Vendor FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions for Potential Vendors
Welcome! Thank you for your interest in becoming a vendor at the Scale House Market. Below you’ll find answers to common questions about joining our vibrant community of vendors. If you have additional questions, feel free to contact us.
1. What types of vendors are you looking for? What is the difference?
We welcome a diverse range of vendors, including farmers, artisans, prepared food vendors, crafters, and specialty product makers. Priority is given to local producers who align with our mission to promote high-quality, locally produced goods. We review each application on a case-by-case basis.
2. What is the difference between the seasonal open-air market and the indoor mercantile market?
Open-Air Market: This seasonal, outdoor space features permanent structure stalls and operates from May through October.
Indoor Mercantile: This year-round indoor marketplace offers a stable environment for vendors to showcase products throughout the year.
3. What are the benefits of having a stall at the farmers market?
As a vendor, you will have:
Access to a large, diverse customer base
Onsite management by Four Roots LLC, with experienced support in food production and preparation, sales and customer service, small business management, and more
Marketing support, including features in our market newsletter, social media posts, and signage
Use of our unified POS system, which provides beneficial sales data for vendor growth and support in future applications
Onsite services such as a commercial kitchen, food storage, small business support services, and educational classes
4. What vendor fees are required?
Our fees vary based on the type of space and season. Detailed fee structures will be found in the application packet. Some fees may be discounted for long-term vendors or through special programs.
Outdoor seasonal stalls: Typically rented on a quarterly or seasonal basis, with rates depending on location within the market, square footage of the stall(s) and amenities provided.
Indoor year-round spaces: Leased on an annual or quarterly basis, with tiered pricing for larger or more central locations.
Kitchen rentals: Available hourly or daily, with discounted rates for regular vendors. Please contact us directly for specific pricing and availability.
5. How can I apply to become a vendor?
Please visit our website to submit a Vendor Inquiry Form. Once your application is reviewed, our team will contact you to discuss next steps, including space availability and any additional requirements. Applications are accepted year-round for the indoor mercantile and on a seasonal basis for the outdoor market.
6. Do I need a permit to sell food or beverages?
Yes, all food vendors must have the appropriate permits and comply with state and local requirements. In Washington state, this typically includes:
A current Food Handler’s Permit for anyone involved in food preparation.
Retail Food Establishment Permit for pre-packaged or prepared food sales.
Health Department Inspections if you use the on-site commercial kitchen. For guidance on which permits you need, visit the local health department’s website or contact our market manager.
Packaging and Labeling which complies with food safety standards
7. What is the commercial learning kitchen, and who can use it?
Our fully-equipped commercial learning kitchen is available to rent for food preparation, packaging, and cooking. Vendors can use it to prepare food to sell at the market, test new recipes, or even host classes. Vendors must reserve time in advance and follow all health and safety guidelines.
In addition to Vendor use, the Commercial Learning Kitchen will be the host site for Scale House Market educational classes such as fundamental or specialized cooking, as well as Market Day demonstrations, sequential workshops, and other opportunities for food production, preparation, and preservation.
With additional time availability, the Commercial Learning Kitchen will welcome community members and small businesses seeking commissary style usage. All users must comply with all health and safety regulations.
8. What is included in the commercial kitchen rental?
Our commercial kitchen is equipped with:
Commercial ovens, stovetops, and refrigerators
Prep stations, utensils, and cleaning supplies
Dry and cold storage options Rental rates are based on hourly or daily use, and vendors must reserve in advance.
9. Are there storage options for vendors?
Yes, we offer short- and long-term storage solutions for our vendors:
Dry storage for non-perishable items.
Refrigerated and freezer storage for perishable goods, available on a daily or weekly rental basis, or for longer term leases. For current availability and pricing, please contact our team.
10. Can I teach a class or hold a workshop?
Yes! Vendors and community members are encouraged to offer educational workshops or classes to connect with the community. We provide class space and basic equipment, whether it’s a cooking demo, ongoing workshop, or specialized instruction. Prospective instructors should submit a class proposal for scheduling.
11. Can I conduct food tastings or demonstrations at the market?
Yes, tastings and demonstrations are allowed with prior approval. Vendors interested in these activities must adhere to health department regulations and may need to apply for a temporary health permit.
12. Does the market offer any small business support services?
Yes, we’re committed to helping small businesses succeed! We provide classes in areas like food safety, marketing, financial planning, and customer engagement. We also offer one-on-one consultations and support services to help you grow your business.
In addition, the Scale House Market is co-located on the Quarry with the Washington Small Business Development Center. We encourage our vendors to utilize this fantastic resource in scaling their business for sustainable growth.
13. Are there any rules for setting up and operating my stall?
Yes, to ensure a safe and welcoming environment, we ask that all vendors follow the Scale House Market Vendor Guidelines provided in the Vendor agreement. These guidelines include, but are not limited to:
Setup must be completed at least 30 minutes before opening.
All displays and products should be arranged neatly within your assigned stall.
Vendors must contain their displays to their assigned stall, and must ensure their space is free of safety hazards at all times during operation.
At the end of the day, vendors are responsible for cleaning their area and removing all items not intended to be stored within their booth.
14. How does the market promote vendors?
Our market actively promotes vendors in several ways:
Market website and vendor directory featuring profiles for each vendor.
Social media highlights on our Instagram and Facebook channels.
Monthly newsletters with vendor spotlights, upcoming classes, and events.
Seasonal events and promotions, such as holiday markets and themed weekends.
15. What health and safety protocols are in place?
We prioritize the health and safety of our vendors and visitors. Our protocols include:
Regular sanitation of high-contact areas.
Vendor compliance with local health regulations, especially for food handling.
Distancing guidelines and crowd control measures, especially during peak times.
Vendors must adhere to these protocols to ensure a safe experience for everyone.
16. How do I know if I’m a good fit for the market?
If you are passionate about quality, community, and sustainability, our market is likely a great fit! We look for vendors who value local sourcing, high-quality products, and creating an engaging customer experience.
17. What are the hours of operation for the market?
The Scale House Market will operate its seasonal market from May through October, beginning upon completion of construction in 2025. The exact date of opening will be determined at a later date. Market days during the season will be:
Wednesdays 3-7pm
Fridays 3-8pm
Saturdays 8am-2pm
The indoor Mercantile will operate year-round on the following days and times:
Wednesday-Friday 12pm-8pm
Saturday-Sunday 8am-2pm
Days and hours of operation are subject to change by the operating entity.
18. What is Four Roots LLC?
Four Roots LLC is a local woman-veteran owned small business which seeks to redefine our community’s relationship with food. Bolstered by the tenets of Agriculture, Education, Community, and Connection, Four Roots works to build a more sustainable food system for the Inland Northwest and beyond.
Since its founding in 2021, Four Roots has worked to source, aggregate, and distribute over 5 million pounds of locally and regionally produced food to Eastern Washington and Inland Northwest residents facing food insecurity. The fresh produce, proteins, dairy, and dry goods in Four Roots food boxes has helped to create sales channels for farmers and to provide the most vulnerable members of our community with nutrient-dense whole food.
Four Roots became connected with the Spokane Conservation District (SCD) through food access programming during the COVID-19 pandemic, and through Four Roots’ owner’s internship at the SCD’s Vets on the Farm program. This connection led to a shared mission to build a more resilient local food system, and ultimately to provide the Spokane area with its first permanent-structure, year-round farmers market.
With over 40 years’ combined experience in farmers market operations, food production and preparation, education, and management, Four Roots’ team brings both a strong desire and the necessary skills to support and grow the opportunities of our local farmers and community members to the Scale House Market. We look forward to a strong and collaborative partnership with our vendors and neighbors!
19. How can I get in touch if I have more questions?
For any additional questions or to discuss your specific needs, please reach out to our market management team. You can email us at scalehousemanager@fourroots.org. We’re here to help!