A good

Practice Guide
for the operation of
Municipal Markets
in the South Pacific
 Introduction
This guide will provide Pacific Island governments, local municipal councils, planners and relevant
stakeholders with a toolkit to assist with the set up and operations of municipal markets in their
respective countries. In putting together this guide, it has been assumed that municipal markets in
the Pacific will continue to grow, develop and account for:

i. An increase in fresh produce consumption

ii. Increase in demand for spaces at the market

The guide has further expressed the importance of having a well thought-out market design
supported by proper infrastructure. This will in turn influence how the market centre will operate and
determine how it will be managed.

Users of the guide are advised to assess their own environment carefully and check for relevance to
your own market before adopting any recommendation in this guide.

Users of this Guide

The users of this guide are likely to be at national, local government, provincial or district levels and
could include others who may wish to setup fresh fruit and vegetable or farmers markets.

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 Main Governing Policy By-Laws
Municipal markets must have a firm set of Policies that clearly define the general framework
under which the market will operate. Since most markets in Pacific Island countries (PIC) are
subsidiary arms of the national Government, such policies may be formulated in the form of “By-
Laws”. Other policies or rules can then branch out from the By-Laws.

The By-Laws should have the following characteristics:

a. Must be clearly written for ease of understanding by vendors

b. Should be written in the relevant vernacular language.

c. Must be compiled in a booklet or pamphlet to allow for easy reading.

d. Key focus areas of the by-laws include:

↗ Ownership of the market

↗ Management structure of the market

↗ Compliance standards for produce or products sold, health standards to maintain,

produce display rules, vendor behavioural conduct rules, penalties for non-compliance,
waste care management and disposal system and

↗ Selection criteria for vendors at the market (i.e. market entry criteria)

Where necessary, the By-Laws may be supported by a set of Rules & Regulations, which can
expand in greater detail on other areas not covered in the By-Laws.

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 Rules & Regulations of the Market
Markets need to have clear rules and regulation for the smooth running of the centre.
Contents could include:

i. Standards for behaviour for vendors and iii. Enforcement of rules and regulations:
customers.
↗ Prohibition of certain goods – establishes
ii. Use of Market facilities: a guide on which goods are permitted
and which goods are not permitted in the
↗ Establishes rules to govern the use of market premises.
facilities such as electrical switches,
taps, toilets, rubbish bins, etc. ↗ Live animals – states whether or not live
animals are allowed into the market.
↗ Procedures for changes in stalls or
leased spaces – establishes rules which ↗ Cooking on site – clarifies whether
tenants/vendors must follow if they wish cooking is or isn’t allowed on the market
to make any modifications or changes to premises.
their area of lease.
↗ Display and quality of produce – sets
↗ Food Safety - Seafood and Cooked Items standards for both quality and display of
– all seafood and cooked items must be food within the market.
handled and prepared according to the
various food safety standards ↗ Enforcement of the Rules and Regulations
– The market manager has the right to
↗ Use of car park – establishes rules on the remove anyone from the market or report
use of the car park. them to higher authorities in accordance
with provisions in the By-Laws or in any
↗ Rules for produce entry into the market other law relating to the market place.
– e.g. root crop produce must be properly
cleaned or washed at the cleaning bay
before being brought inside the market
premises.

↗ Control of music – establishes rules

which govern the use of music in the
market

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 Functional Organisational
Structure
Must have a clear, well-defined and effective Organisational Structure. This will ensure clarity in
responsibility of employees and management, clear lines of communication and a more practical
and functional operation of the market. Preferably the structure should be “flat” as opposed to
“hierarchical” to allow speedy flow of decision-making. This is vital in view of the nature of market
operations.

Market Management
↗ The Market Management team should be led by a Market Manager and he/she could be supported
by an Assistant depending on the size and functions of the market. Other members of the
management team could include; an office/finance administrator, a market property and
maintenance supervisor, a security supervisor, a car park supervisor, a fees collection officer
and a cleaning crew supervisor.

↗ The Market Manager must have sufficient autonomy to make decisions and have the authority to
enforce the laws and rules of the market.

↗ The Market Management office should be located in a position where the market manager has a
view over all if not most of the market centre. For a large market, you may consider raising the
manager’s office to mezzanine level.

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 Location & Design of
Market Premises
To ensure maximum trading for market vendors and tenants, the venue of the market must be
properly located and its design be well thought out. Some features of location and design are:

a. Venue should be close to support systems such as public transport and a supermarket

b. Venue must be at a site that is clean and attractive to complement the quality of fresh produce to
be sold. A non-complementary site will create a barrier in the minds of consumers.

c. Design for the market must allow for:

i. Ample vehicle parking & traffic movement to limit congestion. Clearly define parking areas for
customers, tenants, fees, loading and unloading zones, wholesale farmer bays etc.

ii. Produce cleaning areas or bays to ensure produce is cleaned before entering the market
premises

iii. Right size for stall tables and the correct height.

iv. Disability parking and access into the market.

v. Allow for easy movement of customers throughout the whole premises

vi. Proper waste and garbage management systems.

vii. Clear building or wall separation between fresh fish and meat from the fresh produce area to
prevent cross contamination

viii. Adequate space between stall tables and walkways to avoid congestion

ix. Have appropriate tenancy mix (bread shop, phone shop, convenience kiosk, small eating
kiosk outlets) to create a one-stop shop experience and retain traffic within the market
premises.

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 Market Infrastructure -
Basic Infrastructure a MUST
↗ The market must have access to basic infrastructure such as water, electricity, sewer and
waste, proper drainage, parking area and overhead shelter. This will enable a more effective
management of the market premises and influence better compliance standards.

↗ For larger markets (over 500 vendors):

a. Where the market is an enclosed building, use building materials that allow greater air flow
into the premises.

b. Allocate some commercial spaces to allow for wider range of product offering e.g.
convenience kiosk, food canteen etc.

c. Overnight stay accommodation specifically for weekend farmers or vendors who travel from
long distances.

d. Cold storage to be used at a fee.

e. Seating benches for the elderly

f. An exhibition area or zone for special events (e.g. display of art & craft, government services
products, financial services products, traditional performance for tourist customers etc.)

g. Clinic or first aid post.

↗ Insurance – the market building should be insured at all times to protect the market owners and
management team against any liability and also safe guard the investment.

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 Vendors at the Market

Clearly identify the number and types of vendors/tenants at your market as this will influence the
internal layout of the building and its size. Possible tenants could include but are not limited to:

Full time, part-time and daily vendors.

Categories:

↗ Seafood

↗ Floriculture

↗ Fresh Fruits, Vegetables and Crops

↗ Livestock

↗ Retail Kiosk

↗ Youth Farmers

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 7 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

The Market management team should have a g. Application and selection process for all
SOPs that will serve as the main guide on how tenancy types in the market.
the team will manage the market. The SOP should
be in written form and updated when necessary. i. Basic approval letters for vendors
Regular training of employees on the SOP is
recommended. ii. Tenancy application and selection
process need to be created for the
The SOP must adhere to other government various tenancy categories.
policies that directly or indirectly affect
operations of the market. iii. Forms must be made available and the
process must be clear.
Areas covered in the SOPs may include:
iv. Lease agreements need to be created for
a. Cleaning – ensuring that the market is specific tenants. Lease agreements are
cleaned on a regular basis (daily) to create a to include terms of lease, fees, tenant’s
clean market environment. responsibilities, etc.

b. Security and market safety– having security v. It is recommended that a lawyer or

and security procedures in place to ensure property management specialist draw up
the safety of market vendors/farmers and the lease agreement.
customers.
vi. Where possible the market must promote
c. Repairs and maintenance - ensuring that the sale of local food produce to ensure
there is a proper repairs and maintenance the competitiveness of the local
procedure in place to maintain the upkeep economy.
of the market. Creating a procedure for
tendering out of major repair works. h. Market layout – drawing up a market layout,
which indicates where the various categories
d. Disposal of rubbish – ensuring that there of vendors are to be placed. For Daily
is a process for collecting and disposing vendors, market management must ensure
of rubbish and other waste. If there is a selling areas are well marked and vendors
recycling program in place, then it should be know where they can sell. This floor plan can
followed. be included in the Market Entry Guide.

e. Procedures to handle complaints and i. Financial Management e.g. Fee collection –

conflicts. A grievance form and procedure a process should be in place for collecting
should be put in place to ensure all fees and issuing receipts.
complaints are handled in a transparent and
just manner. k. Ensuring that proper procedures are in place
to handle emergencies such as disasters,
f. Contact details for all vendors and tenants accidents, health emergencies, etc.
and must be regularly updated
l. Trading times – Clearly defined trading times.

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 8 A MARKET ENTRY GUIDE

A Booklet or pamphlet explaining what the market has to offer and containing relevant information
and available services. The guide would include information on:

i. Tenancy Spaces: types of spaces available and vacancies.

ii. Vendor categories available – e.g. permanent status, daily vendors, wholesale farmer, kiosk for
SME’s, commercial tenant etc.

iii. Fee or rates for tenancies, stalls, kiosks, huts or wholesale zones etc.

iv. Market trading hours.

v. Market internal layout plan

vi. Location map of the market and important neighbouring entities e.g. bus terminal, supermarket,
government services, hospital, and banks, ATMs etc.

vii. Bylaws, policies and rules and regulations that govern the market.

viii. Services and other opportunities offered within the market

Refer to Annex 1 of this document for a Market Entry Guide template.

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 9 market information platform

Knowledge Management
Have a database of all information affecting the market. Such information could include vendor and
tenant numbers, customer traffic flow statistics, venue or areas of produce supply to the market,
farmer numbers within a specific distance from the market, in season and off-season produce,
market price structure movements etc. A database such as this would assist with future planning
purposes.

Record, store and make available policies and rules and regulations that affect vendors/farmers in
the market.

Maintain updated records of all services that vendors can access to assist in improving their
business (e.g. Government grants to SME’s).

Online Presence of Markets

Markets should have an online presence to both traders and customers. This would allow greater
information dissemination.

Training and Services provided in the Market

Allow for relevant training programs and services within the market premises. This will lead to
improvement in vendor business and trading.

Vendor Associations - for large Markets

Allow for the creation of a market vendors association to work both with the market management
team and with market vendors for the benefit of both stakeholders. Clearly set out the boundaries
and policies for the association to avoid misunderstanding.

Special Days
Have special days at the market centre where special offers or incentives are offered to customers
to visit. These days could consist of events such as cooking of local foods, promotion of local art
and culture, discount offerings, open farmers day etc.

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 a ANNEX 1
Sample Market Entry Guide
i. Provide basic relevant information for anyone wanting to gain tenancy space at the municipal
markets.

ii. Excite and influence the reader. Where possible the document can utilise picture or photo
illustrations to assist with explanations.

iii. Entice or encourage immediate buy-in - not be too complex and lengthy. The Guide should provide
the necessary links to other relevant handbooks or reading materials.

iv. To provide easy readability and understanding

Municipal Market: Punanga Nui Market

(Illustration of a Facebook Market page)

Market Location: Contact Persons:

Avarua, Rarotonga. Market Manager/Market Admin
Cell : .............................................
Website/Facebook page: Email : .........................................
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Punanga-
Nui-Market-Rarotonga/245565308895298
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1. Welcome Message
Have a welcome message that is uplifting, encouraging and enticing. This message could be issued
by the market manager, government minister in charge of the municipality, or the Prime Minister or
Head of State.
 
The welcome message could include the following:

↗ Special welcome and introduction to the market.

↗ Aim of the Market entry guide.
↗ Aims and visions of the market.
↗ Other contents of the guide.

An example of the welcome message could be as follows:

‘Welcome to the ..…Market - the place to trade, do business, make friends and grow …. . ..Agriculture
sector. This Guide is aimed at those who want to be a Vendor or tenant at the market. It provides you
with the basic information you need to know and answers some of the immediate questions you may
have. The guide also includes application forms and rules and regulations. If you want to go a step
further after this reading, feel free to contact the Market Manager …………….…, on email ……………….. or
better still call him/her or his/her office now on ……………. for immediate assistance. I look forward
to meeting you soon and I hope this Guide book will help you take a step into an exciting business
journey. Enjoy the reading’ - ……………………… - Market Centre Manager

Market Location – have a map that portrays the location of the market.

Market Layout –include the internal design layout of the market and mark out the main areas e.g.
full time vendor area, farmer selling area, daily vendor selling area, fish selling area, root crop selling
area, car park, wash bays, toilets, entry and exit points etc.

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2. Frequently Asked Questions
Address frequently asked questions up front as this generates immediate interest. Get to the point
and avoid long explanations. Bullet point responses are very effective as they provide immediate and
direct answers, which are very clear and easy to understand.

Possible Questions and Answers:

1. Q : Why should I sell at the Market?

Answer:
↗ a great place to start your business with minimum start up cost
↗ Provides the opportunity to get good financial returns
↗ Hub of fresh food and vegetable shopping
↗ Affordable vendor stall fees
↗ Direct connection with customers
↗ Access to other services (such as financial, nongovernment and governmental services) and
many more………….

2. Q - What are the categories of Vendor that I can apply for at the Market?
Answer:
↗ Wholesale farmer
↗ Fresh fruit & vegetable vendor
↗ Cooked food Vendor
↗ Seafood Vendor
↗ Handicraft / Art & Craft Vendor
↗ Root crop Vendor
↗ Speciality Vendor e.g. fashion jewellery, clothing, convenience items etc.

(Note: tailor the above list depending on individual market size and characteristics.)

3. Q - I am a youth and have just started farming, but I don’t have any experience running a
business. Is there any form of assistance I can get if I want to start selling as a market vendor?
Answer:
This is a very good question and the answer is ‘Yes’. There are various financial and business
services that other organisations provide at the market from time to time. There is one
specifically for those starting business for the first time and you should contact Mr/Ms …………… at
the ………………. for further advice on this.

4. Q - Do I have to be a full time Vendor or can I sell just on certain days?

Answer:
Yes you can be a full time Vendor or alternatively you could be a ‘Daily Vendor’.

5. Q - What is the stall fee at the market?

Answer:
Currently $............ per day/week. Everyone who is at the market must pay their stall fees.

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6. Q - Why must I pay stall fees?
Answer:
Stall Fees must be paid. The Money collected from stall fees is used to maintain the market
centre. It is used to ensure the market centre is clean and tidy, the building is kept in good
condition and that the market continues to be an area where farmers and vendors can come and
sell their goods in a clean and safe environment.

7. Q - Can I set the price for my produce or is there a price structure set by the vendors
association or the market?
Answer:
Each vendor sets his or her own price. It is suggested that you study the product pricing
throughout the market carefully before you set yours.

8. Q - What happens if I am unable to pay my stall fees in any given week or day?
Answer:
You will need to see the Market Centre Manager on any issue that you require assistance with and
this includes your stall fees. Try to keep up with your fee payment but if you have difficulty, then
see the Manager and work out an arrangement for settlement.

9. Q - How do I apply to be a Vendor?

Answer:
Step 1: Decide what Vendor category you want to be in
Step 2: Read up the ‘Rules & Regulations’ of the market and if you have any queries,
contact the Market Manager for answers.
Step 3: Fill out the correct Application Form, sign and return it to the Market Manager either by
post, hand delivery or email.
[Click here to download the Application forms if this is an online MEG]
[For a print copy – application forms are at included in this guide on the last page]

10. Q - How long will it take before I know if my application is approved or not?
Answer:
The Market Manager will appraise your application as quickly as he/she can. You should be
aware though that submitting an application does not guarantee automatic approval. Once
your application is received, it will go through the Council’s rating system. If your application is
successful, an acceptance letter and information package will be sent to you. If stall space is
unavailable, you may be placed on a waiting list. If your application is not successful, you will be
still be contacted and advised.

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3. Other Important Information You Need To Know
Have a section in the MEG that addresses vital information on the market and these could include:

1. Ownership of the Market

Its recommended that market ownership and management structure be explained so there is a
clear understanding of division of responsibility.

Example:
“The market is owned by the Nausori Town Council. The day to day running of the market is done
by the Market Manager and his support staff.”

2. Opening Hours of the Market

Monday - Saturdays ……………….. to ……………. -

Sunday …………………………………

3. Special Days
If the market has a special monthly farmers or open day or night, it can be mentioned here.

Example:

“The last Thursday of every month (from 6pm – 9.30pm) is set aside for an ‘open night market’
where we also encourage all other businesses in Nausori town to come to the Market and sell
their products. The Market continues to give priority to farmer and growers but we are also
looking at others who provide a different product range on this night. This will bring more traffic
to the Market and make the night a success for everyone.”

4. Priority Vendors
If your market gives priority to certain vendors (e.g. those from certain areas or provinces etc.), it
must be very clearly mentioned to avoid complications later

Example:

“As the Market is situated in Nausori, priority of vendor stall space is given to farmers and vendors
from the province of Tailevu, Rewa and Naitasiri. But this does not mean that we will not accept
your application.”

“ Youths (between the ages of …… & …….) will be allocated ….% of space at the market.”

5. Market By-Laws and Rules & Regulations

Clearly spell out that the market has Laws and R&R and these must be adhered to

Example:

“The Market operates under a set of Policies. These policies are contained in 2 handbooks and
they are:

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 * Nausori Market By-Laws and
* Market Rules & Regulations

It is important that you read the 2 handbooks so that you clearly understand and are familiar with
what is required of you as a Vendor.”

[Click here to download the By-Laws and the Rules/Regulations]

[For Print Copy – By Laws and rules and regulations are included in this guide on pages …. And ….]

6. Infringement Notices
State how compliance will be enforced and what the penalties are. Indicate clearly how
infringement notices will be issued to market vendors and members of the public who do not
follow the rules and regulations of the market. These are:

(enter the fine or penalty here)

7. Services offered within the market place

Indicate all other beneficial services that vendors could enjoy such as training, health services,
financial literacy training, loans etc..

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