MERCHANDISE RULES
4/5/2024
So much to sell, so much to read...so much to learn
Images used for purposes of discussion and education. We are not affiliated with nor do we represent any brands. We are not lawyers or rocket scientists. Research is ongoing.
Questions?
Call or Text 847-524-9590
See something? Call or text with
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Quick look: (Thanks for reading!)
Remember we love you and want Wolff's Flea Market to offer the best!
We are a family, and want all families to enjoy their experience! This section will teach you about our merchandise policies.
#grabacoffee #read
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Please sell your essential goods, antiques, collectibles, clothing, furniture, home decor, clutter, crafts and more!
BUT...for a jillion reasons...
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NO CBD, CANNABIS or VAPING PRODUCTS
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NO BABY FURNITURE (cribs, high chairs, car seats, strollers, ETC)
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NO SALES OF INDIVIDUAL CHILLED BEVERAGES (except for our licensed contracted food concessions),
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NO HOMEMADE FOOD
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NO ILLEGAL OR COUNTERFEIT MERCHANDISE
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KEEP READING FOR COMPLETE MERCHANDISE POLICY
Please check back as we update policies due to ongoing research. We are not doctors, lawyers, engineers or astronauts nor do we represent any brands. We are teachers and strive to educate our clientele on safe buying and selling practices. Images used for purposes of education & discussion.
#welovetoteach
BANNED BRANDS:
Because we will not authenticate, certain "vulnerable" brands are NOT allowed to be sold at Wolff's (new/used/real/fake).
Banned brands: Coach, Louis Vuitton, MAC & KatVonD Cosmetics, Chanel, Gucci and other brands/items at our discretion. No "white boxed" Apple look alike products. These brands are highly vulnerable to counterfeiting. Flea markets have been sued by brands for contributory liability for allowing fakes. Please call or text 847-524-9590 if you have questions regarding a product you see or wish to sell. We will address your concerns.
Read more here:
LOUIS VUITTON SUES FLEA MARKET
*If examined product/packaging/quantity/etc. looks wonky to us - we may have you remove!
Baby Stuff
Due to safety and recalls, we do not allow the sale of NEW or USED infant/child car & booster seats, cribs, crib mattresses, portable cribs, sleep positioning devices, bassinets, playpens, folding playpens, strollers, jogging strollers, highchairs, walkers, baby seats, bouncy seats, clip/strap on table booster seats, baby swings, baby formula, ETC. Read about a recent recall HERE
WHAT CAN I SELL?
We welcome the amazing diversity of curated merchandise offered by the thousands of vendors who have sold at our markets since 1991.
Antiques, art, collectibles, cleaning supplies, store returns, fresh produce, books, comics, new merchandise, your stuff, garage sale items, stamps, coins, baseball cards, kitchen items, crafts, records, lawnmowers, furniture, new & vintage clothing, home & garden decor, overstock, plants, toys, sporting goods, knick-knacks, office supplies, jewelry, linens, tools, video games, CDs, DVDs, electronics, crafts, and MUCH, MUCH MORE!
COLLECTORS: Looking for a particular item? We just might have it! Feel free to post what you need on our facebook page. We have matched up a few customers and vendors!
SOCIAL MEDIA: Vendors are welcome and encouraged to post information and photos of upcoming sales on our facebook page. Also click HERE to join our Buy, Sell Trade facebook group. It's FREE to post and an excellent way to spread the good word! Tag us on Instagram @wolffsfleamarket
SMALL BUSINESS ENTREPRENEURS:
Got an idea? Try it out at Wolff's! We encourage your endeavors! Several vendors have even gone on to open their own retail stores after getting a start at Wolff's!
Enjoy a low rent, well-trafficked location to introduce your wares. We've seen a variety of inventions & creations: magic tricks, repurposed furniture, reclaimed wood, soaps, art, candles, local honey, recycled wool mittens, salsa, olive oil, cookies, roasted peppers, spices, hot sauce, barbecue sauce (food must be made in a licensed facility - no homemade foods - please call us), the Mycromat, pottery, personalized books, origami, wood-carving, 3D printing, crafts, bottle trees, flower arrangements, handmade jewelry.
PARODY / MASH UP/SVG CUSTOM MERCHANDISE
Please note our "parody/mash-up" merchandise policy. You've seen t-shirts, tumblers and more in kiosks, street fairs and local stores that alter, combine, refer to and copy (in whole or in part) sports teams, animation, designers, phrases and their logos. If you are not authorized or licensed by individual brand owners to produce these items, then you cannot create and sell them. It is unlikely that a private individual could obtain licensing from a large corporation for their small home business. Sometimes these items are purchased in bulk from wholesalers, but are still not authorized or licensed due to confusingly similar designs and trademark infringement issues. Ongoing research, news and lawsuits back up our decision.
THIS APPLIES TO CLOTHING, STICKERS, SHOES, KEYCHAINS, BAGS, TUMBLERS AND ALL TYPES OF IMPORTED, CRICUT, WHOLESALE AND COMPUTER GENERATED ITEMS, ETC.
LEARN MORE HERE: https://cuttingforbusiness.com/
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SVG Generated Crafts: Unfortunately, it is too easy to purchase and download illegal, infringing SVG (digital image files) with designer, sports and other branded logos. People then create and print counterfeit merchandise like t-shirts, wallets, bags, etc. Please don't do this. Stick with your own designs.
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August 2023: Bust for manufacturing and selling counterfeit emblems in Texas
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June 2023: Win for Brand Owners Against Parodies
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June 2015: Chicago area bust for counterfeit Blackhawks merchandise (not at our market). Mash up designs were seized and considered counterfeit. This has been confirmed by reliable sources and is an example of our ongoing research and how we work to enact our goals of Prevention, Intervention & Education (PIE). Read the article here: FED SEIZE $180,000 FAKE BLACKHAWKS GEAR
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June 2016: Bust and resulting arrest occurred for similar types of infringing merchandise. The items were again seized as counterfeit. This occurence reinforces our proactive decision to ban these items. Read the article here: OFFICIALS CONFISCATE COUNTERFEIT APPAREL
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September 2016: Lawsuit filed by Chicago Cubs agains several sellers of parody and altered design merchandise. Read Crain's article with link to the full text of the lawsuit here: MLB, Cubs sue apparel vendors for trademark violation
ANIMALS
Service animals are allowed. Per federal law, staff may ask individuals with service dogs 2 specific questions regarding the status of their animal. No pets allowed, no emotional support, comfort, or therapy animals. No sales of animals/pets. The posting of ads for animal sales is not allowed. Flyers will be destroyed. Please keep your pets at home and do not leave them in your parked car. As the weather warms/cools, temperatures in your car can reach dangerous levels for your pet. Pavement is also hot! Vendors, sorry, but you cannot have your pets on the premises, even if in your vehicle, leashed or crated.
MORE
#keeppetsathome
COUNTERFEIT
Counterfeits exist worldwide, online, locally, at wholesalers and overseas sources. We attend classes and self-educate to learn as much as we can to prevent counterfeits from appearing at our market. Our education never ends (nor should yours). No counterfeit trademark, copyright, diluting (i.e. confusingly similar to actual logos) merchandise allowed (NEW or USED).
READ: TWO KINDS OF COUNTERFEIT. We do not tolerate counterfeits at Wolff's Flea Market and aim to educate on this never-ending global issue (PIE: Prevention-Intervention-Education). We conduct ongoing research. A specially trained team patrols our aisles in the effort to maintain our market as a venue for small businesses to offer essential, new and resale merchandise. We appreciate your cooperation and attention as we share our knowledge and rules. Vendors are responsible for choosing appropriate merchandise. Be mindful of your sources! A "guy", online, social media source or wholesaler selling deeply discounted items that seem "too good to be true" may not be reliable or legitimate. We are not lawyers and our information is not to be taken as legal advice. In the mood for a pleasant 900 page long read? Go to www.forfeiture.gov for daily public updates of items seized at US ports of entry. Scroll way down to Chicago....What do you think now?
And, hey, we aren't making this stuff up!
It's the #LAW. We appreciate our amazing vendors who embrace the "Anti-counterfeit Culture" we aim to promote.
Counterfeits in the real news:
Merchandise Inspection & Education
In an effort that involves ongoing research &
education, Wolff's Flea Market strictly regulates
the type of merchandise being sold. Throughout the day, designated trained staff walk the market looking for counterfeit and other banned merchandise. Several rounds of patrol occur as new items may be unpacked. If you sell with us, we reserve the right to inspect and photograph merchandise for our research, deem it as inappropriate and disallow. In certain instances, a manager may require legitimate receipts for your product. We may not accept receipts from wholesalers, online marketplaces or overseas sellers. If unsure, we may not allow you to sell item(s). We hold a special place in our heart for people who bring out banned merchandise AFTER we have inspected their booth. That place is not at Wolff's Flea Market... Please also instruct "walk-in" family members or friends to wait at the admission booth for management to inspect merchandise before entry. You may experience staff conducting repeat inspections of your booth. No vendor is singled out. Please don't be offended, as this is part of the process. #beproudtobeacounterfighter
Certain CATEGORIES of new and/or branded merchandise require routine inspection:
Phone Accessories, Purses, CDs/DVDs, Clothing, Perfume, Cosmetics, Jewelry/Sunglasses, Toys, Licensed Sports Merchandise - and all the other trending stuff we learn about on Google Alerts.
BANNED ITEMS
Safety, Family
Alcohol (even old products in collectible bottles; empty bottles allowed), tobacco (even old products in collectible containers).
Even if some of these items are allowed/legal in Illinois, we do not allow: Vaping, e-cig, CBD products (edible/topical/pet), Delta-8, drug paraphernalia (including but not limited to wood/glass/small pipes, bongs, rolling paper), hookahs, weird mushrooms.
Fireworks, ammunition, weapons, parts of weapons, pocket knives over 3", (Illinois Law), swords (real, decorative or collectible). No illegal knives (switchblades, throwing stars, brass knuckles, cat ears, etc.), no items requiring a FOID card, guns, BB/air guns, pellet guns, pellets. No crossbows, arrows, bows, ETC. All toys guns new/used/collectible must have a permanently fastened orange tip which indicates that they are toys. No pepper spray/mace, stun guns, tasers.
We are a family market. No confederate, offensive, racist/prejudicial literature, flags, signs or items with foul or hateful symbols or language. This includes misinformation, disparaging messages, profanity - you know what we mean! New and historical WW2 Nazi items are banned. READ MORE HERE
OTHER STUFF: No tarot reading, used mattresses, X-rated, pornographic material including but not limited to magazines and movies, items requiring prescriptions or controlled substances (e.g. pseudoephedrine), unauthorized pharma, expired over the counter medication, used/open make-up, contact lenses (prescription AND/OR cosmetic), novelty lighters (lighters that look like toys - banned in Illinois). No loaded/streaming devices that allow for free access to paid services.
No "free phones or free iPads", bitcoin, cryptocurrency, "free" DNA testing, NFTs, gift cards, paid raffles, energy sign up, event tickets.
Other items & brands may be banned at our discretion.
Food
Whole, uncut produce, pre-packaged and non-perishable items are allowed. Sampling and baby formula not allowed.
Homemade food NOT allowed (baked goods, home-canned, vacuum sealed, repackaged foods, etc.).
PRODUCE VENDORS CLICK HERE
Due to exclusive contractual agreements and local health regulations, sales of prepared food/concessions for consumption at the market, including, but not limited to water, soda pop, chilled/hot individual beverages, prepared food, perishable food, etc. must be pre-approved, licensed and contracted IN ADVANCE by 1. Wolff's Flea Market management AND 2. Village of Rosemont. Proof of insurance, health permit, contract and specific equipment is required.
Food questions? Please call us at 847-524-9590 or click HERE to request more information.
CLICK FOR SPECIFIC VILLAGE OF ROSEMONT FOOD GUIDELINES
CLICK HERE FOR SPANISH VERSION FOOD GUIDELINES
MERCHANDISE REMOVAL
Vendors will be directed to immediately and permanently remove restricted items. This means putting it AWAY, out of sight and access to the public. In other words, inside your closed vehicle or trunk. We will explain why the item is banned and wait while you complete this task.... Your information will be recorded and an informational warning slip issued. We strongly believe in educating our vendors, and thank you in advance for your cooperation. A small percentage may choose not to follow guidelines. Vendors not adhering to our directive run the risk of ejection. We appreciate your self-monitoring of merchandise. If in doubt, we may ask you to put item away until further information has been processed. Sometimes we will photograph or borrow a sample of your product for our Research Zone. This is how we learn! At times items that are approved may be banned following further ongoing research. Management will have the final decision regarding an item in question.
Just ask...
WHILE WE WILL TRY TO ANSWER YOUR MERCHANDISE RELATED QUESTIONS, OUR INFORMATION IS NOT TO BE CONSIDERED LEGAL ADVICE. OUR RESEARCH IS ONGOING AND OUR DECISIONS WILL BE UPDATED AS NEW INFORMATION BECOMES AVAILABLE. OUR GOALS: PREVENTION-INTERVENTION-EDUCATION (PIE). #welovetotalk
We wrote this: AN ARTICLE FOR SELLERS: BUY SAFELY, SELL SAFELY
If you want to read even more, we wrote a lot of other stuff on WOLFF'S FLEA MARKET BLOG
By selling at our markets you agree to follow our rules. Failure to cooperate may result in permanent ejection from Wolff’s. WFM follows local, state and federal laws to maintain a safe, family friendly environment. Please read vendor rules on seller's permit AND this entire section to familiarize yourself with our merchandise policies.
BROCHURES, SERVICES, OUT-OF BOOTH SALES
No sale of catalog items, petitions, canvassing, bitcoin, gift cards or intangible services that involve the exchange of money or collection of credit card information without the exchange of actual goods unless you have received pre-approval from Wolff's. We will require presentation of your service related business license or certification. No distribution of or applications regarding "free government phones or tablets".
No distribution or posting of advertising, cards or informational flyers on vehicles or in the parking lot/aisles. No distribution of flyers or solicitation by individuals who are not paid vendors of Wolff's. No prejudicial, misinformation, hateful or discriminatory flyers allowed. Distribution and sales must be contained within your paid selling space. You may hand out business related brochures at your booth. No walking sales or hawking in aisles. No parking lot sales. No collection of confidential personally identifiable information. You may collect emails or phone numbers from customers if they choose to share with you.
NON-PROFIT GROUPS
If you are a registered non-for profit organization/charity 501(c)(3) and wish to set up a stand at the market for fundraising or awareness, please call us at 847-524-9590. Documentation is required, and your space may be discounted. All rules and restrictions apply. Examples of previous groups: Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Rotary Club, VFW, AIDS Foundation, school fundraisers, Breast Cancer Walk, LifeSource Blood Drive, Special Olympics, Little Mexico, Young Marines, pet rescues, Salvation Army, community dance troupe, Relay for Life.
BE KIND
Wolff's Flea Market is a family owned and family friendly business. For over 30 years, we have offered fair and equal opportunities for vendors and customers to participate in diverse, enjoyable and successful shopping + selling. Please be respectful of your neighbors and their space.
We monitor merchandise and respectfully educate if you have something we do not allow. We also expect our clientele to maintain respectful behavior.
If an uncomfortable situation arises, please do not engage, but instead contact a staff person (in green shirts with walkie talkies) who will direct you to or contact the proper management or security.
Please do not shout, use profanity or insults. An individual may be asked to leave the market if we deem behavior or merchandise to be offensive, disruptive and inappropriate to our family friendly atmosphere.
WOLFF'S FLEA MARKET
ALLSTATE ARENA
6920 N Mannheim Rd
Rosemont, IL 60018