Cal. Civ. Code § 407.023
Representation of a business at wholesale trade shows or markets — proof of agency required
Operative Text
1. No person who alleges to represent a particular business at a wholesale trade show or market shall rent or lease space at the trade show or market unless he can produce written evidence of the agency relationship or contract status with the business he claims to represent; provided, however, that nothing herein contained shall apply to any trade show or market which in good faith endeavors to obtain evidence of said agency's relationship or contract status. 2. Any violation of this section is an unlawful merchandising practice.
Missouri Revised Statutes § 407.023 establishes that anyone claiming to represent a business at a wholesale trade show or market must be able to produce written documentation—such as an agency agreement or contract—proving that relationship before renting or leasing booth or floor space. Trade shows and markets that make a good-faith effort to obtain such documentation from vendors are shielded from liability under this provision. A failure to comply with this requirement is classified as an unlawful merchandising practice under Missouri's consumer protection framework.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of wholesale trade shows or markets should be aware that § 407.023 places an obligation on vendors claiming to represent a business to provide written proof of their agency or contract relationship before space is rented or leased. A compliant trade show or market operator generally implements a documented intake process that requests and retains copies of agency agreements or contracts from each prospective vendor. Operators who make a genuine, documented good-faith effort to collect this evidence are afforded a degree of protection under the provision even if a vendor ultimately fails to produce the required documentation.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
While § 407.023 primarily governs vendor and trade show operator conduct rather than residential tenancy, consumers and businesses who encounter a vendor at a wholesale trade show or market misrepresenting their authority to represent a company may have recourse under Missouri's merchandising practices law, since a violation of this section is explicitly classified as an unlawful merchandising practice. Individuals who believe they have been harmed by such a misrepresentation can explore filing a complaint with the Missouri Attorney General's consumer protection office or consulting a tenant-rights or consumer-rights organization for general guidance. Reviewing the broader protections available under Mo. Rev. Stat. §§ 407.005–407.145 may help clarify what remedies are generally available in such situations.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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