Farmers Markets. Friend or Foe.

Posted by richrobinson 11 years, 11 months ago to The Gulch: General
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I have had some interesting conversations with customers recently about our local Farmers Market. I support the concept and believe it is how business was meant to be done. Producers sell their items directly to consumers. I am in the unfortunate position of having to compete with our local Farmers Market which is within walking distance of my retail store. In todays government controlled world it is clear that Farmers Markets are basically Black Markets. They operate on Saturday and Sunday when most government inspectors are off. Our local market is held on church property so they don't pay property tax. It is unlikely that they are complying with many of the costly mandates that I am. I still support the concept and I am surprised when speaking to customers about this that they usually say that they should "have to pay" their fair share. I always say that neither one of us should have to pay most of these fees. Curious if you all had any thoughts about this.


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    Posted by LetsShrug 11 years, 11 months ago
    They have a weekend business, you have a 7 day a week operation. They have to haul all of their stuff to and from location...yours is fixed. They stand in the elements, you have a cover. NEITHER of you should have to pay these taxes or fees, but you're the easier target for them to collect from. Farmer's markets are an inconvenient moving target for them....eventually I think the gov will herd them like the rest of us, or try to. But, you always have the options of closing up shop and becoming a traveling weekend merchant. :) While we're still "free", that is. Business owners' fight should be against the gov regulation, not the farmer's markets. (And I know that's the stand you are taking, but how many are of the mind set that if I have to pay then so should they attitude....which is wrong.) They're doing the same thing with eBay.....
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  • Posted by $ rockymountainpirate 11 years, 11 months ago in reply to this comment.
    Oh drat! I guess that's why I never won the spelling bee, lol. They are taking a small cleaver to your business though. Death by a thousand cleaver cuts called rules and regs.
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  • Posted by freedomforall 11 years, 11 months ago in reply to this comment.
    Why would he apply for support with strings attached when his "pull" gave him access to plenty of corporate looters?
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  • Posted by $ rockymountainpirate 11 years, 11 months ago
    I like true Farmers Markets. The kind that actually have good, fresh produce. I've seen many turn into a place to buy trinkets. The problem isn't the Farmers Markets, it's like you said, it's the over regulation of your business. The shackles you are chained with. If there is money being made, you can bet that some inspector will show up so the grubment gets their 'fair share'.

    It's interesting that it's on the church property. Is the church benefiting in some way? That doesn't seem to fit their non-profit status.
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  • Posted by 11 years, 11 months ago in reply to this comment.
    I have not asked but I am guessing they have to pay to use the lot. Donation to the Church I am guessing.
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  • Posted by 11 years, 11 months ago in reply to this comment.
    Habitat for Humanity is the one Jimmy Carter volunteers for. I remember an interview a number of years ago when he was asked if he would help them get Federal money. He said no that he didn't want the Feds telling them what to do. Ironic that Mr Micro-manager as President wanted no help after he was out of office.
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