so you've got some questions...

If you do not find the answers to your questions here before filling out your application form please email us at hello.thefriendlymarket@gmail.com and we would be happy to answer your questions and add them to our FAQ to keep all our vendors and customers informed!

*As of April 10 2022 our fees have increased - however our services have also increased to reflect this as well. For all details on our changes please read our flipbook.

Who can become a vendor or a member of The Friendly Market?

Any business can apply! We are looking for all different types of businesses to expand our network of small businesses and to keep the competition within The Friendly Market fair we will not be accepting applications for any similar businesses to what we already have in the market - currently this includes: custom apparel, home decor beads, calligraphy, engraving, digital design, interior decor, nail polish, cuticle oils, hand creams, polymer clay products, and geometric wood art. We are looking for businesses who want to grow and expand their customer and client base through online and in person networking. If you own a small business and would like to join The Friendly Market to help you gain exposure please fill out our application form and we will be in touch!

Why become a vendor?

As we are currently in the process of undergoing a makeover - now is the best time to become a vendor because our services have increased by a lot!

A member of The Friendly Market will get many perks that come along with being a member of The Friendly Market Including:

1. Being included on our vendor page with a complete bio and contact links to your website, social media and emails

2. Being included in the regular rotation of featured posts for the duration of your membership across all our social media platforms

3. Access to discounts for The Friendly Market Collection of small business clothing and accessories

4. Inclusion in The Friendly Market Vendor Guide on Instagram

5. Priority access and pricing to our limited large boutique markets

6. Inclusion in our virtual market base packages

7. An included Academy course "Navigating the Market Scene" that all small businesses should take! It explores all the ins and outs of the market scene to help you through markets

8. Input for Wisdom Wednesday - a new feature- where you can share your knowledge or your favourite quote with our platform

9. Show and Share - a new feature - where you take us through your process, your work space or tell us more about your products and business on an Instagram live

10. Ability to create a "how to" document for The Academy and teach others about your craft - another new feature!

11. Inclusion in all gift guides that go out through our social media platforms as well as our extensive email list.

The Friendly Market's mission is to provide your business with constant exposure on Instagram by creating engaging content. We provide your information and links to all of the different ways that potential clients can contact you on our website, making The Friendly Market a database of where to purchase from your business. Because of the diverse products we have at The Friendly Market we have such a wide reach across so many different types of customers, which makes The Friendly Market a one stop shop and provides clients exposure to different businesses that they may not have found otherwise and vice versa!

Where do you currently operate? Where are the in-person markets taking place?

Please follow us on Instagram, sign up for our emails and check out the Upcoming Events page to stay up to date on future events. As part of our makeover we are making the shift to over larger, boutique style markets, that are offered 2-3 times a year during peak market season. We will always be located within the Greater Toronto Area. Our in person markets will take place at other local businesses and we have started to form great partnerships within the community that we hope to continue to foster. With the ever changing COVID situation we are hoping to continue having in person markets without issue, but we are always checking for new information on this as well.

What are the membership types and fees?

There is now only one type of membership that includes all of the same perks! It is now The Friendly Membership!

FEES:

3 months - $150

6 months - $290

Yearly - $500

To read more about the benefits of a membership vs. a la care services (which is new as well!) Check out our new informational book.

Will there be fee increases?

The fees indicated are subject to change and increase as our operation costs increase. You will always be notified of any increases at the time we contact you to renew your membership and be given the opportunity to decline. We will never increase the fees mid-term, and will never increase without notice. There will be additional fees for the in person markets are costs for rent, insurance and entertainment have gone up over the last year (i.e. hiring entertainment, food services etc.). this fee will be lower than non-member prices for the market. We will always be up front and transparent with regards to pricing.

What do these fees cover?
First and foremost they cover our time. A lot of time goes into coordinating and creating the content for The Friendly Market online platforms including Instagram, our website and our emails. We are constantly working to keep everything updated and are constantly working to grow our network. We take pride in our brand and ensuring that everything is on brand and are constantly keeping up to date with social media changes and ensuring we can get our members the most exposure possible.

For more details on the perks of becoming a vendor read our informational book. It is also located on the home page!

How do the payments work?
Once we receive and process your application to see if you are a good fit for The Friendly Market you will receive an invoice from us with the amount owing depending on which membership tier and white duration you selected on your application. The invoice is due upon receipt. You can make your payment via electronic transfer. Once we receive your payment we will send you a confirmation email with the next steps....

What are those next steps?

The next steps include you sending us your logo, a brief bio, product images and descriptions so that we can get you up on our website and feature you on our Instagram as soon as possible! You will be provided with an end date of your membership on your invoice. We do not offer monthly payment options. You will have to pay for your duration of choice upfront.

What happens at the end of my membership duration?
At the end of your selected membership (3, 6 or 12 months) we will email you 2 weeks before the membership terminates to see if you would like to continue being a member of The Friendly Market. At this time if you say no we will remove all your information and details from our website and other online platforms as well as any printed materials. If you choose to continue we will provide you with an updated invoice with a new end date.

How do individual market fees work?

We are always transparent with our vendors regarding fees and where they go! Each market fee is decided on a case by case basis. Each type of event has different expenses involved including: rent, insurance, advertising, printed promotions, entertainment, supplies etc. At The Friendly Market we always do our best to keep our fees as low as possible. In doing this we at the same time we strive to provide the best experience for vendors and customers at our events.

Is there a refund policy for events?

This is a complicated question because 9 out of 10 times the fees for the market are spent well in advance of the event date. The fees go directly to deposits and insurance and promotional materials that are all items that are paid prior to the actual event day. For this reason refunds are not typically provided. In the event that we can recoup the cost by booking in a replacement vendor partial refunds may be available however this depends on the scenario. Again, we will always try our best to do the best for our vendors!

How do I reserve a spot at a market as a non-member?

Once you respond to an event call that you are interested in attending we will complete the paperwork and invoice and send it to you. Within that invoice there will be a payment deadline. If payment is not received by that deadline we will move along to the next business waiting on the list for a spot. If payment is received on time you will be added to the list and our planning process will begin and you will then be kept up to date with all details of the event as it approaches.

What should I bring to the markets?

We have so many suggestions for you! Market planning is a whole other thing - because we are a pop up market sometimes we will have tables and chairs provided, other times we won't. Sometimes you'll be required to bring a tent - other times not. This all depends on the venue that we are at at that time! We will always let you know what you are required to bring on a case by case basis and we even provide you with a list to help you make sure you have everything prepared for your event.

As part of our new services we have something that we will be releasing shortly that will help you with this exact question! Stay tuned for the announcements of this exciting expansion!

If you have any other questions please email us! hello.thefriendlymarket@gmail.com

If you are interested in completing an application form and becoming a member of The Friendly Market - APPLY HERE!