Food Vendor Application

This application is for pre-packaged and cottage food vendors interested in participating in our upcoming market(s). Eligible vendors offer shelf-stable, pre-made items such as baked goods, candies, teas, spices, jams, or other packaged foods that comply with Washington State Cottage Food regulations. Please indicate any special requirements, such as electricity or accessibility needs. Accepted vendors will receive load-in instructions, booth assignments, and payment links. All applications are reviewed to ensure a balanced, high-quality market experience.

By applying to the Northwest Metaphysical Market (NWMM) as a pre-packaged or cottage food vendor, you agree to the following guidelines and expectations:

General Information:
Booth participants must be 18 years of age or older.
Applications are reviewed for product fit, safety compliance, balance, and overall market curation. Acceptance is not guaranteed.
Only pre-packaged, shelf-stable, and cottage food–compliant items are permitted at this event.

Booth Spaces:
Standard booth spaces are 10'x10' or 10'x20'.
Corner booths are available for an additional fee. If we cannot accommodate all requests, the additional fee will not be charged.
Vendors must bring their own tents, tables, chairs, and displays.
All tents must be properly weighted (25 lb. per leg REQUIRED, 50 lb. recommended).
Vendors must keep all products and displays within the assigned booth footprint.
No on-site cooking, heating, or preparation is allowed—all food must remain sealed and pre-packaged.

Set-Up & Tear-Down:
Load-in: 8:15 AM – 10:45 AM
Market Hours: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Load-out: Begins at 5:00 PM (no early teardown unless otherwise approved).
Vendors must follow their assigned load-in group and time:
Group A (8:15 AM): Park Plaza North Garage, 4th floor skybridge
Group B (8:30 AM): 9th & Broadway
Group C (8:45 AM): 11th & Broadway

Food vendors will be Group B.
Vendors must unload promptly, park in an appropriate location, and return to complete setup.

Payments & Refunds:
Booth fees are due upon acceptance to secure your space.
All booth fees are non-refundable, including for no-shows or weather conditions.
Booth spaces are not transferable without prior approval.

Print Materials:

Vendors may display print materials only if they directly relate to the products or services they are offering at NWMM. Marketing for individuals or businesses not registered as approved vendors is not permitted.

Products & Compliance:
All food items must comply with Washington State Cottage Food Laws and any required labeling guidelines.

CBD/THC product sales are prohibited.

All prices must be clearly visible.
Vendors must provide proof of appropriate food licensing if applicable.
All food products must be pre-packaged, sealed, and shelf-stable.
No temperature-controlled foods, open food handling, or unwrapped sampling is allowed.
Individually wrapped samples are permitted only if compliant with state rules.
Vendors are responsible for their own tax reporting and any required business licensing.
Vendors must provide proof of a Tacoma Business License or proof of application for Tacoma Business License as soon as possible.

Plastic Bag Ban:

All vendors and food trucks must comply with the City of Tacoma’s plastic bag regulations. Single-use plastic carryout bags are not permitted. Vendors may only provide approved paper bags or compliant reusable bags to customers. Any allowed bags must meet city requirements and may be subject to the state-mandated bag fee where applicable. Vendors are responsible for ensuring their packaging and checkout materials follow all local laws.

Conduct & Safety:
Maintain professional, respectful communication with vendors, staff, and attendees.
Keep your booth clean and your products secured—NWMM is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.
Event is rain or shine; prepare for weather variations and protect food products accordingly.
Leashed pets and service animals are welcome, but must be kept away from food handling areas.

Photography:
By participating, you consent to NWMM capturing event photos and video for marketing and promotional use.

Non-Discrimination & Zero Tolerance Policy:
NWMM maintains a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination, harassment, or hate. Vendors must treat all attendees, staff, and fellow vendors with respect and will not discriminate based on race, color, sex, gender identity/gender expression, religion, nationality, creed, marital status, sexual orientation/sexual preference, age, veteran/military status, or handicap. Any conduct involving hate speech, intimidation, or discriminatory actions may result in immediate removal from the event without refund.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):

Vendors must keep their space accessible and free of obstacles so all attendees can safely approach and interact with their booth.

Agreement:
By submitting your application, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to follow these terms designed specifically for food vendors to help us create a smooth, enjoyable, and well-organized market experience for everyone.