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Vendor Guidelines

Market Overview

This Handbook serves as the official binding agreement between the participating vendor (the "Vendor") and the Southside Sunday Market (the "Host"). By submitting an application or paying booth fees, the Vendor agrees to comply with all terms outlined herein

  • Location: Genesis Health Center (Southside Des Moines on Army Post Rd)

  • Market Hours: Sundays, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

  • Season Duration: June 7 to September 27

Vendor Eligibility & Product Standards

To maintain quality and trust, the Market strictly regulates the products allowed.


Farmers & Growers
All products must be grown, harvested, or produced directly on your farm.

  • Farm-Grown Produce: Fruits, vegetables, herbs, and other crops. Must be grown and harvested by the vendor or their designated farm team.

  • Eggs, Dairy & Meat: Fresh eggs, milk, cheese, meat, poultry, and honey produced on the farm. All products must meet Iowa Department of Agriculture regulations for food safety and humane animal care.

  • Value-Added Farm Products: Foods made from farm-grown ingredients (e.g., jams, sauces, pickles, baked goods, beverages). Necessary local or state food permits/certifications are required.

  • Plants, Flowers, and Nursery Items: Cut flowers, potted plants, herbs, seedlings, and other plants cultivated on the farm.

  • Artisan / Specialty Farm Products: Handmade or crafted items produced from farm resources (e.g., soaps from goat milk, dried herbs).

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Food & Value-Added Vendors

  • Production: Vendors selling prepared foods (jams, sauces, baked goods, or prepared meals) must create these items using safe handling procedures. Resale of commercially produced food is prohibited.

  • Cottage Food: Home-prepared items must strictly follow Iowa "Cottage Food" laws regarding labeling, packaging, and non-hazardous ingredients. For more information, please see:

  • Iowa Cottage Food Law

  • Iowa Farmers' Market Rules

Artisans & Makers

Handmade Requirement: All non-food items (jewelry, art, soaps, etc.) must be designed and crafted by the Vendor. Mass-produced, wholesale, or brokered goods are strictly prohibited.


Prohibited Activities & Products (All Vendors)

  • No Resale or Wholesale: Selling resold, wholesale, or brokered goods is not allowed. All products must come directly from the hands that made or grew them.

  • Keep It Local: Vendors may not sell products for someone else or act as a representative for another business.

  • No Multi-Level Marketing (MLM): Vendors may not act as representatives for outside businesses (e.g., Avon, Scentsy) or solicit for other events.

  • No Outside Soliciting: Vendors may not hand out flyers, recruit for other events, or solicit attendees for outside services. Sales must be limited to the items you make or grow at your booth.

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Operations: Setup & Tear Down
Strict adherence to time schedules is required for safety and market efficiency.A. Arrival & Setup

  • Setup Deadline: Vendors must arrive during their assigned window and be fully set up and ready to sell by 8:45 AM.

  • Vehicle Safety: Vehicles must be unloaded and immediately moved to designated parking areas before the setup deadline. No vehicles are permitted in the market footprint after 8:45 AM.

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Market Hours & Tear Down

  • Operating Hours: Selling begins at 9:00 AM.

  • Early Departure Prohibited: Vendors must remain open and operating until the official closing time at 2:00 PM. Early tear-down or packing up is not permitted unless explicitly authorized by Market discretion in emergency situations.

  • Clean Up: Vendors must remove all trash, boxes, and debris from their booth space before departing. Market trash bins are for customer use only.

Fees, Refunds & Cancellations

Payment Terms

  • Booth fees are due in full upon application approval. Failure to pay by the deadline may result in the forfeiture of the Vendor's spot.

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Cancellation & Refund Policy

  • No-Shows: Failure to attend a scheduled market date without prior notice will result in the forfeiture of fees. No refunds will be issued for no-shows.

  • Refund Administration Fee: A $25.00 administrative fee will be assessed and deducted from the refunded amount for any refund granted (including withdrawal of application or medical emergencies).

  • Market Cancellation: The Host reserves the right to cancel the market due to severe weather or health directives. Vendors will be notified promptly in such cases.

Compliance, Licensing & Insurance

Documentation Deadlines
All vendors must meet Des Moines and State of Iowa food and business regulations.

  • All required licenses and permits must be secured and submitted to the Host by June 1st. Vendors failing to provide documentation by this date will be denied entry.

  • Required Documents May Include (but are not limited to):

  • Proper food license (if food requires temperature control)

  • Business license

  • Sales tax permit (if applicable)

  • Cottage Food compliance, including correct labeling and packaging (if applicable)

  • Mobile Food License for food trucks or mobile units.

  • Vendor Responsibility: It is the vendor’s responsibility to confirm they are legally allowed to operate. Please contact the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing (DIAL) and the City of Des Moines as soon as possible to determine what is required for your business.

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Insurance Requirements

  • Mandatory Coverage: All Vendors must hold a current General Liability Insurance policy.

  • Additional Insured: The policy must list "Southside Sunday Market" as an additional insured.

  • Indemnification: The Vendor agrees to hold harmless the Southside Sunday Market, Genesis Health Center, and all affiliates from any claims, damages, or liabilities arising from the Vendor's participation.

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Health & Safety Standards (Food Vendors)

  • Temperature Control: Cold foods must be maintained at 41°F or below; hot foods at 135°F or above.

  • Hygiene: Food vendors must utilize gloves, tongs, or utensils to prevent bare-hand contact with ready-to-eat foods. Handwashing stations are required where applicable.

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Professional Conduct & Host Authority

  • Behavior: Vendors are expected to maintain a professional, friendly, and respectful demeanor. Loud, aggressive, or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.

  • Host Authority: Decisions made by the Market organizers regarding rules, booth placement, and safety are final.

  • Governing Law: This agreement is governed by the laws of Iowa, with disputes addressed in Polk County.

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