St. Pete is known for its creative community, small business prevalence and local flair. Highlighting all of these Sunshine City qualities are handcraft markets and festivals. Our community embraces the “buy local” initiative and alternative shopping opportunities. But for vendors participating in these events, success isn’t guaranteed.
Three of St. Pete’s most beloved market organizations give tips and tricks for success. Considering their advice could make the difference in taking your hobby to a side hustle, and eventually to a full time dream job. Hear what the market organizers have to say before you hit apply to an upcoming event.
LocalShops1
LocalShops1 hosts small pop-ups downtown and on St. Pete Beach, along with large scale festivals like the annual Shopapalooza.
Owner Ester Venouziou stresses the importance of building a reputation for being “reliable, self-sufficient and friendly.” While this may sound like common sense, word of your reputation travels. “Be nice and stay flexible.”
Also per Venouziou, the early bird gets the worm. “Popular events fill up fast.” Sign up as soon as applications open; large scale events can fill up 6 months in advance. LocalShops1 gives “first dibs” to returning vendors for Shopapalooza by opening registration to them before other applicants. “I feel rewarding loyal vendors is important,” says Venouziou, reiterating that it pays to have a solid reputation and an early application.
Find opportunities to vend with LocalShops1 by visiting localshops1.com/vendors or by emailing them directly at [email protected].
Saturday Morning Market
The Saturday Morning Market runs every week, October through May, and they also host a smaller summer market. They fill over 130 vendor spaces and boast an estimated 10,000 visitors on a typical Saturday.
Organizer Mark Johnson says their market puts emphasis on the “sense of community among vendors.” They want to support makers interested in getting to know their fellow vendors. The feeling of camaraderie “starts before the market begins and feels friendly to vendors and shoppers.” They even encourage their sellers to make referrals to other participating vendors during their market if the opportunity should arise.
Display is another major factor in vendor success. They want vendors that are “constantly improving their products and display,” noting the best vendors are usually the ones still wanting to level up. Improvements made by one maker affects the whole event, just as “a rising tide lifts all boats.”
Johnson has found “the principal and most important factor is signage that quickly and powerfully conveys what you sell and why it’s unusual.” There’s “a lot of competition for people’s attention at a market,” according to Johnson. He feels most vendors who improve their display have an opportunity to increase sales significantly.
Learn more about the Saturday Morning Market and their requirements for applying to vend by visiting saturdaymorningmarket.com.
Indie Flea
The Indie Flea is known for their recurring markets and themed pop-ups. They happen all over St. Pete, Tampa, Gainesville and more recently, North Carolina.
Founder of Indie Flea, Rosey Williams, urges applicants to consider the uniqueness of their product line. “A maker has a better chance of being a part of our market if they are creating a product that stands apart from what we already have at our markets.” From body care to baked goods, Indie Flea represents truly one-of-a-kind products. They “highly value new and creative ways to make and create,” and it doesn’t stop at the products. “We look for handmade product but we also encourage props and signs to be handmade too.”
Another important reminder for potential vendors: Indie Flea vendors must agree to use no single use plastic for their product packaging. They’re looking for vendors who support their eco-initiative and want to be a part of ocean friendly events. “All packaging must be reusable and eco friendly.”
Find open applications for Indie Flea at theindieflea.com/become-a-vendor; if applications are closed join the waitlist. If you have specific questions, send them an email at [email protected].
Participating as a small business vendor in events like markets and festivals can help grow your brand visibility, improve your product line and hone in on your customer service skills. Consider other great advice from the market organizers themselves, like: getting educated on market rotation policies, collaborating with fellow vendors for contests and cross-promotion, and presenting a strong online presence.
Find more great tips from these leaders in our creative community on our blog at marketmafia.com/blog. Hope to see you vending at a market around town!
