Vendor F.A.Q.
Thanks for your interest in exhibiting at the Fenton Street Market! Below are some answers to frequently asked questions.
How do I become a vendor at the Fenton Street Market? It’s easy! Submit an application on the APPLY page of our website, describing your business and selecting the dates you’d like to show. We’ll get back to you within 48 hours. We welcome first-timers and occasional vendors, as well as people looking for a regular weekly showplace.
How much does it cost to exhibit? Spots are $50 for a 10′x10′. You bring all your own equipment, including a tent canopy if you want one. (If you’re not ready to invest in buying a tent, we have one for rent for $20. Early reservations recommended!)
When do I pay? After you receive an acceptance email from us, we require pre-payment to reserve your spot. The fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. You do not lock in your spot until you have paid!
What kind of vendors are you looking for? We are looking for all kinds of vendors with fine, funky, unusual, and unexpected goods and services. Examples include handcrafted items, fine art, antiques and vintage goods, books, records, tools, furniture….We also accept vendors with interesting services, especially services that can be performed on-site: henna tattoos, professional advice, fortune-telling, bike repair, etc. We don’t accept vendors with new, mass-made items (clothing, cell phone accessories, handbags, etc), general used merchandise (yard sale items), and sell-at-home/network marketing items (Avon, Tracy Lynn, Scentsy, etc.).
Are you accepting food vendors? No, we are not accepting food vendors at this time.
Are you accepting non profit organizations? Through our community benefits program, we offer a limited number of free spaces to local non profits based on the following criteria: relevance – the group must serve the local community and represent the area’s diversity; and ability to engage – preference will be given to groups that can actively utilize the booth space. Please apply here and we will be in touch about availability. Just like normal vendors, non profits are responsible for bringing all of their own equipment (tent, tables, chairs, etc.).
Do I need a special license or permit to sell at the market? Because we pride ourselves on welcoming a diverse group of vendors, including start-ups, the Fenton Street Market has umbrella permission for the marketplace, meaning that individual vendors do not need to invest in a permit themselves.
What about sales tax? Every vendor making sales needs to collect Maryland sales tax (6%) and submit it to the state. We now have to submit the sales tax license number of all vendors participating. If you have a sales tax license for MD, please email it to us prior to your participation (only necessary once/season). If you don’t have a sales tax license, but are doing more than three markets this year (anywhere in Maryland, not just Fenton Street) you are REQUIRED to apply for a permanent sales license. This is FREE and can be done online here: https://interactive.
Do I need special insurance? That’s up to you. The Fenton Street Market holds an umbrella policy that covers the general marketplace and customers attending. However, we are not liable for damage caused to or by our vendors, our vendors’ merchandise, or our vendors’ displays. Every applicant to the market agrees to these terms in the “Rules & Regulations” box on the online application.
What if it rains? We’re open rain or shine, and there are no refunds due to weather. In four years we have only canceled the market twice (once for a hurricane and once due to extreme 100+ degree heat), so plan to be outside with us in all kinds of weather. Everyone registering for the market agrees to the terms that the Fenton Street Market is not liable for your safety or that of your goods–but we do care about you and want you to stay out of harm’s way! The best way to stay safe is to be prepared for heat, cold and wind.
Do you provide electricity? Only certain vendors who absolutely need electricity and pre-request it when they register are considered for free use of our limited number of spots with electric hook-ups. Since laptops run on batteries, we don’t provide electricity for use of computers.
How does set-up work? Set-up is between 7:30 and 9:30am. When you arrive, we check you in and direct you to your space. You unload your car from the streets bordering the market lot. We have porters available to help unload cars and deliver the goods to your space; if time allows, they can also help you set up your tent. After unloading, we ask everyone to park their cars in the free county garage on Ellsworth Drive.
How can I help spread the word? Our most successful vendors advertise their appearances at the market. In general, social media is the way to go: like FSM on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and tell your networks about your participation.
What if I need help growing my business? Check out our vendor resources page and join our vendor network!