SO YOU WANT TO BE A
THIRD+BIRD VENDOR?!
We've put together some common questions and answers to help you decide if you'd like to apply for any upcoming markets!
WHEN AND WHERE ARE YOUR MARKETS?
Our big markets (Spring/Christmas) take place in April + November at the Red River Exhibition Park. Applications open 6 months in advance to allow for preparation and lead time. You can find dates here. Our smaller markets, farmers markets and pop ups have smaller lead times.
HOW DO I APPLY?
Applications are always conducted through our website. We always advertise on our social channels and via an email newsletter before applications open. We recommend you follow us, subscribe to our mailing list, and mark us as a 'safe' contact so we don't end up in your junk folder.
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Subscribe at the bottom of this page!
WHAT PRODUCT CATEGORIES DO YOU ACCEPT?
Currently the following...
Accessories
Art + Print + Stationery
Baby + Kids
Bath + Body
CAFE
Clothing
Food + Drink
Food Trucks (depending on the market)
Housewares
Jewelry
Metal + Wood
Pet
Pottery
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If you think we're missing something or you're not sure what category you'd fall into, send us an email at hello@thirdandbird.com.
DO YOU PROVIDE TABLE, CHAIRS, BACKDROP OR ANY PART OF THE BOOTH?
No, you are responsible for your full booth set-up including a back wall (depending on the market). Your booth fee covers your spot for the entire weekend.
WHAT IS THE EXPECTATION FOR THE BACKDROP?
A backdrop ties the look, vibe, and esthetic of your brand and booth. It helps the shopper identify you. You can display your signs, products with shelving, etc., to help elevate your space. Your backdrop should be creative and reflect your brand. Backdrops are to be no less than 6ft high and no higher than 8ft. The width/length ranges from 6-20ft long depending on the size of the booth you are awarded. Any supports for your backdrop MUST also fit within your allotted booth space.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR, AND WHAT FACTORS ARE CONSIDERED FOR ACCEPTANCE?
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Creative + original ideas, independent design OR products crafted by you.
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We do not accept applications selling vintage/antique items for re-sale such as furniture or clothing though we love this movement, our markets showcase independent designer's work.
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We do not accept applications selling products such Norwex, Tupperware etc.
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You offer a well diversified product line, or if you have one product, there are a variety of styles, colours, sizes, or flavours.
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Lack of similarity to products already in the marketplace. Show us that your work avoids saturated trends and does not copy current, popular maker's products. We love to see new ideas and we want to see your individuality.
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If you fall into a saturated category (currently: jewelry, coffee, soap, candles, bath+body, scrunchies) you need to stand out above the rest.
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How can you stand out? You can do this by your quality, packaging, and uniqueness of your product. Your display, branding, social media accounts and photography. Photo quality is closely looked at when tough decisions are needed to be made. We only accept a limited amount of each type of product.
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Your social media is looked at. Is your account used for both business and personal? We prefer to see your social be focused on your brand. Do you follow T+B on your social accounts? Are you being creative and leaders using social media ie. - IG reels, Tik Tok etc.
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We look for a cohesive product offering - if you sell a variety of categories, do they all fit within a theme that ties them all together? For example, if you sell clothing and jewelry, do they work together or do they look like two entirely different businesses?
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Our jury panel does look at booth photos from markets past (returning) and designs (new makers), when booth displays are required. The jury will do a deep dive into your social media accounts looking at your booth set ups at other markets if you have not been at a T+B market before. You are also required to submit via email a booth design draft if you are a new vendor.
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We look to see if you have participated with us in our smaller pop-ups and summer markets.
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Applications MUST include clear information about your products and if part of your product is out-sourced. All out-sourced products must be ethically produced either locally or overseas.
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Are you easy and nice to work with? How you and your team and/or helpers treat and communicate with our team in person and/or online (social + email) plays a big role. We believe in love, kindness and respect and do not tolerate or reward belittling, badgering, bullying or abusive behaviour.
DO YOU ACCEPT MAKERS WITH PRODUCTS THAT ARE MANUFACTURED BY A THIRD PARTY?
Makers are allowed to have product manufactured by a third party, but they MUST fall under the following guidelines.
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Makers have to play a role in the original design of the manufactured product. It cannot be 'stock' product that the manufacturer designs + sells. For example, a jewelry vendor MAY contract a company to manufacture a necklace, but the pendant is a design original to that vendor.
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We understand that not every piece used in the creation of a product will be originally designed by the vendor and we make allowance for assembly pieces. For example: zippers, jewelry clasps, chains, frames, clothing for screen print, hair ties for scrunchies, etc.
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This is an ever evolving topic. Our jury does their best to work with the information that is presented to them by the maker applying. We are not special agent detectives. We depend on makers to be forthcoming and transparent in their applications.
