ingredients that are "clean," meaning free of high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, artificial flavors, or artificial and often carcinogenic dyes.
No Coke, Pepsi, Sprite-- Mexico-bottled Coke made with cane sugar is acceptable.
We are also interested in vendors with fine, funky, unusual, and unexpected goods and services. Examples include handcrafted items, fine art, collectibles, toys, and furniture.
Types of Vendors We Accept
We look for products that are overall cohesive and consistent with our healthy outlook and community market feel. We look for innovative and unique products to help diversify the goods available. We look for farmers, makers, and artisans who produce what they sell. Fair traders but no resellers. We are interested in producers of veggies, fruits, dairy, pasture-raised meats, fish, and poultry.
We look for makers who prepare food on-site, smoothie makers, bakers, and chocolatiers who bring foods with ingredients that are "clean," meaning free of high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, artificial flavors, or artificial and often carcinogenic dyes.
No Coke, Pepsi, Sprite-- Mexico-bottled Coke made with cane sugar is acceptable.
We are also interested in vendors with fine, funky, unusual, and unexpected goods and services. Examples include handcrafted items, fine art, collectibles, toys, and furniture.
Smoking and Vaping
Smoking is prohibited in vendors' tents or within 50 feet of any market area. The NCI and Johns Hopkins University campus policies call for a smoke-free zone. Milk Lady Markets has a NO Smoking policy enforced on the market site during market hours. If you must leave the premises to smoke, please wash your hands before returning to the market.
Smoking is prohibited in vendors' tents or within 50 feet of any market area. The NCI and Johns Hopkins University campus policies call for a smoke-free zone. Milk Lady Markets has a NO Smoking policy enforced on the market site during market hours. If you must leave the premises to smoke, please wash your hands before returning to the market.
COMPLIANCE
Tax ID number
Most vendors use a tax i.d. number on their application, although some use their social security number, which is an acceptable substitute. You can obtain an EIN or tax ID number immediately. Just go to: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online
Liability Insurance
All food vendors, farmers, skin care product vendors, and any vendors with potentially harmful products such as glass must have liability insurance with a minimum of $1,000.000 per incident coverage and a minimum of $2,000,000 umbrella coverage. Be sure to get a few quotes and compare. Start early; it can take 5 to 7 days to gather a few quotes. Here are some resources to review:
a. We get our insurance from The Farmers Market Coalition. They offer affordable liability insurance plans for vendors; contact Larry Spilker at 800-730-7475 ext. 203, or lspilker@campbellrisk.com
b. To get a quote from another affordable source, try the Food Liability Insurance Program at this link: https://www.fliprogram.com
c. Be sure to see what your home, rental, or auto insurance agents can quote you for bundling another policy.
Tax ID number
Most vendors use a tax i.d. number on their application, although some use their social security number, which is an acceptable substitute. You can obtain an EIN or tax ID number immediately. Just go to: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online
Liability Insurance
All food vendors, farmers, skin care product vendors, and any vendors with potentially harmful products such as glass must have liability insurance with a minimum of $1,000.000 per incident coverage and a minimum of $2,000,000 umbrella coverage. Be sure to get a few quotes and compare. Start early; it can take 5 to 7 days to gather a few quotes. Here are some resources to review:
a. We get our insurance from The Farmers Market Coalition. They offer affordable liability insurance plans for vendors; contact Larry Spilker at 800-730-7475 ext. 203, or lspilker@campbellrisk.com
b. To get a quote from another affordable source, try the Food Liability Insurance Program at this link: https://www.fliprogram.com
c. Be sure to see what your home, rental, or auto insurance agents can quote you for bundling another policy.
COPY & PASTE THE SECTION BELOW TO YOUR INSURANCE BROKER OR AGENT
Have your insurance agent email (paperless only) an "Additional Insured Endorsement" directly to MilkLadyMarkets@gmail.com; this is an insurance document naming Milk lady Markets as additional insured.
We need all pages of the endorsement certificate, not just the COI. Our leaseholder and attorney require this, so please send only that endorsement certificate.
Do not mail the certificate, email only.
The insurance level minimums: Each Occurrence – $1,000,000; Damage to Rented Premises (each occurrence) – $100,000; Medical Expenses (any one person) – $5,000; Minimum of $2,000,000 umbrella coverage.
Mailing address: Milk Lady Markets, PO Box 4463, Silver Spring, MD 20914.
Weekly market locations for your insurance application:
1. For Cabin John Market: "Cabin John Village Center rear parking lot, Potomac MD" -- DO NOT SEND MAIL HERE.
2. For Derwood Spring Market: "Redland Rd & Grande Vista Drive Parking Lot, Rockville, MD" -- DO NOT SEND MAIL HERE.
3. For Derwood FALL Market: Oaklawn Farm at Muncaster Rd, Rockville, MD -- DO NOT SEND MAIL HERE.
4. For Shady Grove: "Broschart Rd & Key West Ave, Rockville MD" -- DO NOT SEND MAIL HERE.
We need all pages of the endorsement certificate, not just the COI. Our leaseholder and attorney require this, so please send only that endorsement certificate.
Do not mail the certificate, email only.
The insurance level minimums: Each Occurrence – $1,000,000; Damage to Rented Premises (each occurrence) – $100,000; Medical Expenses (any one person) – $5,000; Minimum of $2,000,000 umbrella coverage.
Mailing address: Milk Lady Markets, PO Box 4463, Silver Spring, MD 20914.
Weekly market locations for your insurance application:
1. For Cabin John Market: "Cabin John Village Center rear parking lot, Potomac MD" -- DO NOT SEND MAIL HERE.
2. For Derwood Spring Market: "Redland Rd & Grande Vista Drive Parking Lot, Rockville, MD" -- DO NOT SEND MAIL HERE.
3. For Derwood FALL Market: Oaklawn Farm at Muncaster Rd, Rockville, MD -- DO NOT SEND MAIL HERE.
4. For Shady Grove: "Broschart Rd & Key West Ave, Rockville MD" -- DO NOT SEND MAIL HERE.
END OF INSURANCE SECTION
FOOD HANDLING CERTIFICATION
All makers of edibles must have current food handling training and certification. This includes home bakers, snack makers, pickle makers, etc. A Food Handling Safety certificate is proof that you have trained in cleanliness standards with any products for public consumption and is a requirement at our markets.
Here are some online training options: www.NRFSP.com 407-352-3603 or www.ServSafe.com 312-715-1010. You will need to upload the certificate to your market application once you receive it.
All makers of edibles must have current food handling training and certification. This includes home bakers, snack makers, pickle makers, etc. A Food Handling Safety certificate is proof that you have trained in cleanliness standards with any products for public consumption and is a requirement at our markets.
Here are some online training options: www.NRFSP.com 407-352-3603 or www.ServSafe.com 312-715-1010. You will need to upload the certificate to your market application once you receive it.
COUNTY FOOD PERMIT
Who needs one?
FOOD, COMMERCIAL BAKERY AND BEVERAGE VENDORS and Farmers who wish to sample their products will need a county permit. Click here for the permit application: FARMERsMarket APPLICATION.pdf (montgomerycountymd.gov).
1. Where the application asks about water and sewer, the County wants to know if you are on a well or other water collection system or if you use public/city water.
2. It's a good idea to PRINT your email address on the form.
3. Once you fax in your application to the secure fax on the application form, you are eligible to attend the market.
4. If you have questions for the health dept, call Kenny Welch at the Farmers Market Health Permit office directly for the best information at 240-777-3840.
COTTAGE Food Makers: Click here for Montgomery County rules. And Click here for the complete State of Maryland Cottage Food Business Guide.
Call Kenny Welch at the farmers market health permit office at 240-777-3840 with questions pertaining to your business or application.
Who needs one?
FOOD, COMMERCIAL BAKERY AND BEVERAGE VENDORS and Farmers who wish to sample their products will need a county permit. Click here for the permit application: FARMERsMarket APPLICATION.pdf (montgomerycountymd.gov).
1. Where the application asks about water and sewer, the County wants to know if you are on a well or other water collection system or if you use public/city water.
2. It's a good idea to PRINT your email address on the form.
3. Once you fax in your application to the secure fax on the application form, you are eligible to attend the market.
4. If you have questions for the health dept, call Kenny Welch at the Farmers Market Health Permit office directly for the best information at 240-777-3840.
COTTAGE Food Makers: Click here for Montgomery County rules. And Click here for the complete State of Maryland Cottage Food Business Guide.
Call Kenny Welch at the farmers market health permit office at 240-777-3840 with questions pertaining to your business or application.
MARKETING
How We Market the Market
LIKE us on Facebook @Milk Lady Farmers Markets. Follow us on IG @MilkLadyMarkets. Follow us on TWTR @MilkLadyMarkets.
We provide a market apron for all vendors to enhance our team presence and it's to be worn on market day. Sometimes we have enough aprons to offer for a second team member at your booth. Aprons are returned at the end of the market season or your last scheduled market day.
We offer a few Ag celebration days, at the markets such as Strawberry Day, Peach Day, etc.
See some creative vendor display ideas at the end of this page.
We are excited to promote individual vendor profiles in local print and online advertising. The more information and large, clear product photos you provide with your application, the better chance we can promote your profile! We encourage each vendor to use our logo on their website. Our most successful vendors advertise their participation in the market. Social media is the way to go. Post your Milk Lady market schedule on your website and tell your networks about your involvement in the market. We reach out to the local neighborhoods to promote the market with flyers.
We host community groups, chefs, and musicians to draw and retain customers' time spent at the market.
All photos taken at the market of your booth, product or person at the market are the property of Milk Lady Markets and may be used in advertising specifically promoting your business or generically promoting the market at any time.
How We Market the Market
LIKE us on Facebook @Milk Lady Farmers Markets. Follow us on IG @MilkLadyMarkets. Follow us on TWTR @MilkLadyMarkets.
We provide a market apron for all vendors to enhance our team presence and it's to be worn on market day. Sometimes we have enough aprons to offer for a second team member at your booth. Aprons are returned at the end of the market season or your last scheduled market day.
We offer a few Ag celebration days, at the markets such as Strawberry Day, Peach Day, etc.
See some creative vendor display ideas at the end of this page.
We are excited to promote individual vendor profiles in local print and online advertising. The more information and large, clear product photos you provide with your application, the better chance we can promote your profile! We encourage each vendor to use our logo on their website. Our most successful vendors advertise their participation in the market. Social media is the way to go. Post your Milk Lady market schedule on your website and tell your networks about your involvement in the market. We reach out to the local neighborhoods to promote the market with flyers.
We host community groups, chefs, and musicians to draw and retain customers' time spent at the market.
All photos taken at the market of your booth, product or person at the market are the property of Milk Lady Markets and may be used in advertising specifically promoting your business or generically promoting the market at any time.
YOUR BOOTH & SIGNAGE
Vendors need a 3' x 5' or larger banner or sign with your farm or company name. Your business name should be large enough to occupy about 40% of the sign for visibility across the market. If you need resources, we can also send you photographic examples of banners that work well.
We recommend that your setup look abundant and be layered using varying display heights for dimensionality at your booth. Not cluttered or one-dimensional... create a single focal point! See some creative vendor display ideas at the end of this page.
Vendors need a 3' x 5' or larger banner or sign with your farm or company name. Your business name should be large enough to occupy about 40% of the sign for visibility across the market. If you need resources, we can also send you photographic examples of banners that work well.
We recommend that your setup look abundant and be layered using varying display heights for dimensionality at your booth. Not cluttered or one-dimensional... create a single focal point! See some creative vendor display ideas at the end of this page.
|
WIC & SNAP Matching Dollars
We accept and match WIC dollars and promote that as well. We use social media, state, state, and county market listings, and newspaper market listings to spread the word about this nutrition program. Farmers, check out this 2-minute video for more information! |
|
Forms of Payment at The Market
We are ready to help with this! You can always contact us at MilkLadyMarkets@gmail.com, and we will help you to set up credit card acceptance. Most vendors accept cash and credit/debit cards, and farmers accept WIC, Seniors' nutrition coupons, and EBT or SNAP. We strongly recommend you get a mobile form of credit card acceptance. Square, ApplePay, and PayPal are typical 'no money to start' ways to accept credit and debit cards. Get your first $1,000 of credit card processing with no processing fees by using our express link to begin accepting credit cards today. Sign up here: squareup.com/i/MILKLADYMA
Doing Well by Doing Good... that is a thing!
Since 2011, we have raised money privately and used it to provide matching dollars to customers using WIC & Senior coupons, and SNAP or EBT to shop at the market. It is a great way to support our neighbors in need and benefit by increasing farm sales.
See the video of the 2023 Market Meeting.
Creative Vendor Displays
Freshness Awaits
|
|
|
|
|
