BHM Holiday applications
open the month of August 2021
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN THROUGH THE MONTH OF AUGUST
APPLY HERE
Applications for our Holiday Show
to happen the second weekend in November will go live
for the month of August, 2021.
2021 faq
When and where is the Bloomington Handmade Market held?
BHM Summer Fair 2021 will take place on Kirkwood Ave between Washington and Grant Streets. (two city blocks).
BHM Holiday 2021 will take place in the Monroe Convention Center, the second weekend in November.
How can I be a vendor?
Applications will be open for the month of August for the Holiday show.
How much is the booth fee?
The fee to participate will be $200, plus a $10 application fee. Both of these fees are NON-REFUNDABLE. More details on that below.
Why is the market juried, and how do you decide who is included?
The market is juried because we want to showcase the best of contemporary art and craft in that space! We are looking for unique, contemporary handmade items that push the boundaries of what handmade arts and crafts can be, and we strive to have a wide variety of media. We consider all the applications carefully based on the images you submit and your own description of your work. For BHM Holiday Virtual Fair we will also rely heavily on your social media presence as well as your participation in each activity.
When and how will I know if my application was accepted?
We will notify all applicants regarding their application by _________.
What if I am not accepted?
If you are not initially accepted into the fair, we may ask you if you'd like to be put on our waiting list. We inevitably have accepted vendors who are unable to participate, and we ask those who are next on our waiting list to take their place.
Is my booth fee refundable?
No. As artists ourselves we have tried to figure out a way in which to make your booth fees refundable in case of a cancellation on your part or ours. Unfortunately, this is impossible. We must begin paid marketing campaigns (with your booth fee money) basically before your money even hits our accounts. Rest assured, all of your booth fee money goes toward marketing. This is why we cannot offer refunds, and never have. This year, because of Covid, if for any reason we have to cancel the in person market, we will do everything in our power to host a virtual show in place of the in-person show. We're an artist run market and we want what's best for everyone involved.
What does my booth fee cover?
For Summer Fair 2021 your booth fee covers:
- a socially distanced 10'x10' booth space, that allows you to utilize all 4 walls of your space and ostensibly gives you a
- corner booth
- advertising campaigns on social media outlets
- marketing through online campaigns including calendars, tourism boards, etc
- due to Covid 19 we will not be providing breakfast/lunch/snacks as we usually do.
For Holiday 2021 your booth fee covers:
- 8'x10' space inside the Convention Center
- breakfast/snacks
- lunch coupon
- electricity (if requested)
-marketing and advertising
-our undying Love
What Covid Safety precautions is Summer Fair 2021 taking?
These precautions are subject to change according to the CDC and Monroe County Health Dept suggestions.
BHM FB fans number just under 5,000. BHM IG just over 3,000. Our newsletter (which will be sent out weekly) is 2,000 strong. We have confidence that showcasing you to our audience over your day will result in sales and fans.
Still have questions? Email us at bloomingtonhandmademarket@gmail.com!
Ready to be a vendor?
Please read through the FAQ thoroughly before you apply.
For future announcements -
Please join our mailing list to get updates!
For future announcements -
Please join our mailing list to get updates!
General VENDOR FAQ
When and where is the Bloomington Handmade Market held?
Our summer fair will be held on a Saturday in June from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Summer applications open in March.
Our annual holiday show is always on the second Saturday in November from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Monroe Convention Center (302 S. College Ave, Bloomington, Indiana), on the corner of 3rd and College. The Holiday Market apps will open in August.
How can I be a vendor?
Applications open at the dates specified above. Late or incomplete applications will be not considered.
How much is the booth fee and how big are the vendor spaces?
For our summer fair, the artist booth fee is $95 (an addtl $50 for a corner booth, 2 available) and the spaces are 10'x10'. You are required to provide your own tent, tent weights, and display materials. No tables or chairs will be provided or available to rent.
For our holiday market, the booth fee is $200 (an additional $50 for a corner booth) and the spaces are 8' x 10'. You may bring your own table or rent an 8' table from us for an additional $10. Two chairs will be provided for each booth regardless of whether or not you rent a table.
Booth and application fees ($10) are and always have been non-refundable once paid.
I'm new to outdoor fairs, what's up with tent-weights?
It's really important that every tent has no less than 50 lbs of weight on each leg. While we won't be coming around with a scale to ensure this is the case, rest-assured, we will send you home if you arrive to BHM Summer Fair with a tent and no weights. This is because your tent could easily blow over into another vendors' tent and ruin not only your own products and displays, but create a domino effect and ruin the work of those around you. This is for your protection and the safety of those around you. We live in Indiana, the weather is unpredictable, and to try and combat that as best we can we ask that you have weights. Here are some links to some weights to keep your tent secure:
•Plate weights: buy 4 sets! Super easy to transport and set up.
•Sand bags: pro tip- fill with pea gravel to prevent annoying sand leakage!
•DIY PVC weights: requires a little more effort but these will last for years and years, and will hold your tent down in strong winds!
Why do I need insurance to do this event?
Because it's in your best interest. Many artists have insurance and there are reasonable rates out there. Check out ACT or your local insurance agency today.
Is there electricity and wi-fi at the venue?
For our Summer Fair, neither are available.
For our holiday market, Wi-Fi is free and we will give you the password when you enter the event (in case of emergency, the password is located at the center desk of the Convention Center. Please indicate on your application if you are need of electricity and we will try our best to make that happen.
What is a DIY booth and why does it exist this year for the first time?
DIY booths exist this year because Summer Fair wants to provide a one of a kind experience to the residents, tourists, and families of Bloomington. Our wish is that local community and arts organizations who want to promote their business in a new and interesting way will participate. Organizations will apply to have a DIY booth via the DIY application above. They will come up with their own creative craft for potential customers to experience with them and charge a minimal fee for participation. For example -- The Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Group participated in the Taste of Bloomington last year in a booth making flower crowns. The group gathered all the supplies one would need to make flower crowns, and then, over the course of the day, aided visitors in making (and taking) flower crowns home with them. This activity should be inexpensive to create and thus, we ask that all DIY groups charge <$10 to their customer to participate. (Therefore, it would stand to reason that the supplies to create each craft, per person, should also be under $10. We recommend a $5-$7 craft for optimal accessibility, but understand that supplies and staffing cost money.) Some other ideas for small make and take craft ideas are: simple macrame, leather keychains, terrariums, friendship bracelets, simple dream-catchers, decoupaged vases, decorate your own mug, simple screen printing, pom pom making, pom pom jewelry, or button making! The possibilities are truly endless.
I don't live in Indiana. Can I apply to be a vendor?
Yes! But you are responsible for checking with the Indiana Department of Revenue to make sure you obtain your Sales Tax permit and other relevant tax documents.www.in.gov/dor/index.htm.
Why is the market juried, and how do you decide who is included?
The market is juried because of limited space, and because we want to showcase the best of contemporary art and craft in that space! We are looking for unique, contemporary handmade items that push the boundaries of what handmade arts and crafts can be, and we strive to have a wide variety of media. We consider all the applications carefully based on the images you submit and your own description of your work.
When and how will I know if my application was accepted?
We will notify all applicants regarding acceptance into the market via email within two weeks of the close of applications. Payment will be due 7 days after your notification of acceptance.
What if I am not accepted?
If you are not initially accepted into the fair, we may ask you if you'd like to be put on our waiting list. We inevitably have accepted vendors who are unable to attend, and we ask those who are next on our waiting list to take their place.
Why was I not accepted?
We receive many more applications than we have spaces for, which is why the market is a juried event. We strive to have a wide variety, and if we let in 10 people selling greeting cards, none of them is likely to have great sales. Some other reasons why you may not get accepted:
Too much diversity of your products: if you are making both ceramic bowls AND greeting cards, try to focus on one, or have them really relate to each other. Too often we receive applications of people who's work tends to be all over the place.
The use of too many mass-produced materials (buying a chain and stringing mass-produced beads on it, is one example) or using other people's designs (patterns or kits, for example.)
Aesthetics. We're looking for art and craft that is modern, fresh, and innovative. Our vendors often participate in what is known as "indie" craft shows, and BHM is no exception. If you want to get a good idea of what we're looking for, visit our Gallery page, or view our past vendors websites.
Rotation. If you've participated in BHM in the past but didn't get in this time around, it's more than likely because we want to give some new vendors a chance.
Lots of vendors applying within a category.
If you have any concerns or questions about our application, please feel free to email us!
If you're not accepted, don't be discouraged! Come out to BHM and see what the vendors have to offer, and think about applying for next time.
Is my booth fee refundable?
Once you are made aware of your acceptance, you must submit your payment by the due date. If payment is not received via PayPal, your spot will immediately be given to the next person on the waiting list. No refunds will be given if you cannot make it.
If you must cancel, you forfeit your fee and your space in the show. You may not fill your spot with another vendor. We will offer the space to the next vendor on our waiting list.
If you are unable to show up the day of the event and you do not notify us, you will not be asked to participate in our future events.
What does my booth fee cover?
Your booth fee will get your photo on our website and numerous mentions via social media platforms leading up to Market.
For our Summer Fair, your booth fee covers an outdoor 10'x10' space as well as comp tickets for breakfast and lunch foods from our sponsors.
For our holiday market, your booth fee covers an indoor 10'x8' space, 2 chairs, a light breakfast, and a comp lunch coupon from the Convention Center.
Can I share my booth with a friend?
Yes! But each person must submit a separate application with their own images and information. Please indicate on your application who you would like to share with.
Can I have 2 booth spaces for my business?
Unfortunately, no. We are cramped for space as it is and want to include as many different vendors as possible!
Do I need a tax number or vendor's permit?
Whenever money is exchanged for goods, it's important to have the right permits and keep good records. You can contact the Indiana Department of Revenue to obtain a Sales Tax Collection permit. These permits can be obtained online or by going to the office in person. The cost of the sales tax permit is $25 and is valid for 2 years.
You are also responsible for registering your business with the IRS and collecting sales tax for the items you sell. When taxes are due you will have to pay both income tax and sales tax for your craft sales in the state of Indiana.
Indiana Department of Revenue: (317)233-4015 or www.in.gov/dor/index.htm
IRS: 1-800-829-4933 or www.irs.gov.
What kind of promotions do you do to plug the Bloomington Handmade Market?
Online promotions on our website, other websites, social networking sites, etc...
Notifying both local and regional press
Posters and 5000 postcards are made and distributed
Our mailing list
Yard signs at busy intersections around Bloomington
Cross promotion
Still have questions? Email us at bloomingtonhandmademarket@gmail.com!
Our summer fair will be held on a Saturday in June from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Summer applications open in March.
Our annual holiday show is always on the second Saturday in November from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Monroe Convention Center (302 S. College Ave, Bloomington, Indiana), on the corner of 3rd and College. The Holiday Market apps will open in August.
How can I be a vendor?
Applications open at the dates specified above. Late or incomplete applications will be not considered.
How much is the booth fee and how big are the vendor spaces?
For our summer fair, the artist booth fee is $95 (an addtl $50 for a corner booth, 2 available) and the spaces are 10'x10'. You are required to provide your own tent, tent weights, and display materials. No tables or chairs will be provided or available to rent.
For our holiday market, the booth fee is $200 (an additional $50 for a corner booth) and the spaces are 8' x 10'. You may bring your own table or rent an 8' table from us for an additional $10. Two chairs will be provided for each booth regardless of whether or not you rent a table.
Booth and application fees ($10) are and always have been non-refundable once paid.
I'm new to outdoor fairs, what's up with tent-weights?
It's really important that every tent has no less than 50 lbs of weight on each leg. While we won't be coming around with a scale to ensure this is the case, rest-assured, we will send you home if you arrive to BHM Summer Fair with a tent and no weights. This is because your tent could easily blow over into another vendors' tent and ruin not only your own products and displays, but create a domino effect and ruin the work of those around you. This is for your protection and the safety of those around you. We live in Indiana, the weather is unpredictable, and to try and combat that as best we can we ask that you have weights. Here are some links to some weights to keep your tent secure:
•Plate weights: buy 4 sets! Super easy to transport and set up.
•Sand bags: pro tip- fill with pea gravel to prevent annoying sand leakage!
•DIY PVC weights: requires a little more effort but these will last for years and years, and will hold your tent down in strong winds!
Why do I need insurance to do this event?
Because it's in your best interest. Many artists have insurance and there are reasonable rates out there. Check out ACT or your local insurance agency today.
Is there electricity and wi-fi at the venue?
For our Summer Fair, neither are available.
For our holiday market, Wi-Fi is free and we will give you the password when you enter the event (in case of emergency, the password is located at the center desk of the Convention Center. Please indicate on your application if you are need of electricity and we will try our best to make that happen.
What is a DIY booth and why does it exist this year for the first time?
DIY booths exist this year because Summer Fair wants to provide a one of a kind experience to the residents, tourists, and families of Bloomington. Our wish is that local community and arts organizations who want to promote their business in a new and interesting way will participate. Organizations will apply to have a DIY booth via the DIY application above. They will come up with their own creative craft for potential customers to experience with them and charge a minimal fee for participation. For example -- The Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Group participated in the Taste of Bloomington last year in a booth making flower crowns. The group gathered all the supplies one would need to make flower crowns, and then, over the course of the day, aided visitors in making (and taking) flower crowns home with them. This activity should be inexpensive to create and thus, we ask that all DIY groups charge <$10 to their customer to participate. (Therefore, it would stand to reason that the supplies to create each craft, per person, should also be under $10. We recommend a $5-$7 craft for optimal accessibility, but understand that supplies and staffing cost money.) Some other ideas for small make and take craft ideas are: simple macrame, leather keychains, terrariums, friendship bracelets, simple dream-catchers, decoupaged vases, decorate your own mug, simple screen printing, pom pom making, pom pom jewelry, or button making! The possibilities are truly endless.
I don't live in Indiana. Can I apply to be a vendor?
Yes! But you are responsible for checking with the Indiana Department of Revenue to make sure you obtain your Sales Tax permit and other relevant tax documents.www.in.gov/dor/index.htm.
Why is the market juried, and how do you decide who is included?
The market is juried because of limited space, and because we want to showcase the best of contemporary art and craft in that space! We are looking for unique, contemporary handmade items that push the boundaries of what handmade arts and crafts can be, and we strive to have a wide variety of media. We consider all the applications carefully based on the images you submit and your own description of your work.
When and how will I know if my application was accepted?
We will notify all applicants regarding acceptance into the market via email within two weeks of the close of applications. Payment will be due 7 days after your notification of acceptance.
What if I am not accepted?
If you are not initially accepted into the fair, we may ask you if you'd like to be put on our waiting list. We inevitably have accepted vendors who are unable to attend, and we ask those who are next on our waiting list to take their place.
Why was I not accepted?
We receive many more applications than we have spaces for, which is why the market is a juried event. We strive to have a wide variety, and if we let in 10 people selling greeting cards, none of them is likely to have great sales. Some other reasons why you may not get accepted:
Too much diversity of your products: if you are making both ceramic bowls AND greeting cards, try to focus on one, or have them really relate to each other. Too often we receive applications of people who's work tends to be all over the place.
The use of too many mass-produced materials (buying a chain and stringing mass-produced beads on it, is one example) or using other people's designs (patterns or kits, for example.)
Aesthetics. We're looking for art and craft that is modern, fresh, and innovative. Our vendors often participate in what is known as "indie" craft shows, and BHM is no exception. If you want to get a good idea of what we're looking for, visit our Gallery page, or view our past vendors websites.
Rotation. If you've participated in BHM in the past but didn't get in this time around, it's more than likely because we want to give some new vendors a chance.
Lots of vendors applying within a category.
If you have any concerns or questions about our application, please feel free to email us!
If you're not accepted, don't be discouraged! Come out to BHM and see what the vendors have to offer, and think about applying for next time.
Is my booth fee refundable?
Once you are made aware of your acceptance, you must submit your payment by the due date. If payment is not received via PayPal, your spot will immediately be given to the next person on the waiting list. No refunds will be given if you cannot make it.
If you must cancel, you forfeit your fee and your space in the show. You may not fill your spot with another vendor. We will offer the space to the next vendor on our waiting list.
If you are unable to show up the day of the event and you do not notify us, you will not be asked to participate in our future events.
What does my booth fee cover?
Your booth fee will get your photo on our website and numerous mentions via social media platforms leading up to Market.
For our Summer Fair, your booth fee covers an outdoor 10'x10' space as well as comp tickets for breakfast and lunch foods from our sponsors.
For our holiday market, your booth fee covers an indoor 10'x8' space, 2 chairs, a light breakfast, and a comp lunch coupon from the Convention Center.
Can I share my booth with a friend?
Yes! But each person must submit a separate application with their own images and information. Please indicate on your application who you would like to share with.
Can I have 2 booth spaces for my business?
Unfortunately, no. We are cramped for space as it is and want to include as many different vendors as possible!
Do I need a tax number or vendor's permit?
Whenever money is exchanged for goods, it's important to have the right permits and keep good records. You can contact the Indiana Department of Revenue to obtain a Sales Tax Collection permit. These permits can be obtained online or by going to the office in person. The cost of the sales tax permit is $25 and is valid for 2 years.
You are also responsible for registering your business with the IRS and collecting sales tax for the items you sell. When taxes are due you will have to pay both income tax and sales tax for your craft sales in the state of Indiana.
Indiana Department of Revenue: (317)233-4015 or www.in.gov/dor/index.htm
IRS: 1-800-829-4933 or www.irs.gov.
What kind of promotions do you do to plug the Bloomington Handmade Market?
Online promotions on our website, other websites, social networking sites, etc...
Notifying both local and regional press
Posters and 5000 postcards are made and distributed
Our mailing list
Yard signs at busy intersections around Bloomington
Cross promotion
Still have questions? Email us at bloomingtonhandmademarket@gmail.com!
