WOLFF'S FLEA MARKET OFFENSIVE MERCHANDISE POLICY FAQ

Originally published August 2017. Updated October 2021, October 2022
What is your policy on Offensive Merchandise?
Wolff's Flea Market has never allowed the sale of prejudicial or offensive merchandise. 
Recently, we have found the need to become more specific in what we qualify as offensive.
We realize some patrons might not agree with our decision, but as a family business, we feel confident that we are making the correct choice for our market. We reserve this right to make this decision.
  1. While we know some people consider WWII items to be collectible rather than offensive, we ban the sales and display of both current and older historical Nazi related merchandise. This includes but is not limited to items bearing a variety of symbols and insignia that were present in WWII Nazi Germany, such as flags, ribbons, pins, jewelry, etc.
  2. We also do not allow the sales or display of new or historical Confederate merchandise (including, but not limited to flags, stickers, license plate frames, etc.)
  3. Any other type of offensive, prejudicial merchandise and symbols are not allowed.
  4. The country is politically divided. We may allow pro (insert name) merchandise as long as there is no derogatory, profane, prejudicial content.
  5. THE OFFICIAL RULES: No confederate, offensive, racist/prejudicial literature, flags 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. In these instances, we have chosen to draw a line between would-be historical and offensive merchandise.
What if I see something that you ban?
Wolff's has in place a designated trained Info Team to inspect merchandise for banned items. A goal of this team is to educate vendors so that they may experience safe and successful sales in the future.

Occasionally items may be pointed out that we may have missed or that have been placed out after we have inspected a particular booth. We appreciate communication from clientele about these matters. We want to know so that we may intervene and educate. While our team patrols the market for hours we also appreciate the extra set of eyes. If you see something questionable, please make sure you are directed to management in order for us to act upon your concern. We attempt to educate our employees regarding customer concerns so that they understand the process of reporting problems directly to management.

You may also call or text 847-524-9590 with a description of merchandise and a Space Number. 
Our research is ongoing, and is imperative that new sellers read our rules for the most updated information. 

How is your policy beneficial to us?
Examples of how we shape our policies to benefit our clientele:
  1. We banned early models of hoverboards as soon as we found out about fire hazard dangers due to overheating and counterfeit batteries
  2. We do not allow baby items like high chairs, cribs, strollers, car seats etc. because of safety and recall concerns
  3. We do not allow the sales or advertising of animals for sale
  4. We banned the sale of eclipse viewing glasses when it became known that counterfeits were being sold by online wholesalers
  5. Those of you familiar with us already know our powerful patrol program of Prevention, Intervention, Education (PIE) related to the sales of counterfeit merchandise
We consider our Merchandise Rules to be very detailed but also reserve the right to ban any merchandise that we deem unacceptable.

To read more on this topic, click on the following links:

EBAY'S OFFENSIVE MERCHANDISE POLICY

ANTI-DEFAMATION LEAGUE

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW & WWII MEMORABILIA- PBS

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