Frequently Asked Questions
Can I attend if I don't have anything to swap? Can I just come to shop?
  • Absolutely! Cash is accepted as well, and you don't even have to buy anything to come. Our events are focused on networking and building community.
Do you have bags/boxes/change/etc?
  • We encourage vendors and shoppers to bring plenty of bags, boxes, change, etc.
What if it rains?
  • The show will go on, rain or shine!
Is there an admission fee to shop?
  • PNW Farm Barter Faire/Western Washington: Free of charge for shoppers, $6 for vendors plus vendors are asked to donate a raffle item if able to cover costs.
  • Stevens County Farm Barter/Eastern Washington: Free of charge for shoppers, $5 for vendors to cover costs.
Are the animals sold healthy?
  • This is a buyer beware market. We do, however, inspect animals at our events if we have enough staff and/or volunteers to do so. You may ask vendors if they have their inspection passes before buying from them. We encourage you to educate yourself and know the signs to watch for in an unhealthy or unthrifty animal. For more information about this process, please visit our Inspections page. Hosts, staff, volunteers etc do not warranty or guarantee any purchase or swap.

Raffle & Fundraising (for PNW Farm Barter Faire events/Western Washington)

What should I donate for the raffle?
  • Pretty much anything goes. We've had everything from gently used tools and books to live animals, candy, baked goods, canned goods, plants, hatching eggs, eating eggs, etc. See the Fundraising page for more information.
Where do I take my raffle prize donation?
  • You can turn your raffle prize in to the info table so you can collect your three free raffle tickets.
What if I can't afford to donate a raffle prize?
  • Come anyways! A donation isn't required to attend.
What does the raffle and fundraising pay for?
  • The costs and expenses of every event come out of the hosts' pockets. Expenses include things like copies, print-outs, utilities, garbage bags, disposing of trash, equipment purchases and replacements, porta-potty maintenance, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, etc. The raffle and fundraising help cover some of these costs.
How much are raffle tickets?
  • Raffle tickets are $0.50 each or 3/$1.00

Vending

How much does it cost to vend?
  • PNW Farm Barter Faire/Western Washington: $6 for vendors plus vendors are asked to donate a raffle item if able to cover costs.
  • Stevens County Farm Barter/Eastern Washington: $5 for vendors to cover costs.
How do I reserve a space?
  • Visit the Facebook event listing for the event you are interested in and RSVP. If you are not on Facebook, contact us at FarmBarterFaire@gmail.com. We do not do formal reservations. Spots are first-come, first-served.
What if I change my mind about vending at the last minute? How do I cancel my RSVP?
  • It would be helpful if you change your RSVP and put a note up on the event listing for anyone you were planning to meet up with or had an arranged swap with. Otherwise, not showing up is sufficient.
Is there space inside? Is there space under cover?
  • PNW Farm Barter Faire/Western Washington: Some of our locations have indoor space, and some do not.
  • Stevens County Farm Barter/Eastern Washington: Spots are outdoor only.
Is there electricity available?
  • PNW Farm Barter Faire/Western Washington: There is electricity available at some locations. It's a good idea to contact the event host to inquire ahead of time. Sister locations may have electricity available with arrangement. Outlets, when available, are first-come, first-served.
  • Stevens County Farm Barter/Eastern Washington: There is no electricity available.
Do I have to set up a full booth?
  • Not at all. We often have mobile vendors that pull a wagon or carry a basket with their swap offers, we have vendors that tuck a little table in a corner, we have vendors that set up a simple table, we have vendors that set up a full booth, and we have vendors that sell out of their trunks or trailers. We work hard to stay casual so that whatever way works for you, also works for us.
Where do I set up? Are spots assigned?
  • Spots are first-come, first-served and we do not reserve spots. If you need an outlet for a heat lamp, crock pot, etc  at a location that offers electricity, please arrive promptly at permitted set up time for set up. Please do not show up earlier (it's actually against our rules to do so).
How much room am I allowed to use? What is the size for vendor spots?
  • If you set up inside an indoor space (where available) we ask that you do your best to conserve space to give as many people a chance to set up inside as possible (try not to exceed 8'x8'). If you are setting up outside, there is no limit.
What supplies do you provide for me to use?
  • Vendors are expected to supply everything they need. That being said, event hosts MIGHT have use of extra tables, chairs, extension cords, etc as long as they are returned. Ask at the info table.
What time should I get there to set up?
  • Be here as close to the permitted set up time as possible. DO NOT SHOW UP EARLY.
Do I have to pay commission on what I sell?
  • Heck no!
How do I know if my poultry/livestock is healthy/thrifty?

Allowed Items

Am I allowed to bring X, Y, Z? Can I bring my dog? Cat? Ferret? Skunk on a leash?
  • PNW Farm Barter Faire/Western Washington: ​​Pets are not permitted. Service animals are permitted as long as they are under control, non-disruptive and calm, and on leash at all times. Emotional support animals are permitted as long as they are under control, non-disruptive and calm, and on leash at all times.
  • Stevens County Farm Barter/Eastern Washington: Pet dogs are permitted, physically controlled on leash/collar at all times.
​ Can I bring my kids?
  • Our events are family friendly, and we encourage you to bring your children. That being said, please understand that we are not babysitters and we expect you to retain control of your children at all times.
Can I bring guests?
  • Please do!
Can I bring my own food and beverages?
  • Yes, absolutely!

Pricing/Determining Values

How do I decide how to price my items/animals/services?
  • That's up to you. There are a lot of different ways to figure that out. There are some great tips on determining estimated trade values (which can also be a cash price) on the Pricing page.
Can I stay flexible on my pricing?
  • Of course, that's part of the beauty of a swap. However, we encourage you to start out with a base price for each item so shoppers have an idea of where to start.