First, it promotes commitment and accountability. When vendors commit to attending, market organizers reserve space, often turn others away, and plan logistics (layout, marketing, etc.) based on expected attendance. A no-show disrupts all of that.
Second, it creates a negative customer experience. Customers come expecting a full market. Empty spaces make the market feel underwhelming and poorly managed, potentially damaging its reputation.
Third, it results in loss of revenue and opportunity. A no-show means lost potential sales for the market and a missed opportunity for another vendor who could’ve taken that spot.
Fourth, it’s about fairness to other vendors. Reliable vendors who consistently show up deserve to be rewarded with prime spots and priority. Fining no-shows reinforces that fairness.
Fifth, it affects overall operations. Empty spaces impact traffic flow, aesthetics, and customer engagement. They also create extra work for staff who must rearrange or explain the absence.
Vendors can cancel each week by Wednesday at 9PM (as specified in your Vendor Handbook), without being fined or losing your spot at the market. Cancelling on market day is the same as simply not showing up. Both are considered NO-SHOWS.
Being Fined: EatLoco maintains a strict policy regarding no-shows at the market, which are subject to a $50 fine and you forfeit your market fee for the day. If the credit card on file is declined when processing this fine, you will be removed from the roster until the balance is paid. In addition, you could lose your normally assigned row at the market.
Don’t ruin your reputation as a vendor by being a NO-SHOW. Your customers often come to the market based on the on-line layout that says you will be there. Help us keep the EatLoco well attended and successful for everyone.
