In today's fast-paced world, the farmers markets give us a place to pause—a place where we’re reminded of the simple things that connect us, besides the internet. Students see their teachers and realize that yes, believe it or not, they do have lives outside of school! Coaches and teammates can celebrate a post-game win together over treats made by distant neighbors! And friends from all over can rendezvous in an atmosphere ripe for lively conversation and new experiences.

Food, art, pets, relationships, wellness, these are the building blocks of life that connect us all; the trends that will never go out of fashion. Creating this vibrant marketplace takes more than just vendors setting up tables and customers coming to take photos. It requires a special kind of relationship between seller and buyer, one built on mutual respect and consideration. That being said, a term I’d like to highlight this week is reciprocity. But first, let’s go into some context and actions you can take to support your local farmers market vendors.

Why Your Actions Matter

Every weekend (and often throughout the week, too), our dedicated vendors wake before dawn, carefully load their vehicles with products they've poured their hearts into, and use their limited time before market creating beautiful displays for you to enjoy. Running a small business is rewarding, but challenging—one difficult weekend can sometimes feel like the final straw for entrepreneurs operating on tight margins and even tighter schedules.

That's why your thoughtful actions as a market-goer make such a profound difference. What might seem like small courtesies to you can represent meaningful support to our vendors who are the backbone of our local food system.

Market Etiquette That Makes A Difference

1. Cash Is King

I’m putting this one first because I really do think it is the most important thing you can do. Credit card processing fees (typically 2.5-3.5% per transaction) eat into already slim profit margins. Some vendors incorporate these fees into their prices, some offer cash discounts, while others simply absorb the cost. While many vendors now accept cards, bringing cash to the market saves everyone money and sends the message, “I see you, I value you, I’m putting in the extra effort to support you”.

2. Bring Your Own Bags

You already know. Those paper bags and packaging materials? They're an expense that comes directly from our vendors' pockets. By bringing reusable bags, you're not just making an environmentally conscious choice—you're helping small business owners reduce their overhead costs. Consider keeping a few folded tote bags in your car so you're always prepared for an impromptu market visit.

3. Handle With Care

fresh kombucha and pesto from Blue Heron Farmstead!

That heirloom tomato you're examining took months to grow and was carefully harvested at peak ripeness. We get it, everyone wants to make sure they’re getting the most bang for their buck. But when browsing displays, especially those with delicate items like tomatoes, berries, or baked goods, use a gentle touch. If you pick something up, please return it exactly as you found it. Nobody wants a bruised tomato!

4. Give Specific Compliments

Carefully crafted cakes from Spinach Tiger Keto Bakery!

Rather than a generic "everything looks great," notice something specific about a vendor's offerings. Mention how beautiful their flower arrangements are or how their product is unique and creative. Better yet, if you enjoyed something you purchased previously, let them know! These personalized compliments can brighten a vendor's entire day and provide motivation during challenging times.

5. Provide Constructive Feedback Privately

The Arrington Bread Co. Family hard at work!

If something wasn't quite right with your purchase, approach the vendor privately rather than voicing concerns publicly. Most small business owners genuinely want to make things right and value the opportunity to improve, but public criticism can be damaging in a small community setting. Customers should also feel free to approach managers at the info booth if they don’t feel comfortable going to vendors directly.

6. Be Mindful of Timing

Arriving in the final minutes of the market and expecting the same selection as early shoppers puts vendors in a difficult position. Similarly, engaging a vendor in lengthy conversation during their busiest rush hour can prevent them from serving other customers. Time your visits thoughtfully when possible, or be understanding of briefer interactions during peak periods.

7. Ask How You Can Support Them Beyond Your Purchase

Terrence and Joanna from Pare Candle Co!

At the end of the day, our customers do a wonderful job of taking care of our vendors, and vise versa. But the surefire way to do this well is to ask vendors how they best receive care! Take a moment to ask how they prefer to be supported. Would they appreciate you tagging them in an Instagram post of that gorgeous produce haul? Or would bringing a friend next week be more valuable? Different businesses have different needs—asking shows you care about their specific success.

Building Community Through Reciprocity

At the Nolensville Farmers Market, we believe community resilience grows through reciprocal relationships. What do I mean by reciprocal? It’s simple, you gotta give a little to get a little!

In uncertain times, these connections provide stability and meaning that extend far beyond a simple transaction. When you take a moment to visit the ATM before arriving, bring your own bags, or simply share a kind word with a vendor who's been on their feet since dawn, you're participating in something much larger than a shopping trip. You're reinforcing the values that make our market special: sustainability, kindness, and mutual support.

Our vendors work tirelessly to bring you the best of what Williamson County has to offer. Through these small considerations, market-goers can ensure our local producers feel valued and motivated to continue their essential work—creating a thriving local economy that benefits everyone.

So next time you visit us at the Nolensville Farmers Market (9am-noon at the Nolensville Historical School!), remember that your thoughtful actions help weave the fabric of our community. In giving a little extra consideration, you gain access to not just fresh, local food, but also to the irreplaceable experience of being part of something meaningful in an often chaotic world.

WilCo Events is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization overseeing farmers markets and community events throughout Williamson County, Tennessee. Visit us weekly in Nolensville and Westhaven (starting in May) for fresh produce, meats, baked goods, crafts, and more—all while building connections that strengthen our community.

Farmers Market Etiquette: Small Acts, Big Impact

Why Your Actions Matter