Strange Folk Vendor Application FAQ's
1. Is there a printed application I can mail in instead of submitting it online?
Nope! We are ONLY ACCEPTING ONLINE APPLICATIONS AND PHOTOS IN DIGITAL FORMAT.
2. How many vendors will be accepted?
120 with 10 alternate spots
3. I make things other than what I submitted in the photos, is it ok to sell them?
If you are accepted as a vendor, then we have concluded that anything you make would be alright to sell. However, misrepresentation will not be tolerated. You will not be allowed to sell imported or mass-produced merchandise at the festival.
4. What technical and aesthetic qualities will applications be juried for?
In a technical aspect, we will be looking at function and originality. As for aesthetics...if it fits in at a "country" craft fair or fine arts show, it probably won't here. We favor well-rounded microbrands with identifiable consistency, upcycling and eco-friendly practices,and inventive fabrication techniques.
5. Will it be safe to leave my tent and stuff there overnight?
We will have overnight security at the festival. Though we will go to great lengths to make sure your things are safe, Strange Folk organizers will not be responsible for lost or stolen merchandise.
6.Can I share a tent with other artisans?
We have a special application for craft groups that want to sell together. If you would like to simply split a tent space with another vendor,but remain separate entities, we can usually accommodate these requests. However, this is approved on a case by case basis after applications have been juried. Both parties must be approved for participation, and both parties will also still be responsible for registration fee. Each party will be entitled to discount, and that information will be disclosed in our registration documents.
7.What if I change my mind and want to switch from a tent to a table or vice versa?
It's probably no problem as long as you let us know asap. If you are not sure when you fill out your app just choose the more likely option, and you will be able to change it on your registration form if necessary.
8. Are there any handmade items you will not allow to be displayed or sold?
The Strange Folk Organizers do not want to censor you, however there will be children about.USE COMMON SENSE.If you have say, embroidered " 'something' Happens" on a dish towel, we'd prefer you keep this item tucked away under the table, and show it only to interested, adult customers. Basically, if we see any potentially offensive items on display, we will ask that they be made less obvious.
9.My friends and I are renting sheltered tables, can we be seated next to each other?
You may request this on your registration, and we will do our best to honor it. Though, we can't guarantee your placement as this will depend upon the number of tables we will be accommodating.
10.How can I pay the entry fee?
You will be able to pay with cash, check or credit card. More information on this will be sent with registration documents.
11.Once I have been accepted, how long will I have to submit my registration and fee?<
Your registration and fee will be due by August 10th, 2008.
12. Can I rent a tent from you guys?
We don't have tents to rent, but we also don't have any requirements as to what kind of tent you have in your respective space. Get creative! You may find them in outdoor furniture sections of stores for a very reasonable price. Also, they can be easily be obtained through local rental companies.
13. Can I have floor displays around my table space?
Probably, we'll need a description of it, and it will depend on if we have enough room in our pavilion spaces...but yeah, we'll work it out somehow!
14. How do I know if my application went through?
You will receive a confirmation e-mail immediately after you submit it. If you do not receive that, then we didn't get the app. We expect a large number of apps in the first few days, and can't be positive that it won't cause glitches in the system. It's always a good idea when filling out a long app like that to copy/paste your descriptive info into a permanent document before you submit it, just in case it doesn't go through. If nothing else, e-mail us at apply@strangefolkfestival.com, and we will send you a text version to fill out.
15.What is a microbrand?
The modern craft movement has been a springboard for entrepreneurs. Product branding is widely practiced throughout the community. Successful crafty start-ups, no matter how small, are embracing consistent graphics and themes in their items, web presence, and labeling. It is this unprecedented effort that diversifies our identities, and has helped to popularize handmade goods as viable alternatives in today's mainstream media inundated market.
16. What about taxes?
If accepted, you'll receive a super-easy form to fill out and submit after the festival to pay sales tax. You can use your social security# or business ID# on the form. Really, nothing to stress out about.
17. When will I find out if I've been accepted?
You will be notified if you have been chosen on or before July 12th, 2008.
18. Will you tell me why I wasn't chosen, if that's the case?
Choosing vendors is absolutely the hardest part of putting on this event. Our goal is to make sure no two sellers are alike, and that there is not an over abundance of options in any one category. Some genres are more competitive than others, such as jewelry and sewn goods. In those cases we look for the most original themes, consistent aesthetics, along with unique fabrication and materials. Good photos are important! We should also note that past participation does not guarantee you a spot. Also, organizers will not disclose specific reasons why applicants aren't chosen. All we can say is that it doesn't mean you don't make awesome stuff, or are not good enough to participate. We just can't fit everyone in that we'd like, and have to create as much variety as possible to ensure everyone involved has a fair chance to sell.
