2024 Vendor FAQs
Before filling out a vendor application, please read the following information carefully to determine whether our market is right for you:
Our market is carefully curated by our market management team. That means vendors are chosen based on the market’s need at the managers’ discretions. We do not have a waitlist, and filling out an application does not guarantee you a spot at the RPFM. Our vendors are chosen based on a number of factors, including: Is there a vacant spot? How does your business support local agriculture or food entrepreneurship? Do your products add variety to our market? Can you supply at least $800 worth of inventory for every market day?
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: What are the requirements to be accepted as a vendor?
Answer: The first and most important requirement is that there is a vacant spot. Currently, all of our full-time spots are taken for the 2024 market season. Please see our vendor rules here to learn more about the requirements to be accepted when there are spots available.Question: How much do you charge for a vendor spot?
Answer: We charge 5% of sales with a minimum fee of $15/market. Fees are paid at the end of each market. You can read more about our fees in the vendor rules here.Question: Do you approve applications from Out of State Vendors when there is a vacant spot?
Answer: Yes, if there is a vacant spot open and if we feel your product would add variety to the market that we don’t already have.Question: Do you allow CBD/THC products to be sold at your market when there is a vacant spot?
Answer: No, that is not something we are interested in.Question: We produce wine locally. Would like to know if you allow wine sales at the market when there is a vacant spot?
Answer: No. Our lease with Metro Parks does not allow us to sell alcohol at the farmers market.
Question: Do you accept craft vendors when there is a vacant spot?
Answer: No. We love our makers, artists, and crafters, yet due to our lease requirements with Metro Parks, we are not allowed to accept craft vendors.Question: I am an artist and performer based in Nashville. I wanted to reach out and ask if you have live music at your market. If yes, I would love to be considered for a live performance.
Answer: No. Although we appreciate live music, we do not host live music at this market.
Question: I am looking for an opportunity to play live music at the market. How can I sign up to play?
Answer: We do not host live music at this market. However, if you are looking to share your musical talents with others, consider signing up as a musician through Music for Seniors or contacting the Seniors Renaissance Center to get on their schedule.
Question: Can I set up a booth to promote my local for-profit services if there is a vacant spot? I wouldn’t be selling anything at the market, just promoting my local service to the community.
Answer: No. We don’t offer assistance or booth space to for-profit service based businesses looking for visibility in the community. If you are looking for different ways to promote your services to the community, please contact the Small Business Development Center - Nashville Office to get some consulting support in how/where to market your small service based business.
Question: I am a chef, my pop kitchen serves such-and-such food. How do I be part of your event?
Answer: The first thing you need is for us to have a vacant spot at the market. For 2024 there are no more vacant spots. If there was a vacant spot, we look for your experience at other outdoor events and markets. When there is a spot available, we only approve vendor applications for vendors that have a proven track record of being popular at outdoor festivals and events.
Question: How much general liability insurance is required to participate in the market?
Answer: All vendors must provide proof of general liability coverage at a minimum amount of $1,000,000.00. A current certificate must accompany each vendor application & remain on file with the market
Question: What are the vendor rules that all applicants are expected to agree to and follow?
Answer: Read more about our 2024 Vendor Rules & Operating Guidelines.