Farmers' Market issue

[Avalon]

I'd given up trying to sell at my local FM after years of being told they already had someone selling soap. However, this past Sunday when I went for the first time this season I noted that they now have a separate "craft" area. There were people selling jewelry, pottery, wooden bowls, etc., but no soap. On Monday I called the office to see what I needed to do to get in on it (there were a lot of empty spaces). When I told her that I made soap she told me that they had decided not to allow soap because they didn't want to be liable if a customer broke out in a rash. WHAT??!! I explained that I had insurance and had been selling at festivals and bazaars for years and had never heard of such a thing. She was very nice, explaining that it wasn't her policy and offering to go to the board with the information I had about my insurance. Later I emailed her and suggested that she also mention that people could have allergic reactions to the baked goods, jams, cheeses, omelets, etc., too, but they were allowed to sell at the FM. She said she'd print my email and present that to the board, as well. Seriously, I understand that we live in a sue-happy society, but to single out soap is ridiculous. Now I have to wait until next week when the board meets to find out if I'll be able to sell there. I'm not very hopeful.

 

[heyjude]

What a shame. You make a valid arguement about possible allergic reactions to the other products (far more likely to occur with food than soap), so coupled with your insurance maybe you'll be allowed in.

Good luck.

Jude

 

[Guest]

That is ludicrous , WTH are they thinking ?

Kitn

 

[Deda]

I had to finesse my way into our market, it was juried and they didn't even want to entertain the idea of a soapmaker. I plied them with soap and body butter for months, go all the women who work there hooked. Voila! I was in, now I supply several of the business in old town with soap.

Maybe you could bring them a few samples over the coming months and set your sights on next season?

(A funny story - my soaps are in the ladies private restroom in the HMI, Inc offices, about 3 weeks ago I had a lady go and get the used soap from the ladies room, bring it to at the market me wrapped in a paper towel and have me identify it so she could buy several bars for her home. LOL and ewww at the same time!)