FAQ: Craft Vendor Applications at Maryville Farmers’ Market
1. When is the application deadline for craft vendor spots?
Applications close two (2) weeks prior to each event, or sooner if the maximum number of artists/spaces has been reached. During peak gardening season, spaces are limited to a smaller capacity for craft vendors.
2. What is the application fee, and how do I pay it?
The fee is $30 per tent space. Payment is by check, cash, or money order made payable to Maryville Farmers’ Market. Submit it with your application to: PO Box 7286, Maryville, Tennessee 37802.
3. Where is the market located?
The market is in the 300 block of E. Broadway Avenue and E. Church Avenue, in the Founder’s Square parking lot in Maryville, Tennessee.
4. Do I need to include a business license with my application?
Please enclose a copy of your City and County Business License if you have them.
5. How will I know if my application is accepted?
Accepted applicants are notified by email once approved. If not accepted, your payment will be mailed back to you.
6. What size space will I get if accepted?
Acceptance ensures a 10’ x 10’ space.
7. Are there any special rules for MFM members?
MFM members pay 5% commission on their regular weekly product only (not on craft items). Regular members also have spaces honored in their usual weekly selling location during the regular market season.
8. What are the setup times and rules?
Setup begins at 7:00 AM on the day of the market. All vendors must be in their designated location by no later than 8:00 AM. Early or late arrivals are not permitted.
9. What kind of tent/setup is required?
Your tent must be sturdy enough to withstand inclement weather. Weights are required on each pole/leg of your tent(s) — this is the vendor’s responsibility to prevent the tent from “flying up” and causing damage or injury. Vendors are responsible for ensuring stability.
10. What products are allowed, and what craftsmanship standards apply?
All items must be original and unique (may be assembled from patterns created by the vendor). Items must exhibit legitimate craftsmanship in the judgment of market staff — requiring considerable skill/training and personal handling/manipulation to enhance the shopping experience.
•  Local authors may sell commercially printed books if present each market day; themes limited to food, farming/gardening, environment, cooking, and/or historic preservation.
•  Local musicians may sell commercially recorded music if present each market day; must be family-friendly, no live performance, and playback only via headphones (not speakers).
11. What photos or materials do I need to submit?
Craft applicants must submit at least 3 representative photos of their work with detailed descriptions. Photos and descriptions will be viewable to the public if accepted. Applications without photos will be returned as unacceptable.
12. Who must attend the market?
The exhibitor/applicant must personally attend and be present at their booth for the duration of the event to meet shoppers. Employees or family may help but cannot substitute for the exhibitor.
13. Are there any other agreements I need to sign?
Accepted exhibitors must agree to abide by the Maryville Farmers’ Market Code of Conduct (sign, date, and submit with application).
14. Does acceptance give me exclusive rights to products?
No — the market does not offer exclusive rights to any vendor or their products.
15. What are the cleanup responsibilities?
At market close, vendors are responsible for cleaning up the immediate area around their space (including trash and debris). Vendors must remove all their own trash, as the market does not provide trash service or receptacles. Failure to comply may result in exclusion from the market.
16. When can sales begin?
No early sales are permitted. Sales start only after the opening bell sounds. (Vendors may purchase from other vendors before opening.)
17. Are there smoking rules?
No smoking is permitted at your booth or in the immediate market area due to health and environmental concerns. Smoke only in an area away from the public.
18. Are there refunds if the weather is bad or attendance is low?
The market is held rain or shine. No refunds for inclement weather or low attendance (including if caused by vendors).
19. What items are NOT accepted?
•  Commercially manufactured items (contact if unsure).
•  Second-hand/vintage items.
•  Imported items.
•  Live plants (unless vendor has a State of Tennessee Greenhouse License; must be grown by vendor, including in terrariums).
•  Fresh/dried flower arrangements & wreaths (vendor must grow and dry all materials).
•  Minimally upcycled items (e.g., purchased/found boxes, windows, mason jars, stones, shells, furniture, bottles, etc.).
•  Food items of any kind (not applicable to regular approved MFM vendors).
20. What references are required?
Provide the name and phone number of two persons who will serve as references attesting to your work/character (as noted in the application).
Good luck with your application!
 

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