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Vendor Tips
New to the craft show circuit? Here some articles that will surely help you be a success at the Open Market and other shows.

A list of commonly needed items at events

Weighing down your tent and preparing for rain.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please take a moment to review our set-up and operating procedures before filling out the online application.

Who can Participate
The Sowa Open Market is a juried show. All applicants will be reviewed for acceptance. It is our goal to have a wide variety of products offered at the Market with little or no duplication. We are currently accepting applications for the following types of vendors:

Artists and artisans - All artwork and crafts must be hand made using original designs.

Antique and Collectable Dealers

Farmers and Prepared Food Vendors

Artisan Based Import Dealers – There are a very limited number of spaces open for import dealers whose business coincide with our vision of the Sowa Open Market. For more information please contact us directly at info@southendopenmarket.com, or call (617) 481-2257


Market Information
Opening Weekend for the Market is Saturday and Sunday, May 17 & 18, 2008. The Market is then open every Sunday through October 26, 2008, excluding holiday weekends (see Calendar page). Hours of Operation are 10am-4pm.


How to Participate
There are two ways you can be a vendor at the Sowa Open Market, either as a reserved or unreserved vendor. Please note: as this is a juried show you are required to submit 3 photos of your work for review.


Reserved Spaces
Reserved spaces are the only way to have a guaranteed spot at the Sowa Open Market. In order to reserve space you must sign up for a minimum of 5 days/weekends. Please note that special event weekends count as 1 reservation, not 2. Please fill out the Click here to apply now with the dates you would like to reserve. In addition to filling out the application you must send 3 images of your work to info@southendopenmarket.com. If you are sending in the application via snail mail, please make sure to send in 3 photographs of your work. Click here for an application in Word format.

Online applicants will receive notification of acceptance within one week. Postal applicants will receive their notification within two weeks.

After acceptance into the Market, payment is due no later than 10 days prior to each event. To view payment deadlines for each date, please go to the Calendar Page on the website. If all payments are made at once, you will receive one free Market date.

Reservations should be made one month in advance. For Opening Weekend (May 17 and 18), South End Open Studios (September 20 and 21), it is advised that reservations be made at least two months in advance. These dates fill up quickly.

Please note: by choosing reserved dates, you are making a commitment to the Sowa Open Market. You are automatically put into the system for those dates and will be billed electronically. If you are not prepared to make the five-day commitment, please see our Unreserved Policy.


Unreserved Spaces
Vendors who cannot commit to the 5 day minimum, may participate in the Market unreserved. In order to participate as an unreserved vendor you must have an approved application. To apply please send your business information and 3 digital images to info@southendopenmarket.com

The fee is 75.00 the day of, cash or money orders only (personal checks will not be accepted). Unreserved vendors can check in with the Market manager starting at 8:00 am. After all of the reserved vendors are set-up, we will then show you to your space.


Sharing Space
Two vendors may share space at the Market. However both parties must submit applications and be approved.


Vendor Fees
Reserved Spaces (per Sunday)

10’X10’ - $50
10’X20’ - $85 (good for antique and food vendors)

Unreserved Spaces (per Sunday)
10’X10’ - $75 – paid day of event
10’X10’ - $100 – paid day of event


Special Event Pricing
Opening Weekend 2008
:
Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18:
10x10 reserved space for both days - $125.00
10x20 reserved space for both days - $185.00
Payment Deadline: May 9, 2008

SE Open Studios 2008:
Saturday, September 20 and Sunday, September 21:
10x10 reserved space for both days - $100.00
10x20 reserved space for both days - $175.00
Payment Deadline: August 25, 2008


Please note that there is an additional application and fee($85.00) that must be submitted before July 18, 2008 if you wish to participate in the South End Open Studios weekend (Sept. 20 & 21).

Click here to download the 2008 USEA participation form PDF

Click here to download the 2008 USEA participation form WORD


Student Rates
Reserved Spaces (per Sunday)
10’X10’ – $25

Unreserved Spaces (per Sunday)
10’X10’ - $35

In order to receive this rate, applicants must send a photocopy or digital scan of their current student ID. Please include the following information in your application: college name, year, major and contact information for your school's administration office. Students applying must be 25 and under and enrolled full time in a credited art institute or college. Part time or continuing ed students will not be eligible for this discount. Click here to apply online


How to Make a Payment

Mail A Payment
Please include in the memo of your check, Sowa Open Market and the dates you are making a payment for. Make all checks payable to NE Open Markets LLC and send to:

NE Open Markets LLC
233 Atlantic Street, #4
Quincy, MA 02171

Make An Electronic Payment
After being accepted, click below to make a payment using PayPal. You can use PayPal or any major credit card. Just click on one of the buttons corresponding to the amount of dates you wish to pay for. Before completing the transaction be sure to type in which dates you are paying for. A detailed automated receipt will be sent to your email account following the completion of the transaction.

Opening Weekend $125.00
1 reserved Sunday $50.00

2 reserved Sundays $100.00
3 reserved Sundays $150.00
4 reserved Sundays $200.00
5 reserved Sundays $250.00
1 reserved 10x20 space $85.00
NE Open Market VIP Pass $900.00


New England Open Market V.I.P. Pass  
                              


How it works:
Step one:
Apply to become a vendor - this includes filling out our Online Application and sending three images of your work.

Step two: Purchase your V.I.P. Pass using the PayPal link at any of our Market websites.

Step three: Use your V.I.P. Pass at any of our Markets during the 2008 season. No need to reserve space (except for Opening Weekend and Open Studios at the South End Open Market) - simply show up and show your pass to the Market Manager. Read on to learn about the great benefits you get with the V.I.P. Pass

 V.I.P Benefits!

  • Attend up to 49 markets this season! Take your pick - Providence, The South End, Mashpee - you can sell at them all.

  • No need to reserve ahead of time.

  • No more waiting to be shown to your booth space- show your pass to the check in person and go directly to the front of the line.

  • Always have a coveted corner spot! As long as you send us an email by the Thursday before the Market we will guarantee you a corner booth.

  • The V.I.P pass is worth almost three thousand dollars - but you can get one for only $900!

Fine Print

  • The V.I.P Pass is non-refundable and non-transferable.

  • The V.I.P. Pass will be sold between February and June 30, 2008.

  • All of the New England Open Markets are juried shows.

  • Any vendor wishing to purchase a V.I.P. Pass must first submit an application including 3 images of their work.

  • Vendors are responsible for contacting New England Open Markets by the Thursday before a Market in order to be guaranteed a corner booth.

  • Vendors who hold a V.I.P. Pass must still reserve space for the special event weekends.

  • If Vendors participate in the Open Studios event at the South End Open Market, a fee must be paid to the USEA.

  • The V.I.P Pass is valid for the 2008 Market season only.

  • The V.I.P. pass may NOT be used at the SoWa Holiday Market.


Set-Up and Operations of Vendor Booths

Set up times are assigned in groups. An email with the specific time for each vendor is sent Friday prior to every Market and one week prior to every special event weekend.

Our staff will assign spaces to vendors as they arrive at the Market. Booth set-up is not permitted before 7:30AM on Market day and vendors must be ready for operation by 10:00AM. Booths must be staffed during operating hours, 10:00AM-4:00PM. Breakdown of your booth before 4:00PM is not permitted, unless permission is first obtained by the Market manager. Operations of the Market should not be disrupted, nor the safety and convenience of shoppers or vendors be jeopardized.

Vendors shall provide their own booths/tables/tents and sun/rain covers.

Weights for tents are mandatory at each of our Markets. At least 40lbs per tent leg. For instructions on how to make your own and purchase, please click here.

Vendors should display a sign identifying the artists or business name. Signage must be securely attached to booth or stall as not to interfere or impede foot traffic.

Vendor parking is located within the Old Power Building at the back of the Market. Otherwise, vendors and their employees may not park within a one block radius of the Market.

Spaces may be shared by two vendors producing separate products, however, each vendor must still submit separate applications.

The Sowa Open Market is a rain or shine Market, please be prepared by bringing the necessary tents or awnings.

Vendors are responsible for keeping their space attractive during Market hours and for cleaning up their space after the Market closes, including removal of garbage and sweeping up any loose debris. Vendors leaving debris or garbage at rented space will be fined or not welcome to return. Thank you for your cooperation.

On special 2 day weekend events vendors must breakdown after each day, there is no overnight security.

The Sowa Open Market reserves the right to refuse or terminate any vendor who does not comply with the above guidelines.


Tax ID Certificates
Tax ID Numbers are REQUIRED in Massachusetts. All Exhibitors must be in compliance with State & Federal Tax Laws and display Tax ID Certificate in booth. This is required for both in state and out of state vendors. If you do not have a tax id certificate, you can obtain one online in a few minutes at no cost. Click here to register with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.


Food Permits
Food vendors must display & obtain permits at their own expense. If you are sampling, or plan to sell prepared food at the Market a special permit is required through the City of Boston. This permit must be displayed and presented to the Market Manager prior to opening. A limited amount of food spaces will available each Sunday. For more information about obtaining a Temporary Food Permit please contact Chris Masci @ (617) 481-2257.


Farmers
There is  no fee for farms that participate at the Sowa Open Market. For more information about obtaining a seasonal space, please email info@southendopenmarket.com


Cancellations / Date Switching / Inclement Weather

Cancellation Policy
Cash refunds will not be granted for paid dates, instead a credit may be applied toward a future Market date. All cancellations must be received in writing (email or letter) 10 days prior to each reserved Market. Please include the day you are rescheduling for. If you miss the 10 day deadline, you are still responsible for payment regardless if you attend or not. In order to receive a credit, please read Switching Dates below.

Switching Dates
In order to switch a date we need at least 10 days notice. Credits will only be issued to vendors using the Date Switch Form, click below to make a date change: Click here to make a date switch

Weather
The Sowa Open Market is a rain or shine Market. Please be prepared by bringing the required set-up materials (tents or awnings). In the event of a cancellation due to severe weather, refunds will not be granted. Instead a credit may be applied to a future Market date


FAQ


Promoter Statement

The Sowa Open Market managers and promoters reserve the right to restrict or terminate any vendor’s activity or remove any product, which, in their opinion, is objectionable or inappropriate or is detrimental to the quality of the event as a whole. In the event of any restrictions or evictions, the Sowa Open Market and its affiliates will not be liable for any refund of rental or other expenses.

The Sowa Open Market managers and promoters reserves the right to remove, without refund or recourse, any exhibitor who misrepresents himself or his product. In addition, the promoter reserves the right not to select vendors who may not be suitable for the Market.

The Sowa Open Market reserves the right to amend or add to the applicable rules pertaining to and governing the Sowa Open Market at any time during and before the operating season. All participating vendors at the Sowa Open Market will be made aware of all additions or amendments. The interpretation of all the rules by the promoters shall be final.

 

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