Vendor Guidelines

Typically, we received about 3-4 times the number of applications to spots.  We don’t say this as a discouraging fact, but to encourage you to keep applying! We try to rotate the vendors within each category as much as possible (which is not to say we don’t take repeat vendors, we absolutely do, but no one gets into every market aside from Different Folks staff – max of 3 tables).  It is important to note some categories get A LOT more applications than others, so the more unique your product the more likely you are to get in.  Categories that are often very competitive are jewelry and crochet (especially stuffed animals). Because of this, we often don’t take the same vendors in these categories at back-to-back markets. However, you never know who’s going to apply and its always worth a shot!

If we receive customer complaints about your behavior at a market or witness inappropriate behaviour this will be factored in for future applications.  Keep in mind our staff are also vendors, so we understand things can happen and will always be willing to discuss things with you.  If you lash out or attempt to intimidate staff you will not be accepted to any future markets. We are a business and have a right to make decisions in the interest of our business and our customers.

At every market we host we offer several pay what you can tables.  This number can vary depending on our costs associated with each market, but at a 35 vendor market we aim for 5 pay what you can spots, and overall our markets have ranged from 3-10 pay what you can spots at any given time.

We offer these spots for those just starting out and those in financial need.  As someone who started out as a vendor while on disability, I understand how difficult it can be to pay a table fee especially when you are first starting or are struggling to make ends meet.

Because we receive so many more applications for pay what you can spots than we can offer the majority of the time, we don’t give people PWYC tables back-to-back and try to spread the love  as much as possible.

Additionally, to ease the financial burden, we do always offer payment plans for our vendors.  We have a stated payment due by date, but if youd like to confirm your spot and either make a couple payments or set a payment date for after the deadline we are happy to do this if there is proper communication about the plan before the deadline has passed, as this can create a lot of confusion and extra work on our end if not discussed.

Different Folks has never accepted direct sales or MLM sellers and emphasizes handmade and handcrafted locally made goods. Additionally, after a string of vendors have been found to be upselling TEMU products with no handcrafted or modifications made to the purchased products and several vendor complaints about this problem we have been attempting to address it.  A main goal of our markets is to shop small and shop local.  While where you get your supplies from won’t be a factor if you have modified them, we do value people who get their supplies from Canadian suppliers. The main goal of adding this in is to reduce the use of slave labour in products being sold at our markets. Obviously eliminating it entirely is not possible as we all need a few things from amazon and other sites or stores that may be questionable, but we try to keep it to a minimum.

Second, WE DO NOT COLLECT PHOTOS AS PART OF OUR APPLICATIONS. So please be thoughtful about your descriptions and know that we WILL check your social media to get an idea of what you sell if it is not clear.  If you sell any accessories to your products that aren’t handcrafted by you or your team, please mention that for when we look at your social media. Explain how the purchased pieces work with your handcrafted items (for example, maybe you sell cups and want to sell coasters, or make crystal jewelry and want to sell crystals) saying this upfront makes things go a lot smoother, and wont take you out of contention for participating in the market as long as the majority of what you sell is handcrafted, and you are clear to your customers what is not handmade. On that note, PLEASE HAVE A BUSINESS PAGE either on instagram, facebook, tiktok, a website, etsy, anything where we can see your work - we highly recommend against mixing a personal and professional account page.

Different Folks was created with the understanding that underrepresented groups have their own unique cultures and identities, and having spaces dedicated to those differences can be special for both the vendors and the community. 

Different Folks is about creating safe spaces and opportunities for those often left out of the conversation.  We are a queer and disability led organization with the aim of highlighting communities within our city by providing the opportunity for their culture to be the dominant force in the room, and welcome everyone to celebrate it with us! Be it through supporting local creators, artists and crafters, hanging out at a social event or whipping something up at our Queer and Allies Crafternoons, Different Folks welcomes everyone to join the fun.

QUEER MARKETS

Throughout the year we host multiple queer focused events, which are a driver for our organization and its mission.  For these events, vendors must self-identify as queer.  Although we will never ask someone to prove their sexuality, we do ask that people respect this boundary in creating a safe queer centered space for shoppers.  We love allies, and at different times, there will be events we host that are not limited to particular groups (see below). In some cases, allyship means lending support, but stepping out of the spotlight.  We would love to have your support in celebrating our queer community members!  There will be something for everyone and we would LOVE if you would come shop.

MULTICULTURAL MARKETS

Each year we host at least one Multicultural Market.  At Different Folks we recognize many groups have their own ‘cultures’ such as the deaf and blind communities, the local black, indigenous and francophone communities as well as immigrants and first-generation Canadians and more.  Because of this, the theme of this market is intentionally broad.  No one group is prioritized over the other- we aim for a diverse range of offered products. As a white bread 3rd generation Canadian, I personally do not vend at these markets.

DISABILITY FOCUSED MARKETS

When a venue allows, we aim to host a disability oriented market, known as the Divergence Market. In the past this has not been limited to a specific type of disability.  We are working on bringing together a market of vendors who sell products aimed at serving persons with disabilities. Addtionally at our larger markets we are adding sensory hours where possible.

EQUINOX MARKETS

Each year we host Spring and Autumn Equinox Markets.  These have a broad range of possible attendees and we tend to lean on the theme when selecting vendors.  For example, our Autumn Equinox market focuses on ‘magic and mystery’ and general harvest and fall themes.  These markets are meant to be influenced by the pagan and witchy communities but are not limited solely to this group as there are many other spiritualities/groups with overlapping beliefs and significance on these dates.

HALLOWEEN MARKET

Our ‘Dead of Night’ Market happens once a year near Halloween and focuses on alternative and spooky vendors.  We love creepy art, taxidermy, witches’ spells, sci fi and fantasy, and other creepy crawly fun.

GENERAL MARKETS

As we grow, we partner with organizations to host events and markets.  In these cases, a theme may be developed, or it may take a back burner to the location and other activities being held at the event.  These normally dont have a specific target group, but still aim to have a diverse range of products at each market.