What does it mean to be 100% Canadian at your markets?
It means that all vendors are Canadian businesses. They also do not represent a corporation, nor are they a direct seller, for a company based outside of Canada. Most markets these days have an overwhelming number of vendors who aren’t Canadian; why is that? Why aren’t these events focusing on the Canadian businesses, especially when their whole premise is to shop small and local? These are conversations that need to be had, and topics that have to be explored. As a community, we need to empower our vendors - not have them compete with corporations in an area where they’re supposed to shine.
What does the vendor fee cover?
Vendor fees are determined based on the event’s needs, location, advertisements required, and vendor meals/snacks.
Does my vendor fee include tables/chairs?
Depends on the venue. Keep in mind, these markets are being put on at a significant discount in comparison to other markets - competing markets charge much more for the same venues, and may or may not include tables/chairs. If you need help, ask - don’t expect. As any of our vendors at past markets can attest to, we will go above and beyond for you - within reason. Some venues have a small amount of tables/chairs available, and those come reserved to paid vendors only on a first-come, first-served (at registration) basis.
Why is my vendor fee nonrefundable?
This is standard in all markets & events, for one. Once you pay your fee, it goes directly to the venue and other expenses. If we can’t get a refund, how can we give you one? On a case by case basis we can offer a rollover credit, depending on several factors at play. It is also incredibly stressful to find a replacement vendor last minute, and when we do, we either offer it to a new or nonprofit vendor, or a member of Club Gourmet, for free. Spots are never transferrable which is the industry standard; you cannot sell your spot.
How do you sort through applicants/choose who is apart of an event/market?
I vet every single applicant. What I look for:
Is this someone’s own company, or are they a direct seller/apart of an MLM?
Does this person have a website? If not, do they have an active social media page?
Customer testimonials/reviews
Is this company apart of a highly competitive industry? If so, do I already have vendors in their industry? (It’s not fair to go vend at a market that has tons in the same category. This is all too common at markets and is a waste of time for the vendors, as well as imposing stress and anxiety on them; but it is profitable for the event organizers, which is why it happens so often.)
Communication (if someone has a question/concern, by all means - ask! But if there’s an applicant with poor communication and prove to be unreliable, they get bumped to the waiting list - for every future event. This can easily be changed by simply improving their communication.)
Do you have photos/videos of past events?
You can find photos and videos of all of our past events on our Instagram Highlight Reel - All Events
Why is there a short deadline for invoices to be paid? What if I need more time?
It is standard practice (something that we unfortunately cannot change) to prepay for a venue months in advance. If you need more time, make a comment in your application; it cannot be guaranteed, but I will do what I can.
We do understand that our market isn’t the only one you’re signing up for, and don’t want to have you strapped for cash. At many of our later events, we offer a 50% deposit only and then a delay of up to two months before the remainder payment is due.
How many people attend the markets?
It always depends on the type of event, location, and more. At Aussie Fest in August, we saw a bit over 8,000. At our very first market in April, we saw 400. As we have gained more traction and notoriety, the foot traffic gets bigger and better - but keep in mind, for even the most seasoned organizers, 2023 has been tough because of inflation. We do our absolute best, but like others, cannot make any guarantees.
The average/expected foot traffic for the following venues are:
Pipe Shop Venue in the Shipyards: 10,000-15,000
Fort Langley Community Hall: 3,000-5,000
LuLu Island Winery: 200-400 (Halloween event saw 1,500)
How are markets advertised?
All vendors are required to post about the market at least 3 times leading up to the event, across all of their social media platforms, tagging sponsors and other vendors. This connects everyone’s customer bases to the other, and encourages everyone’s customers to attend.
Otherwise; it depends on the venue, and if it’s included in vendor fees. The April 29 market had a specific marketing budget chosen by vendors, and not all vendors had chosen to participate. The June markets had paid advertising by both vendors and the venue. Free advertising platforms are Eventbrite, Vancouver Is Awesome (if applicable), All Events, etc. There’s also old school marketing, i.e. fliers and through newsmagazines. Depending on the market (and its budget), we also hire a digital marketing expert. Often we will post our marketing plans on our event applications.
We also use paid marketing platforms, like Reddit and LoveThatDeal.ca.
What does it mean to be a sponsor? How can I become one?
Sponsors, traditionally, are the companies that spend extra money in order to advertise themselves more. However, our events aren’t centered around making money off of someone else’s hard work. We put relationships and empowerment first.
Our main sponsors are Gourmet Groceries Canada, Zimt Chocolates Cafe, Zenful Yoga, Festina Lente Estate Winery, Nourish Awards Canada, Kayjaye Studios, Rviita Energy Tea, Farming Karma, and Mindful Füd.
Our past sponsors have been: Cocktail Bomb Shop, Loki’s Foods, Pampas & Reed, Arnott’s/Tim Tam’s, Spreads by Cede, Sugarjoy Inc., Jewels Under the Kilt, The Spice Age, Luv the Grub, Chef Laura Catering, Remix Snacks, Kat’s Westcoast Naturals, Svaraa, and Lily Lou’s Aromas.
If you want to be a sponsor, please email Anna directly at Hello@GourmetGroceries.ca, with the subject line “Market Sponsor”. Our sponsors are always headliners in our advertisement efforts, and, are featured on the Gourmet Groceries Canada webpage. Sponsors also must be tagged in all social media posts by vendors. You can send us an email at Hello@GourmetGroceries.ca with the subject line “Sponsor” for more information.