Vendors Code of Conduct
The Riverside Farmers Market' is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, professional environment for vendors, customers and staff. Vendors must treat customers, fellow vendors, and market staff and board with respect always.
Harassment and discrimination:
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Any form of harassment, discrimination, or abusive behavior will not be tolerated. Violators will face immediate consequences, including potential ejection from the market.
Market Atmosphere:
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Vendors must contribute positively to the market’s atmosphere. Disruptive actions, such as public confrontations, are prohibited.
Vendor Collaboration:
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Vendors are encouraged to work together.
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Undermining fellow vendors or spreading rumors will result in disciplinary action.
Product Presentation and Integrity:
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Vendors must present products in a clean and organized manner.
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Misrepresentation of products is grounds for expulsion.
Tips for Conflict Resolution:
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Listen objectively, hearing the other party’s concerns.
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Aim for a resolution that is satisfactory for both parties through a joint problem solving discussion.
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If you would like to address a customer’s concerns later, ask for the name and contact information to follow up.
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If you require mediation or assistance, please reach out to the RFM board.
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Any vendor concerns or complaints regarding market management should be put in writing and addressed outside market hours with the president of the market board directly.
ZERO TOLERANCE
Violation of any of the following will result in immediate dismissal from the market:
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Any physical or verbal aggression, including rude language and behaviour, will not be tolerated, condoned or ignored under any circumstances.
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Harassment, discrimination and violence will not be tolerated, condoned or ignored under any circumstances.
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Language or actions that are racist, sexist, homophobic or transphobic.
VIOLATION PROTOCOL
Customers, vendors, volunteers, and staff are all expected to act in accordance with our best practices and zero tolerance policies.
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If you feel as though a vendor, staff, customer, or volunteer has violated our policies, please ensure a written incident report is recorded by speaking with the Market Manager or a RFM board member.
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1. Verbal warning
The Market Manager will discuss the incidents with the appropriate parties in private. Verbal warnings will be documented by the Market manager and include the nature, date and consequence of the incident; reasonable standards of conduct; the situation; and instructions to assist in meeting expectations at the RFM.
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2. Written Warning
If the conduct has not been corrected in the established time frame, a written warning will be issued, describing the previous warning; reasonable standard of conduct; nature, date and consequences of recurring problems; time frame to correct the problems; and instructions to assist in a meeting. A written acknowledgement of receipt is required. A meeting with RF Market board will be required to discuss the content of the written warning.
3. Escalation
Continued violations will result in a board meeting, which may lead to market suspension or permanent expulsion.