General Vendor Information

A curated makers market showcasing Richmond's creative community.

This page contains general vendor information that applies to all RVA Makers Market events. Specific event details (dates, locations, load-in times, parking) will be provided in your event-specific vendor packet upon acceptance.

About Our Markets

Meet local artists and makers while shopping for unique handmade goods at RVA Makers Market events. This is not your typical craft fair—at our markets, you'll find unique goods created by the person who is selling them to you. (Think farm to table, but less edible.)

We host markets throughout the Richmond area at various indoor and outdoor venues. The majority of events from April through September are outdoors only.

What We're Looking For

We're curating a diverse mix of:

  • Handmade goods & art

  • Local growers & food producers

  • Unique gifts & home goods

  • Vintage & curated collections

  • Small batch food & beverage (with proper permits)

We prioritize:

  • Quality craftsmanship

  • Original designs

  • Local makers & growers

  • Sustainable practices

  • Diverse offerings

Vendor Guidelines

Below are the official guidelines and regulations for RVA Makers Market events:

1. Product & Curation Standards

  • Handmade: All products must be handmade by the person who will be selling them at the market. All items for sale must be handmade by you.

  • Jury Process: This is a curated market. To be frank, it's a vibe. Acceptance is based on product quality, brand consistency, and professional presentation. We want to highlight artists and makers that build and champion their community.

  • Digital Presence: Applicants must have an active website or professional social media presence (Instagram/Facebook) for the jury to review. Portfolios, web stores, and social media should have clear branding and quality images.

  • Work Quality: Your work should be handmade, intentional, and unique.

  • Previous Acceptance: Acceptance to a previous Richmond Makers Market does not guarantee acceptance in future markets. Our vendor list is curated to highlight both new and established makers.

  • Priority: Priority will be given to She's, They's, and Gays who submit a complete application with clear and beautiful branding.

  • Image Upload Required: Complete applications must include photos of your products and booth setup.

2. Social Media & Community Engagement

All vendors are required to actively promote and engage with the market on social media. This is non-negotiable and helps us reach YOUR potential customers.

Requirements:

  • Share the event on your social media, website, or email lists

  • Tag us in posts on your preferred platform

  • Send invites through the Facebook event

  • Engage with and share content from fellow makers

How to Engage:

  • Tag us: Use venue-specific handles (provided in your vendor packet) and #makersmarketmagic

  • Add the event to your Facebook page by clicking "..." and selecting "add to page"

  • Share posts from other vendors in your stories to show community support

  • Engage with fellow makers: Like, comment, and amplify each other

The more you share and post about the market, the further our ad dollars will go. Makers who are exceptionally active in sharing, commenting, and tagging other makers will be highlighted and given priority to be featured in our posts and ads.

A $20-25 fee will be charged to vendors who do not tag us in a post on their preferred social platform and engage with other vendors. The specific fee amount varies by event and will be noted in your vendor packet.

3. Booth & Equipment

Space Types

Space types vary by venue. Common options include:

  • Standard Indoor Space: Approximately 7'×5' space. No additional racks, small extra tables, or rugs permitted.

  • XL Indoor Space: Room for display setup with one rack/shelf (no more than 3 feet wide). Bring your own tables, racks, and shelves.

  • Double Indoor Space: Room for larger display setup. Bring your own tables. Let us know if you're using racks or alternative displays so we can place you accordingly.

  • Outdoor 10×10 Space: You must provide your own 10×10 canopy tent with adequate weights (minimum 30-40 lbs per leg). Unweighted tents will be required to rent weights for $15.

Note: Vendors are responsible for bringing their own tables and chairs unless otherwise specified in your event-specific vendor packet.

Note: April through September markets are primarily outdoors.

What to Bring

For all events:

  • Decorations, signage, business cards, stickers

  • Tablecloth

  • Card reader, cash for change

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Extension cords, lighting (as needed)

  • Hotspot (it’s probably free on your phone - check beforehand)

  • Pen and paper

  • Folding table

  • Folding chair or stool (no oversized camping chairs)

For outdoor events (April-September):

  • 10×10 canopy tent

  • Tent weights (30-40 lbs per leg minimum, 50 lbs for umbrellas)

  • Bungee cords or string

  • Tent walls (in case of weather)

  • Weights for displays

  • Sunscreen, water bottle

  • Battery/solar lights

  • Rug (for larger spaces)

Setup Guidelines

  • Aesthetics: A polished, professional booth setup is a requirement for acceptance. No grid walls, storage cubes, or backdrops unless given explicit permission.

  • Space Respect: Only two people can be behind your table at any time. Be mindful not to block others with large chairs or tall racks.

  • Product Restrictions: You are only authorized to sell items that are handmade by YOU and were listed in your application. Any additions or changes to your product line must receive prior approval. Your placement on the map is based on the category of items in your application. Out of respect for your fellow vendors who have been curated and accepted to sell in specific categories, you cannot sell unapproved items at the market.

4. Fees, Payment & Logistics

Payment

  • Vendor fees are flat (no commission on sales)

  • Payment is due immediately upon receipt of invoice and secures your space

  • Invoices are sent via Square from hello@rvamakersmarket.us

  • Alternate payment: Cashapp: $makersmarkets

  • After 3 reminder emails without response, your invoice will be canceled and your space will be given to someone else

  • Your business will be added to the vendor list and content calendar once payment is received

Late Fees

  • 15% late fee for invoices paid more than 7 days after the due date

  • Your invoice may be cancelled if we do not hear from you 24 hours after your reminder email on the 8th day

Refunds & Cancellations

  • Refunds are given for cancellations more than 15 days before the event

  • Cancellations made between 6 and 14 days before the event are refunded by gift card only if an adequate paid replacement vendor is found

  • No credits for cancellations made less than 5 days before the event

  • Credits are awarded by gift card for a future event

Illness Policy

  • Do not come if you are not feeling well or if you have been in contact with someone who has contracted an infectious illness.

  • In this case, your fee will be transferred for a future market, at no penalty.

No Shows

  • No shows/no calls will not be eligible for future events and programs

Optional Upgrades

  • Preferred Placement: A $50 upgrade fee is available for those requesting specific prime locations within the venue.

  • Transfer Policy: You are allowed one free change request per year. Subsequent transfers of date or venue cost $30 and must be requested at least 15 days before the event.

Weather

  • Markets are "rain or shine"

  • If the market organizers cancel due to extreme weather, vendors will receive a credit toward a future date within the same calendar year

  • If a vendor cancels their own participation while the market has not been cancelled, there is no refund.

5. Day-Of Expectations

Load In & Load Out

  • Specific load-in and load-out times will be provided in your event-specific vendor packet

  • Do not arrive before the stated load-in time

  • Do not start packing up before the designated end time

  • If you pack up early without notifying us, you will not be invited back (exceptions: contact Marie, we understand)

  • We encourage vendors to barter and shop with each other after market hours

Vendor Map

  • Review the vendor map (provided the evening before the market)

  • Your space will be marked with your business name

  • Look for market direction signs or volunteers if you're unsure where to set up

6. Legal and Compliance

  • Permits: Makers are 100% responsible for local/state business licenses and seller permits

  • Taxes: You must collect and pay applicable Virginia sales and use tax for all sales made at the market

  • Insurance: Makers are responsible for their own business/personal liability insurance. By applying, you waive claims against the market and venue partners for loss, damage, or injury

  • Food/Beverage: Proper permits required for all food and beverage sales

  • Liability: You break it, you bought it.

7. Vendor Conduct & Responsibilities

  • Loading & Unloading: You are responsible for loading and unloading all of your materials with respect to the building and those around you

  • Pack-Up Time: If you pack up before the designated end time, you will not be invited back

  • Performance Expectation: Market vending is a performance and you are the principal character of your table. Put on your human suit and get ready to talk. Makers are successful when they look like they are excited to be there and can speak confidently about their work.

  • Behavior: Be kind to all neighbors, staff, and visitors. Don't be a jerk.

  • Information Use: Information provided about product types, pricing, and vending history are primarily used for map placements and advertising

Application Process

  1. Apply at rvamakersmarket.us/apply

  2. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis by Marie

  3. Accepted vendors receive an invoice and vendor packet via email

  4. Payment secures your space

  5. You're added to the content calendar and vendor list once payment is received

  6. Event-specific details (load-in times, parking, venue info) are provided in your vendor packet

Questions?

Email: hello@rvamakersmarket.us

Join our secret Facebook group for vendors: Makers Markets For Us

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