Frequently Asked Questions

Farm Stop Overview

What is a Farm Stop?

A farm stop is a year-round, retail space where local vendors sell goods on consignment. It offers an alternative to traditional farmers markets and a reliable, steady sales channel for producers.

Is it a franchise?

No. While there are approximately 18 similar models operating across the U.S., each is independently operated to suit its specific regional community.

Where is it located?

📍 Wright County, MO(Main retail & production hub details provided upon onboarding)

Vendor Participation

How do I become a vendor?

We host an info/orientation session every Thursday at 5:00 PM to review available operational options and vendor fits.

How does selling work?

Vendors set their own prices and sell via a consignment model.

What is the revenue split?

  • Featured Market Vendors: 75% vendor / 25% store

  • Non-Featured Vendors: 70% vendor / 30% store

What are the options for involvement?

  • Market Vendors (Year-Round Consignment)

  • Visiting Vendors (Table spaces on Fri/Sat/Sun)

  • Artisan Evening Markets (1st Friday & 2nd Saturday)

  • Service & Workshop Providers

Is there a vendor agreement?

Yes. Official applications and agreements are sent out following the initial discussion and orientation sessions.

Featured Vendor Program

How do I become a Featured Vendor?

Vendors can become featured by:

  1. Committing to cover designated store shifts OR

  2. Paying a monthly feature fee.

Note: Category caps apply for featured placements.

What are the Featured Vendor Categories?

  • Produce & Plants

  • Meat & Fish

  • Artisan Goods

  • Value-Added Food

  • Value-Added Home & Wellness

  • Prepared Foods / Grab & Go / Baked Goods

  • Pop-Up Cafe Vendors (Pending)

  • Commercial Kitchen Users (Pending)

  • Community Partners (Pending)

What benefits do Featured Vendors receive?

  • Prime storefront media and marketing features

  • CSA box product highlights

  • Co-branding opportunities with regional restaurants

How do store shifts work for Featured Vendors?

Vendors who choose the shift option commit to 12 shifts per year (5.5 hours each). Flexible options include:

  • Single Vendor Shift: 12 individual 5.5-hour shifts spread across the year.

  • Two-Person Team Shift: Split between two people for 6 total shifts per year.

  • Double Shift Block: A team of two working 3 double-shift days (Thursday–Saturday, 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM) can fulfill their entire annual requirement in just 3 days.

  • Shift Buy-Out Option: Vendors unable to cover shifts can buy out at $75 per shift ($75/month flat fee alternative).

Inventory & Operations

Who manages inventory?

Each vendor maintains their own inventory levels and sets pricing. POS sales alerts help track stock. Produce and grab-and-go vendors typically monitor stock weekly, while shelf-stable goods require less frequent restocking.

Is cold storage provided?

Limited shared space is available. Vendors may bring approved personal freezers/coolers (refrigeration utility fees apply).

How are sales, taxes, and fees handled?

  • POS & Sales: All vendors receive training on the store POS system.

  • Sales Tax: Collected at checkout and remitted directly to the State of Missouri by the store.

  • Credit Card Fees: Passed through to vendors; cash transactions carry no processing fee.

Restaurant & Community Partnerships

Are restaurant sales supported?

Yes. Local restaurants can source directly through the Farm Stop with free downtown delivery options.

Is there a wholesale discount structure?

Yes. Vendors offer a 2.5% wholesale discount, matched by a 2.5% store discount (providing a total 5% discount to wholesale buyers).

Vendor Expectations & Standards

  • Active Engagement: Participate in community updates, store meetings, and digital cross-promotions.

  • High Product Standards: Ensure top-tier product quality, compliant labeling (ingredients, pricing, barcodes), and professional merchandising.

  • Dress Code: "Farmer-forward" professional appearance (branded farm/business apparel encouraged; clean closed-toe shoes required when moving inventory; lanyards provided).

  • Regulatory Compliance: Adhere strictly to local, state, and federal food safety laws, including proper transition requirements out of Cottage Law where applicable.

Contact & Schedule

  • Weekly Tours & Demos: Thursdays at 5:00 PM (Followed by producer classes at 6:00 PM)

  • Monthly Sampling Events: 3rd Thursday of each month at 6:00 PM (Orientation session at 4:30 PM)

  • Featured Vendor Meetings: 2nd Wednesday of each month at 12:00 PM (In-person / Virtual)

Contact: team@gotursix.org