VENDOR INFORMATION | shopsmallfw

SHOP SMALL FORT WORTH SPRING MARKET EVENT

Birthday Celebration, Friday, April 12th, from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 13th, from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, April 14th, from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

BRIK Venue

501 S. Calhoun Street, Fort Worth, TX 76104

Shop Small Fort Worth gives local craftsmen, artisans and small businesses an open forum to sell, advertise and offer their services. We created this organization as a way to support small Fort Worth businesses and provide a place where they can share their passions, ideas, creative concepts and handmade items and gain exposure to launch their new businesses or continue to grow their client base.

The Shop Small Fort Worth Market is a curated market for buyers to shop these artists and locally-owned businesses. The experience is so much more than just a market. It’s an event full of shopping, networking, fun and entertainment that emanates the love we and the people of Fort Worth have for all things local.

Our Friday evening Birthday Celebration will be a function that is exclusive to our VIP customers and ticket holders. We will have drinks, food, swag bags, and fun entertainment along with exclusive shopping provided for our VIP ticket holders for this evening.

The Spring Market will be open to the public on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. We’ll have market totes, cash bar, and other activities and tons of fabulous shopping available for our guests on these days!

VENDOR INFORMATION

VENDOR ELIGIBILITY

Must be local to Fort Worth or nearby surrounding cities.
Must create/design your own goods or own your small business.
MLM businesses (Lularoe, Stella & Dot, Beautycounter, etc.) are ineligible to participate in our markets.
Franchises are ineligible unless sponsoring at a qualified level.
Vendors must provide proof of registration with the State of Texas. If you need to obtain a Sales Tax Permit ID, go to the website for the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (http://www.window.state.tx.us/) and look for the link to “Apply for a sales tax permit”. The sales tax rate at this event is 8.25%.

DEFINING ELIGIBILITY

Shop Small Fort Worth began as a Facebook group that gave local craftsmen, artisans and

locally-owned businesses an open forum to sell their goods and offer their services. Since then

we’ve grown and now built this website as a place where you can search for local goods and

business that may have just the item you are looking for.

Below is a list of questions for you to review and answer that will help you to determine if your

business is eligible to participate at our Spring Market. If you ever have a question, please

don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Marketing@ShopSmallFortWorth.com.

Is your business headquartered in Fort Worth or the nearby surrounding areas?
Is your business registered and pay taxes in the State of Texas?

Do you pay all your own marketing, rent and other business expenses (without assistance from, or payment to, a corporate headquarters)?
Is your business part of a multi-level marketing business? We have a number of members who sell Rodan & Fields, Lularoe, BeautyCounter, Thirty One, Avon, etc. While many local residents use these products, they were conceptually designed and created outside of Fort Worth. Our events are intended to support and promote small local businesses and therefore these types of businesses and other MLMs are ineligible.

DEFINING LOCAL

Who’s eligible to list on Shop Small Fort Worth or participate in our local events? Sometimes determining which businesses are local and independently owned can be difficult. How about a locally owned fast food franchise or an insurance agent with a national company and a local office? Many businesses that contribute to our local economy are like this, yet they are often required to participate in cooperative marketing and follow certain guidelines set forth by a larger company. We define a locally owned business as one where the community member has full autonomy and local decision-making authority with respect to his or her business practices.

If you answer yes to ALL of the questions below, then you qualify to participate at our Spring Market and other events.

Is the business privately held (not publicly traded)?
Is the business registered in the state of Texas, with no corporate or national headquarters outside of Fort Worth, Texas?

Can the business make independent decisions regarding the name and look of the business, as well as all business purchasing, practices, and distribution?

Does the business pay its own rent, marketing expenses, and other expenses (without assistance from a corporate headquarters)?

VENDOR APPLICATION DATES TO REMEMBER

Vendor Applications Open: January 17h
Vendor Applications Close: February 9th
Vendor Acceptance Emails Delivered By: February 16th
Vendor Payment Deadline: Invoices will be sent via PayPal within 48 hours of the acceptance email. Invoices will cancel if not paid within 72 hours and your space will be forfeited.

APPLICATION AND PAYMENT DETAILS

Shop Small Fort Worth is a juried event and applying does not guarantee acceptance. The Shop Small Fort Worth event committee reviews each application and handpicks the makers and small businesses that are best fit for the event as well as the mission of the business. We also do our very best to make each vendor different from the next, and limit the number of vendors in the same category. Space is limited so make sure to reserve your spot quickly! Acceptance emails will be sent out by February 20th. Selected vendors will receive a PayPal invoice, and must submit their payment within 72 hours or the invoice will be cancelled and your space will be forfeited and offered to a vendor on the waiting list. If you must cancel for any reason we MUST receive a written cancellation notice via email to marketing@shopsmallfortworth.com at least 15 business days before the show or else the booth and any rental fees are forfeited. All cancellations are subject to a $50 non-refundable administrative fee.

Once payment is received, vendors will be asked to submit a logo that will be uploaded onto the ShopSmallFortWorth.com website. This will be linked to your website or social media account and will be used to promote your business as a vendor for the upcoming market and on the Spring Market Vendor List page on ShopSmallFortWorth.com.

THE VENUE

Six markets down, and 3 years in, and we are absolutely thrilled to have this year’s Spring Market back at the BRIK where it all started. This event will be like no other! We’re celebrating Shop Small Fort Worth’s 3rd Birthday!

When selecting your booth space, please consider the amount of products, displays and tables you will have and be sure to select a space that will allow shoppers to walk around it comfortably. We strongly suggest measuring out your space in advance to see how much of your product/display the size you have selected will accommodate without crowding your neighbor.

Wall space is limited, but we will do our best to accommodate all vendor requests. Only choose this option if you have heavy pieces or structures that need to lean.

LUNCH ACCOMMODATIONS

Weather permitting, food will be available for purchase from the Food Trucks outside the venue.

If you must cancel for any reason we MUST receive a written cancellation notice via email to marketing@shopsmallfortworth.com at least 15 business days before the show or else the booth and any rental fees are forfeited. All cancellations are subject to a $50 non-refundable administrative fee.

BOOTH FEES

Booth Fees are as noted below. Electricity is included. Tables, tablecloths and chairs are not provided unless requested below. Booth Fee must be paid within 72 hours of receiving invoice or you will forfeit your space.

All booth fees include your logo on our Vendor page and linked to your business website. All marketing material for the Spring Market will remain up on our site for a period of time after the market has ended.

We promote our Spring Market which draws more and more supportive Fort Worth buyers every year. They are excited to shop from small local businesses! This can also lead to future sales, word-of-mouth advertising, wholesale orders, press, networking, collaborating and more!

Booth sizes vary based on their location. Booth fees below are for Friday Birthday Bash, Saturday and Sunday full day market.

10 X 6 Standard Booth $400

ADDITIONAL OPTIONS- LIMITED:

Premium Entry Corner booth: Additional $125 -
Vendors with Trailer Boutiques please email us for more information, marketing@shopmsmallfortworth.com

*Booth fees include your space, linked logo on our website, water, and coffee on Saturday & Sunday, and one social post.

BOOTH FEE INCLUSIONS

Your allotted booth space and any rentals you requested
Pipe and Drape Partition along the back of floating vendors.
Refreshments (coffee/water) will be provided in a designated vendor hospitality area.
Your 125 x 125 logo linked to your preferred website or social media channel to appear on the Market Vendors page on ShopSmallFortWorth.com.
ALL artists and small businesses in participation will be featured on our social media accounts and advertised leading up to and during the event.
Benefits of the Spring Market promotional efforts, including online and social media paid advertisements, local community awareness campaigns by the Shop Small Fort Worth team leading up to the event.
Opportunity to participate in giveaways leading up to the event. More details will be provided closer to the market.

BOOTH DECOR REQUIREMENTS

Tables, chairs and linens are available for purchase for the event at an additional fee. Vendors are welcome to supply their own 6’ tables, chairs and white tablecloths. Tablecloths MUST touch the ground and cover any extra inventory. The standard size for a 6’ table (72”x 30”) would be 132” x 390”.

Folding Chairs ($5.00/each)
6′ x 30″ tables ($20.00/each)
White tablecloths ($15.00 for 6 ft. table/each) (Electricity is included with your booth purchase. You must provide your own cords and use a surge protector.

To keep the feeling of the market upscale and cohesive, linens must be covering ALL tables and must be white (light cream, painter cloths, or similar etc. are acceptable). Tablecloths MUST go to the floor for a clean and presentable vendor space. The addition of a colored table topper that flows with your brand and presentation is acceptable. Indoor booths may use tent bases for their set-ups to hang lights or inventory in a presentable way, but please do not use the canopy.

CHECK-IN & SETUP

We will have allotted time for setup on Friday the 11th. If accepted as a vendor you will receive more information on vendor set up day and a schedule of available install times to choose from.
All vendors must check-in at the designated area BEFORE unloading & setting up. For upstairs vendors, there is access to an elevator.
Please allow yourself enough time to create an inviting & eye-catching display.

Friday, April 12 BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

Your booth must be ready for guests by start of our event that evening. More details to follow.
Booth should be manned during the entire duration of the event.

Saturday, April 13- OPENING DAY SPRING MARKET

Your booth must be ready and manned for shoppers by the start of the event at 10:00
Booth should be manned during the entire duration of the event.

Sunday, April 14 SPRING MARKET

Your booth must be ready and manned for shoppers by the start time of 11:00 am
Booth should be manned during the entire duration of the event.
You MAY NOT tear down early for any reason. This is inconsiderate to fellow vendors, attendees & organizers. If you tear down prior to the end of the events, you will be subject to a fine and not allowed to participate in future Shop Small Fort Worth events.

VENDOR ASSISTANCE

If accepted to the Spring Market, you will receive an email with setup times and a signup sheet. This will include a space to add names of ALL parties present each day to assist you at your booth. Both vendors and booth assistants will receive a badge for identification. Assistants will need to check in at the venue entry to receive their badge before entering the venue.

VENDOR PARKING

Parking information and vendor unloading details will be emailed out prior to event date.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Shop Small Fort Worth event committee reviews each application and handpicks the makers and small businesses that are best fit for the event as well as the mission of the business. We also do our very best to make each vendor different from the next and an even the amount of businesses in various categories. We take a LOT of time to create a well thought-out floor plan so that there is a good traffic flow and similar vendors are not located next to each other. If you have any questions or concerns, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Vendors will be advised of their space location prior to the market event days. We do our best to space related vendors apart and not have too many of the same type of vendor.
We will provide pipe and drape along the backs of floating vendors. You are allowed to clamp signage and banners from the top, but please do not pin or hang or lean any heavy objects onto or against the drape as they are only meant to separate your spaces. Vendors are responsible for replacing any damaged property. V There is no partition between vendors. You have the option to create one.
Booths spaces will be marked off and labeled for easy identification. The back of each space will either be a venue wall or pipe and drape partition to provide a clean backdrop. You may lean, and use damage-free strips on the venue walls and structures.
Vendors keep 100% of their individual market earnings.
Vendors or assistants are REQUIRED to stay with their booth for the duration of the event on all three days, and may NOT pack up booths until the event has ended. This is inconsiderate to fellow vendors, attendees & organizers.
When selected, vendors are also committing to having a booth that is manned sufficiently for ALL market days.
Vendors are encouraged to decorate their table to represent their merchandise. Think of your booth like a blank canvas that is yours to do with what you will, as long as it fits inside your designated booth space. The presentation of your booth space and merchandise will directly reflect on your sales so we highly recommend that you create a welcoming and professional presentation.
Please be mindful when constructing displays to minimize any disturbance to the other vendor operations. Vendors will be responsible, at your cost and expense, to repair any damage and disruption caused at the Event or to other vendor booths or property.
Be considerate of your neighboring vendors when constructing displays. Do not obstruct views in anyway that would be rude or unneighborly to the vendors next to you. You may use a tent with the canopy removed as long as it does not obstruct the view through the venue. Also, be mindful of the overall aesthetic of the event in considering display, items, materials, props, etc. Displays will be limited to 8’ in height.
Vendors are responsible for supplying bags for customer purchases, items needed to run credit cards, check, and cash purchases, and promotional materials.
Electrical will be available to all booth spaces at no charge. Vendors are responsible for providing their own cords and use surge protectors.
Food items need to be packaged for off-site consumption. You are responsible for having your own permits for handling and selling food at this function. City Inspectors may stop by at any time unannounced.
Vendor shall be solely responsible for observing all the parking requirements in the area during the setup and access to the venue. Vendors will accept full responsibility for any parking violations or citations.

SECURITY

The venue will be secured at the end of each day. If you have items that you are uncomfortable leaving overnight, feel free to take those items with you at the end of the day. Shop Small Fort Worth or BRIK are not responsible for any loss, theft or destruction of property during event set-up, break-down, or during the weekend of the event.

JANITORIAL SERVICES

There are no janitorial services provided at this location so it is up to us to keep the space clean throughout the weekend's events. We ask that you pick up your area and take trash to the designated vendor cans at the end of each day for a quicker and easier clean up for us.

PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEOGRAPHY

Shop Small Fort Worth team members may take photos or videos of your booth space and/or products to be used online. By applying, you are agreeing to allow us to use photos of you, your booth set-up, and/or your products.

EXPECTED MARKET ATTENDANCE

We do our very best to heavily promote the show through social media, paid ads, vendor sharing and local media. Our efforts draw in members of the community who are excited to shop local and support small local business! We do all we can on our part to get the word out and appreciate your efforts to advertise the event as well. Do your very best to merchandise your booth and present your products in a professional and attractive way -- you never know what connections might lead to future sales, wholesale orders and press opportunities! In order to maximize your sales we encourage you to have a fully-stocked, well-displayed and visually appealing booth. Creating a welcoming space by using rugs, furniture, bright colors, art/signage, lighting, etc. will draw customers into your space. We have put together a Pinterest board with various vendor booth concepts, DIY display ideas and visual presentations. You can view it here: https://www.pinterest.com/shopsmallfw/ideas-for-market-vendors/

If a vendor has the ability to do on-site presentations, have an interactive booth (offer make & take items, live demos, mini classes, etc.), or the ability to customize/personalize on site, we are encouraging you to consider creative ideas to draw customers to your booth. We have had a great response to the make and take concept and live demos at our last markets! Getting to participate in your craft is exciting to attendees and personalized items will always be in high demand especially during the holiday season. If you have ideas you would like to chat with us about or thoughts on how we can help create a successful concept please feel free to email us at marketing@shopsmallfortworth.com.