Question 1

How do I become a vendor?

Accepted Answer

Please understand that one cannot simply “sign up” or “join” any Firsthand event. Firsthand markets are curated events and vendors are selected by a jury of fine artists and craft veterans. With limited available vendor spaces, we receive many more applications than we have available spaces for each event. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that vendors make best efforts to display their best work when completing their vendor application. This includes using high-quality photography using proper lighting techniques, having your website and social media accounts in good order, and ensuring that you have up-to-date and quality product available and ready to sell.

You can use the application link on our Apply Now page in the Vendors Only section to apply for free.

Question 2

What are you looking for in a vendor application for your markets?

Accepted Answer

Firsthand is looking for unique, accessible and high-quality products made by focused artists. Your work should be 100% handmade, and not utilize products made by others. Your product line should be cohesive and fit within your overall brand presentation. We are not looking for makers who are “all over the place” or who do not yet have a concerted brand understanding.

We do not accept commercial vendors or MLM-type vendors.

Question 3

How do I increase my chances of being accepted as a vendor?

Accepted Answer

Your vendor application is Firsthand’s window into your work. Take your time and present your work in the way that you would want it to be seen. Short, curt answers won’t interest the jury! Neither will low-res, fuzzy or unclear photos taken hastily using your phone in inadequate lighting. Please use high-quality photos, and include as many good ones as you can. The jury will also be evaluating the currentness and usefulness of your website, as well as your social media channels. Makers who apply but seemingly haven’t made or sold in a long time probably won’t be accepted!

Question 4

How much does it cost to exhibit?

Accepted Answer

The cost for a 10’ x 10’ booth space is posted on our website on each market page.

Question 5

When will I find out if I’m accepted to be a vendor?

Accepted Answer

Due to the large number of applications we receive, our juries meet regularly and we will do our best to notify you as soon as possible. Please don't hesitate to reach out through our Contact (https://www.firsthand.us/contact)form if you need to check the status of your submitted application.

Question 6

Do you accept booth sharing?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but only in limited cases. Artists sharing a booth should ideally be able to provide photos of their booth sharing setup to show the jury. Artists are encouraged not to simply partner with another vendor and “force” your products together. Artists seeking to booth-share must apply individually to the event and make note in the Comments section of their intention to share with each other. There will be a $20 service charge ($10 per vendor) charged per-market for booth sharing.

Question 7

Do I need special licenses or permits to participate?

Accepted Answer

While Firsthand does not verify that vendor artists hold a retail license or applicable sales tax permits, all vendors are expected to hold a valid and current sales tax license with the local and state jurisdiction by the time of each market appearance, and each vendor is responsible for remitting all sales tax to local, county and/or state authorities. Please contact your state's Department of Revenue and/or the local municipal Finance Department/Sales Tax Division with any questions.

Question 8

Do I need to charge sales tax?

Accepted Answer

YES! All vendors are responsible for collecting sales tax from buyers and remitting sales tax directly to the local and state taxing jurisdiction.

Firsthand cannot answer questions or provide advice related to sales tax collection or payment.

Question 9

Am I required to carry business insurance?

Accepted Answer

As part of your vendor application to most markets, including Firsthand, you agree to give the market producer a Waiver of Liability. Therefore, all vendors should protect themselves by carrying appropriate business insurance. Consult your business insurance professional regarding liability insurance, as well as business loss insurance in case of weather or other potential adverse events.

Question 10

Can I have a booth in the shade? My products don’t like the sun.

Accepted Answer

You'd be surprised at how many vendors make this request, and obviously we cannot accommodate everyone who does. With a limited number of booth spaces out of the direct sun at the beginning of each event, we do our best to accommodate some of these requests, but you will likely need to explore other display methods to keep your products safe.

Question 11

Am I required to have a pop-up tent?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you're unsure of what you need, get in touch and we'll fill you in on how to get a good, cheap starter tent.

Question 12

Do you rent tents or tables for use at the market?

Accepted Answer

Sorry, no.

Question 13

What if the market is canceled due to inclement weather, even at the last minute?"

Accepted Answer

Due to Colorado's sometimes-volatile weather, all of our events are "rain, sleet or shine" events, with no rain days offered or refunds considered. There will be NO exceptions.

For vendors concerned about this policy, we encourage you to discuss business-loss insurance with your insurance provider.

Question 14

Will power be available for my lighting plan?

Accepted Answer

Sorry, no. Further, our market locations do not allow the use of gas generators, and there are no other power sources available at our outdoor event. We highly encourage the use of battery-powered LED lighting for when the sun goes down; many options are now available in local stores, Amazon and beyond. Some vendors have been very creative in how they light their booths!

Question 15

Can I do live art/demonstrations in my booth?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We love when our vendors show off how they make what they make!

Question 16

If I need to cancel my booth reservation, are refunds or rain checks available?

Accepted Answer

Please see Section 3 of the Vendor Terms and Conditions (https://www.firsthand.us/terms-and-conditions)page for more information.

Question 17

Who do I contact if I have a question that is not answered by this FAQ?

Accepted Answer

Please use the form on our contact page (javascript:void(0))to reach out to us and we’ll get back to you ASAP.

FAQ

SHOPPERS will be reminded of all events. NO SPAM-NO SELLING OF YOUR INFO.

VENDORS will be informed of new sales opportunities and events. NO SPAM-NO SELLING OF YOUR INFO.