Vendor FAQ’s
Do I need a tent?
A tent is not required, though they can be very helpful for providing shade and shelter. Your tent should fit within the footprint of the space size that you have paid for : a 10’x10’ space allows for a 10’x10’ tent, a 6’x6’ space allows for a 6’x6’ tent.* Only in the case of forecasted rain, and with prior permission, are you allowed to size up (6’x6’ spaces can bring a 10’x10’ shelter in the case of rain this year). If you think you want to use a tent, I recommend signing up for a 10’x10’ space or sharing a tent with someone else, which is an option on the booking form as well.
Importantly: All tents must be weighted with at least 15lbs of weight on each leg.
This is for safety and taken very seriously. Tents without weights will not be allowed.
What time do I have to be there?
Load in for the market begins at 3pm. Those who can, should plan to meet in Harmony Lot at 2:55 to prepare for loading into the street. After 3pm, we will slowly release cars onto the street to park temporarily, unload vehicles and repark in a nearby lot.
Anyone arriving after 3pm should note that the street can only be accessed from the west end of the street (the side closest to the parking garage). Access to Elliot Street will be closed at the Main Street intersection at 3pm.
If you have a cart/wagon for your merchandise and booth set-up, you may park in a nearby area anytime between 3-4:30 and arrive to the area on foot.
Everyone must be loaded in by 4:30. There is absolutely no car traffic allowed on Elliot street after 4:30.
Where exactly is the market located?
The market is located on Elliot Street in downtown Brattleboro, VT between the intersection of Elliot and Main streets and the opening of the Harmony Lot.
On market days, we will meet at 3pm in Harmony Lot. Anyone arriving after 3pm should note that the street can only be accessed from the West end of the street (the side closest to the parking garage). Access to Elliot street will be closed at Main Street at 3pm.
What is the set-up like?
For set-up, we ask vendors to slowly and carefully pull into the market area (which will be closed to all other traffic) and temporarily park vehicles on either side of the street where there is an open and available space. Vendors will unload the contents of their vehicles onto the sidewalk and then will be asked to repark their cars.* Tents/booths are set up in two parallel rows, on the North and South sides of the street, directly in front of the sidewalks and facing towards the center of the street. Patrons and market visitors will flow in between the two rows in the center of the street. We must also make sure that sidewalks are clear for pedestrians.
Importantly: We must be extremely mindful to not set up tents or booths directly in front of open businesses on Elliot Street. Please double check that your booth is not in front of an open business or their entryway.
Where do I park?
The closest place to park is the parking garage on Elliot St. To access the garage after leaving the market area, you will turn right onto Main St. and take the first right onto Flat St. There is an entrance to the garage is on Flat St. right after the Snow Block and Sam’s.
Other parking can be found on High Street, right before Hermit Thrush and Harris Lot off of Main Street. More info on Brattleboro parking here
Note: There is no parking available in Harmony Lot during the Gallery Walk.
Is there electricity?
We do not have access to electricity. Battery or solar powered lights are highly recommended.
Do I have to have lights?
It is not required, but we highly recommend the use of battery or solar powered lights for your booth. In the earlier and later months of Gallery Walk especially, as it starts to get dark in the 7 o’clock hour.
What happens if it rains?
If rain significant rain is forecasted during the Gallery Walk hours, the market will be moved into an indoor location TBA.* If light rain or intermittent sprinkling is forecasted, the market will remain outdoors. See above regarding tents and rain.
*In the event that the market is moved indoors, all vendors will be asked to size down their booths to a 6’x3’ sized area in order to accommodate everyone indoors.
Turns out, I can’t make it. What do I do?
If you know in advance of the market date that you will not be able to make it, please email us at brattleboroflea@gmail.com and let us know. On the day of, please call or text Julia at (845) 430-0190 …I likely will not see an email. Please note that there are no refunds for absences.
Can I sell food and/or drinks at my booth?
We are not allowed to sell prepared food or baked goods at the market. If you wish to sell food at the Gallery Walk, please email Erin Scaggs: erin@brattleboro.com to inquire about becoming a food vendor.
Do I need vendor insurance?
We do not require vendors to have vendor insurance, though it is certainly not a bad idea. Neither the Brattleboro Flea nor the Downtown Brattleboro Alliance is responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged merchandise.
Additionally, the insurance that covers the event as a whole does not protect individual vendors against litigation, personal injury etc.
Do I have to charge sales tax?
Depending on your business, you may have to collect and report sales tax. It is incumbent on you as a vendor to determine if this is required for your business. Find out more about VT Sales and use tax requirements on the VT Dept. of Taxes site here
Please note: the town of Brattleboro does have a 1% option tax as well, which should be included in collections and reporting.
How do I process Credit Card or other digital payments?
Most vendors accept digital payments through a Point of Sale system like Square or through PayPal or Venmo.
If you need assistance in figuring out a digital processing system, please feel free to email brattleboroflea@gmail.com or reach out to another returning vendor.
It is always smart to have bills and change for cash sales!
Please note: as of now, there is no reliable town-wide wifi available to us at the market. Likely you will have to use data for payment processing.
Can I get a refund if I can’t make it?
No. As noted in the application, returning vendor form and accepted vendor form: there are no refunds, to exchanges and no transfers.
Can I give my spot to someone else if I cannot make it?
No. You are welcome to send someone else to sell your products, but you may not let someone else sell their merchandise in your stead.