VENDOR FAQs

Our markets are carefully curated to maintain a variety of high quality vendors. The markets are the perfect place to shop small, have fun and support small businesses.

Additionally, our markets raise awareness for and benefit local nonprofit organizations and causes. At each market, our vendors have the opportunity to donate a portion of the day’s sales to the market beneficiary while shoppers may donate at the info booth or online. Together, we’re able to support amazing nonprofits and causes in our community!

  • We select vendors we feel have a true passion for what they do, have potential for growth and are true cheerleaders of fellow vendors and small businesses.

    When reviewing applications, we look at the following areas:

    • Product and packaging quality

    • Booth display set up

    • Online presence (Facebook and Instagram following, frequent activity, quality of images)

    Additionally, if you are selected to be a vendor, you have expectations to uphold at our events. These expectations must be upheld to be considered to be invited back.

    • Good vibes and positive attitudes

    • Treatment of other vendors, shoppers and event staff

    • Engagement with shoppers and excellent customer service

    • Promotional efforts (sharing posts on social media, handing out postcards, etc.)

    • Booth display and cleanliness

    • Adherence to schedules and following directions

    • Good communication to event staff, shoppers and other vendors

    We have a limited amount of vendors at each market per category to ensure the market maintains a standard of high-quality and a variety of vendors. Participation in a past market does not guarantee a spot for future markets, as we do rotate vendors and do not play favorites.

  • In order to set up at our markets, everything that you sell must be handcrafted, vintage or upcycled. Although we understand the work that goes into being a brand representative, we do not accept direct sales or multi-level marketing vendors.

  • Nope! We have vendors from all over the Midwest who participate in our markets.

  • No, we do not offer refunds for any reason.

  • Out of courtesy, we do try to email everyone who submits an application to be in our markets! However, we do receive a high volume of applications, and we're not always able to respond.

    All accepted vendors will be notified. If you'd like to check in on the status of your application, please email info@thecollectivein.com. Vendors who reach out via facebook and Instagram messages will be directed to send an email.

  • Booths WILL NOT be held without payment. We have very open communication with our vendors and give ample time to pay invoices. Invoices that remain unpaid after several reminders will revoke your application all together.

  • No, being a member of The Collective does not guarantee that you'll be accepted into our markets. Membership is for business owners who want to form relationships and grow their businesses, and is not a way to get a a guaranteed "in" at an event.

  • No, discounts are not given to any vendors. As a member of The Collective, you can have your shopper entry to markets waived (if you're not a vendor at the market), but you will not receive a booth discount.

  • No, all potential vendors must fill out an application to be considered for every market. Being a vendor at a past market does not guarantee that you will be chosen for a future market.