Articles
Becoming a Festival Vendor | March 2009 |
How To Become A Festival Vendor
If you agree that nothing could be better than being outside, making new friends, and making some money as your own boss then you are ready to become a festival vendor. Becoming a festival vendor can be easy or difficult; it really depends on the festival you want to sell your wares at. Below are some useful tips on how to get your foot in the festival door. There are many different ways to start out as a festival vendor. If you can’t get in the first time around, then check out some of these additional hints to help you figure out a way.
So You Want To Be A Festival Vendor?
If you’ve been to a few festivals, flea markets, or craft show and want in on the action then you’ll have to get busy – early. That’s right, most of the festival vendors you see at your local festivals have signed up for their spot up to a year in advance. Some festivals are more competitive than others. If you have some prior experience being a festival vendor, but you’d like to join a well-known or traveling festival than you know how hard it can be to get a coveted space to sell your wares.
The Early Bird Gets The Worm
The first thing to do no matter what festival you want to be a festival vendor at is to find out who is in charge. Try to speak directly with them about signing up. If you are lucky you will just need to pay up front to reserve your spot and then show up on the first day of the festival. Sometimes you won’t have to sign up until the day of the festival, but most will require you to put down a deposit ahead of time. This means that even if you are signing up for a hot festival a year in advance you still might need to lay down a hefty deposit now. This also means that if you can’t make it at the last minute it you will probably lose your entire deposit. Unfortunately, this is just how things go in the festival circuit and if you want to become a festival vendor you will have to shell out some cash before you’ve made a penny.
What To Do If You Can’t Get In
If you have chosen to become a festival vendor at a more competitive show and there are no available spots left, then you can try a few things. You can always ask to share a space with an established vendor. This is an especially good move for a festival vendor that has a small set up or someone just starting out. If the booth fees are high, another festival vendor might be happy to let you set up inside their booth. Ask whoever is in charge or approach a friendly festival vendor yourself. You can also see if there are any cancellations that day or the day before. This can be a real pain since you have no guarantee, but things happen and this could get you in. Negotiating with another festival vendor to hold their spot for them if they need to be away for a day or two is another way to get in on a temporary basis. If you want to be a festival vendor, then you are surely a creative type, so use those skills and figure out a way to get in there.
Playing The Game
The more experience you have as a festival vendor, the easier it becomes to get a space or a better one. Like almost anything in life, who you know matters. Being connected with the organizers and other festival vendors can help you out a lot when it comes to getting a prime space at a festival. This doesn’t mean you need to try to get the management’s attention every chance you can. In fact what it means, is try to be a festival vendor who is easy to get along with and pays attention to the people running the show. It may sounds simple, but you will see many festival vendors put up quite a fuss when it comes to their space or a variety of things. Be the kind of festival vendor that people want at their festival. People will take note of this and this it will help ensure you a place at the festival or make sure that the your favorite space is vacant when you arrive.
Comments
I would love to be a vendor at your festival. My buisness is cold sensational sweets and I sell all types of baked goodies including chocolate covered strawberries nd pretzels, smoothies and milk shakes of all kinds. I can be reached by phone 718-769-0869 or via email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Thank you for your time
By Maureen Petito on January 27, 2011
I would love to be a vendor at any festival. My buisness is bring a Texas Style Bar-B-Q to other States I make one of the best Briskett.,Hambugers,Sauge on a stick or in a bun,homemade Potato Ball, and home style fries. You can reach me at 325-795-0275 or E-mail me .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
By Scott Hood on February 15, 2011
I have a great set up and would like to be a vendor at any festival around florida,georga or carolinas I have a lemonade,popcorn,cotton candy all in one stand and it is a very nice and attractive set up gets lots of attention hope to work with you soon thank you Dave. Call anytime (407)488-6182
By Big Dave on September 18, 2011
I have some wonderful, fun lights for all occasions and would love to be a vendor at any upcoming festival in the NC area. Very exciting eye-catching item. You can reach me by phone (919) 641-3706 or via email at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
By Sheilah Hobgood on September 19, 2011
I am a jewelry artisan in Columbia,SC. I would love to participate in any fair in the Southeast region that accepts jewely artisans who make Hand made jewelry. My website is uniquecommodities.etsy.com
By Terronda Clarke / uniquecommodities on October 29, 2011
I’m new to the festival vendor world and would love to get a chance in at any festivals around northwest florida, alabama, or southwest georgia. I make fast gourmet all beef products. I’m totally self contained and have all of my permits :).
Thanks
By Justin Allen on October 30, 2011
We are just getting started in the planning of becoming a food vendor at the festivals in or near California. If you have any festival contacts to pass on please email me at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Thank you,
Varona Rosen
By Varona Rosen on August 15, 2012
We are the owners of a very busy hamburger restaurant and would like to spread our Hamburger business to other parks of the country Please let us know if you know of any vendor shows available for us Thank you 865-250-8112 Bennie Boggs
By Bennie Boggs on December 19, 2012
I found this very helpful thank you! I am planning on vending for my first time at Photosynthesis Festival in Neah Bay Washington (:
By Raquelle on January 13, 2013
I would like to be informed of festivals in South and North Carolina
in advance for furter planning and preparation before the events.
By Debra on March 5, 2013
I’m new to the festival vendor world and would love to get a chance in at ANY festivals espically CAR shows, Tractor Shows & Pulls, Rodeos, Horse, or Dog Shows from California Nevada,Utah,Idaho & Montana . WE DO POPCORN (JUST POPCORN) ! We had a traveling embroidery business for many years and now are selling popcorn. (just popcorn~~not kettlecorn)
thank you I have found your site very helpful!
Lucy
March 6, 2013
By Lucy on March 6, 2013
Greetings.
My name is Leta Lagaunda, CEO of Diva On The Dime Boutique & Beyond located in Atlanta GA. We are a women’s unique jewelry, handbag and accessories boutique. I had a physical location but decided to go mobile since I travel a lot. This has worked out very well for me. I decided to look up festivals and came across your site. I am going to pay for membership now, as I believe the rewards will be great. Please LIKE us on Facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/divaonthedime. I look forward to networking with everyone. I look forward to seeing you at an event in the future.
By Leta Lagaunda on March 13, 2013
My family and I are interested in selling food at festivals in NYC. We make a variety of Spanish food and soul food. I would love if someone can contact me via email so I can further explain my ideas, and get all information necessary to get this started! My email is .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Thank you kindly,
Diana C
By Diana cordero on April 29, 2013
We are organizing a street fair in Denver, CO on Saturday August 3rd. If you are interested in participating, email me and I will send you more information.
By Jennifer Roberts on May 7, 2013
I have a custom made kettle corn truck I would love to be a festival vender at any festival in California I make the best kettle corn that’s why we are famous for our name the best kettle corn U.S.A here are some numbers you can reach me 310 691 0292 8183889101 contact me at anytime thank you.
By Alen kamciyan on May 15, 2013
i am new to the vendor world, i have wine & beer glasses as well as tall fun sippy cups in an aray of assorted colors. looking to sign up at any fair, festival,etc.in the atlanta georgia or southeast region…,contact# 404-645-4000-email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
By michelle lewis. on May 22, 2013
We love vendors, artists and crafters at Indie Fest USA Int’l Film-Music-Arts Festival in Garden Grove, CA. Oct 24-27, 2013. Email us for an application, low fee of just $100 for all 4 days of the festival. .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
By Don Taylor on July 24, 2013
I sell custom made t-shirts and hemp necklaces wholesale for potential festival vendors. Most of my designs glow in the dark…a huge seller especially at music festivals. If you are interested in inventory for your next festival gig, let me know. .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
By Steve on December 29, 2013
I am also new!!! i make bandanas, scarves, and loves of handmade hemp jewelry with genuine gemstones! I am in south alabama! email me at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) thanks!
By cheri on January 10, 2014
I would love to do any type of festivals .
Cupsey Cakesy by Dee creates stunning delicious and gourmet cupcakes, cakes and treats in the Baltimore, Maryland area.If you are looking for something unique or even our alcohol infused cupcakes and desserts. 443-723-6737.
By Andeidra Bell on January 14, 2014
need vendors festival locations for summer of 2914
By james sheppard on January 24, 2014
vending locations for 2014 summer
By james sheppard on January 24, 2014
Hi, my name is Lynette James. I sell Caribbean Foods and American dishes. I would be very interested in becoming a vendor for the 2014 Blue Plum festival. I have been vending for 20 years and would like to experience vending at the Blue Plum Festival. I can be reached at 678-435-5663.
Thank You,
Lynette James
By Lynette James on January 28, 2014
By lynette james on January 28, 2014
I’m new and would love to sell my jewelry at any of you’re festival. thank you
By judy on February 20, 2014
I would love to be a vendor for a festival for a day or two. I sell women’s clothing, jewelry, and accessories.
By Toni on March 20, 2014
I will love to be a vendor for a festival. My business name is Ahoaf3 Fashion we sell Ankara purses earrings bangles beaded anklets and west beads. Please contact me on 2403998546. Thank you.
By Marcia Offin on April 9, 2014
I am very interested in being a beverage vendor at any festival this 2014 season that has space available.
By renee morris on May 1, 2014
I would love to be a food vendor I sell mostly Asia food. If anyone has an event foe 1-2 day or even a week please contact me Kathy 559-244-1072
By Jesse on May 9, 2014
My name is Angelina I’m 25 years d and very creative! I’m a small vendor of “hippie” like jewlrey, tapestry’s, clothing! Galaxy style. Peace signs you want it i can make it! I also have the drive and spunk it takes to sell so if any events are coming to michigan i can be there :) email me at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
By Angelina S on June 20, 2014
I would love to be a vendor for a festival. I handcraft very beautiful jewelry. If anyone has an event for 1 or 2 days I am interested please contact me at 201-456-9539.
Thank you.
By Kressie Moore on July 25, 2014
My sister and I make gourmet cheesecakes and other desserts all from scratch. I would love to be apart of more large festivals as a food vendor. This past summer we participated in a variety of festivals (Garfield Days, Brady Street, Bay View Bash, Larry’s Fun Fest Drag Race Event & Union Grove Labor Day Drag Race Event). So if anyone is looking for a delicious dessert food vendor we are the ones (K.O.‘s Delicious Desserts, LLC) Please go out and visit our website at http://www.kosdeliciousdesserts.com or we can be contacted at 414-499-1717 or 414795-1552. Thanks!
By Olivia Lee on September 26, 2014
My name is Dacia Mcdonald and I am a Organic Coffee and Tea Distributor with Organo Gold. We have the best healthy coffee on the market. Our micro-brewed gourmet coffee is rich in its taste and flavor. Its infused with the (King of Herbs) “Ganoderma” that has documented health benefits.My team and I would love to serve as a beverage vendor at any fair or festival in the Georgia area. My office number is 888.874.8459 and my company email is .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). My online coffee Cafe for orders is http://www.stircupcoffee.org.
By Dacia Mcdonald on October 2, 2014
I would love to become a vendor at any festival.
My business is custom made children clothing and accessories.
I also have a line of stuffed animals We call Jadabug-Buddies. Custom made one of a kind made of cotton, beautifull funky prints.
Business name Jadabug-fashion
By Telma Reid on October 7, 2014
I am a new vendor with no experience at selling at festivals. I am looking for advice on how much inventory to bring to a first time festival with no estimate of attendance. I sell tshirts and hats.
Thanks for advice.
By Tara on October 26, 2014
Hi! My name is Kiyanna and I am an Independent Designer for a custom jewelry company called Origami Owl. I would love to be a vendor at any festival, pageant, etc. Please get in touch with me (.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)) or go to my website to see what I’m all about at http://www.locketsbykiyanna.origamiowl.com
By Kiyanna Coleman on October 29, 2014
I have just signed on with a fairly new company PAPARAZZI JEWELRY & ACCESSORIES. ALL the pieces are $5…yes you read that right $5
The company uses designers that knowledgeable of the current styles and fashions. Each necklace, bracelet, hair accessory, head band OR ear rings are well designed for a dress up OR dress down look!!!
My business name is CW’s Paparazzi Boutique and the website is
http;//paparazziaccessories.com/29249
I would really love to start doing festivals to have more of the human contact with customers.
By Cathy Wilson on November 1, 2014
I would love to be a beverage vendor in the Sacramento Area. You can contact me at 619-944-6971 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
By Celesse Clark on November 5, 2014
I am a Mary Kay consultant with packaged gifts as well as individual products and I am looking for fairs in my area to sell at.
Contact me at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or
209.781.5949
By Nicole Rodriguez on November 29, 2014
Hi! I’m a Keep Collective Ind. Founding Designer. Email me today to join at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) , email for vendor opportunities also.
By Kiyanna Coleman on November 30, 2014
I am a Damsel in Defense Prorep looking for festivals and events to show our product and invite others to become reps. If you know of any in Northern California Bay Area, please contact me at (707)470-6797 or my web page : http://www.mydamselpro.net/brandeelueger also email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Thank you.
Brandee Lueger
By Brandee Lueger on January 4, 2015
I do Baked goods and am happy to vend in any festival in the Northeast Georgia area.
email me at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
By Camden Hughes on January 14, 2015
Hello I am looking for any festivals to bring my 3D fiber Mascara to . This is a fun and the original mascara. I have other make up by Younique as well. If your looking for something new and different I am it. Contact me at 903-588-5195, website: www. Youniqueproducts.com/SamanthaAmesWhiting
Or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
By Samantha Whiting on April 15th 2015
By Samantha Whiting on April 15, 2015
Good day, My name is Yonnette Nurse and i’m looking to become a vendor. I am a representive of Younique, which is all Natural without all of these chemicals! Younique has all natural mineral makeup. Shop 24/7 at youniqueproducts.com/beautybyYonnetteNurse, Try it, you will love it! Welcome to the “Younique experience”! You can contact me at 727-623-7841/mylifesworkinme@gmail.com
By Yonnette Nurse on May 14, 2015
I am looking for events to sell my jewelry. Help!
By Kristee Lively on June 17, 2015
Hello, I am looking for some craft shows to join in the fall in the Delmarva area. I live in Lewes Delaware.This will be my first go at this, so the website info is greatly appreciated. I do seascapes in shadow boxes and tropical floral arrangements along with some other things all relating to nautical/tropical/zen style. I am currently working on a website which hopefully will be up and running in a few weeks. My phone is 717-571-9969. I look forward to hearing from you!
By Alesha Magill on June 26, 2015
We have a brand new 7’ X 12’ Food Trailer
We offer Shaved Ice with 12 different flavors, Hand dipped Sundaes, Nachos & Cheese, Jumbo Hotdogs & more…
We can serve up to 6 Shaved Ice every minute!
We are located near Lake City, FL.
Will travel.
Check us out on FaceBook@Christy’s Express
google plus@christysEXPRESSjennings
twitter@ChristysExpress
email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Phone# 386-623-9471
By Sam Smyth on July 27, 2015
We would love to be a vendor and bring customized soujthren cocktails created by professional, certified mixiologists. we have trailer as well..we have done festivals, concerts…even Eseence…contact us 5049448676/5045153418
By CeCe Chapman Divatenders on August 2, 2015
I am planning on joining the festvial scene with my business Dream Stone Essentials. I make 100% all natural & organic soaps, lotions, shampoos, candles and more. All body products are scented with essential oils so they benefit the mind body and soul. You can find me on social media, phone 330-419-0132 and email at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/dreamstoneessentials
Twitter
http://www.twitter.com/DreamStoneEss
Etsy
http://www.etsy.com/shop/dreamstones22
Instagram
http://www.instagram.com/dreamstone22
By Emily Jett on August 3, 2015
Good morning, I am interested in becoming a vendor at some of your events and festivals. I am the owner of Yaccessorize which was established in 2014. You can visit my website to check out all of my Hand-Crafted jewelry @ yaccessorizes.com. I can be reached at 678-856-9947. Thank you
By Yvette Figgures on August 10, 2015
Business vendors (sorry no food vendors) interested in participating at the Great American Foodie Fest in Las Vegas please contact me at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
By Art on August 13, 2015
I would like to join any festival in southern california. If u have space available please contact me (562) 986-8043
By jack on September 23, 2015
Great information here. What type of events do you recommend for new online clothing vendors? My husband and I just started an online fashion boutique, http://www.shastonwear.com and we are planning to do some brand marketing at some local events.
By Sharon Smith on September 23, 2015
I would love to be apart of any fairs and festivals around the state of Minnesota. I make delicious treats with peanut butter. I am a new vendor with very high confidence of success in this business and I hope to work with you soon. Call anytime (651-788-2543) or email (.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)) Thank You
By D'Andre F Jones on December 25, 2015
I am new and I love to be part of any fair and festivals in and around the state of South Carolina as food vendor. Last year i got accepted as a food vendor in one of the small town’s music and Art festival and they invited me to come back again this year again in May. Anyways I am introducing the Pacific Island and Asian cooking style to the southern states.
By Peter A Ewen on January 14, 2016
I would like to sell beer at a festival. I would appreciate any referral in the Washington DC area. Email me at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Thank you so very much.
By Briget on January 18, 2016
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