Application FAQs

Do you accept late applications?

Unfortunately, no. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date and never miss another deadline!

Do you have a waitlist? 

If you were not admitted to this market and applied on time, you can request to be put on a waitlist for last minute cancellations. It is a rare occurrence, but does happen from time to time.

Why does the form keep telling me my photos are too large? How do I resize them?

Our form host restricts the size of photos that can be submitted so we don't take up too much space on their server. Resizing your photos is simple using your favorite photo editor such as Preview or Photos, or by using this online tool.

Jurying FAQ

What is the mission of the market? How does this affect the jurying process?

Our overarching goal with each of our markets is to give local artists and craftsmen the opportunity to sell their work and gain exposure within the community. In order to best fulfill this mission, keep the public engaged, and offer the most artists an opportunity to participate, we have created three differently themed markets that each have their own criteria for being a vendor.  Each market is juried by a panel of (5) staff members.

How many markets do you host annually? How do they differ?

Handmade & Homegrown Market: This market features both plants and home and garden related handmade items. Yard art, woodcrafts, products made from natural ingredients, and floral items do well. 

Handmade & Reclaimed Market: This market is unique because it only showcases the work of artists using reclaimed materials. It is paired with our annual Fall Fest, which offers free food, a beer garden, games, and our biggest sale of the year. Ideal for artisans of all types that work with second hand materials.

Handmade Holiday Market: This market is aimed at holiday shoppers seeking unique handmade gifts at affordable prices. Stocking stuffers do especially well, as do larger gifts in the $20-$50 range. Bigger ticket items like furniture are less popular because people are in gift mode.

What other factors are considered during the jurying process?

Diversity: The Second Use customer base is diverse, and we strive to host markets that offer little something for everyone. This means switching up the vendor roster every year, prioritizing vendors that offer a product unlike anyone else, and balancing the number of vendors selected for each category of goods.

Quality: We not only seek quality goods, but quality vendors, which goes beyond craftsmanship. Vendors that are easy to communicate with, sympathetic to the logistics of running a market, timely, self-sufficient, warm to customers, and kind to staff always take priority when choosing between two vendors with similar goods. On the flip side, vendors with a history of being disrespectful, unprofessional, or out of line with our mission to provide a fun, community focused event, will not be selected to participate.  

Price: The Second Use crowd will pony up for quality goods, but lean towards the lower cost items. Fine art, niche items, pricey children's goods, etc. don't do particularly well. That being said, it can still be a good networking opportunity for vendors that have a website or other shows customers can return to once they have mulled over the purchase.

Uniqueness: Who doesn't love a truly unique find? Vendors who's work is truly original / not the subject of every other Pinterest tutorial make for a stronger market.

Outreach: Vendors that actively promote the market help us better fulfill our mission to serve a diverse community, and will be rewarded for that.

I have previously participated in a handmade market. That makes me a shoo-in, right?

Not necessarily. We wish we had enough space to add new vendors and invite all of our previous vendors to return, but we are restricted to what we have and must switch up the line up to keep the market fresh and engaging. This is why we host three markets- to provide a maximum range of vendors the opportunity to participate. It's possible that you are a better fit for a different market or we need to mix it up for one cycle. Keep applying though, if you were a good fit the first time, it's likely you will be selected to return to at least one of our three markets.

I've applied before and wasn't accepted. Is it even worth the effort of applying again?

YES. As mentioned above, we switch up the list every year to allow room for new vendors. Just because you weren't a perfect fit for that market doesn't mean you won't be selected for future markets.

Booth FAQ

What is included in a booth?

Booths are simply plots allotted for vendors to set up their display. Unless noted, they do not include tables, tents or electricity by default. These can however be rented for an additional fee.

How large are the booths?

Booths vary in size from 10x10 Outdoor Booths* to 7x7 Indoor Booths and 5x7 Mini Indoor Booths (which are 7 feet deep and 5 feet wide.) Booth size is allocated on a first come, first serve basis. 

*Outdoor booths are not available at all markets and are often restricted to food and beverage vendors

Can I share my booth?

We prioritize vendors that can fill and staff their own booth for a variety reasons. Booth shares are only permitted on a limited basis and must be approved by the market staff in advance.

Fees FAQ

What fees are associated with this event?

There is a nonrefundable $5 application fee in addition to booth fees, which vary based on size and location. After a vendor is accepted into the market, they claim their booth size on a first come, first serve basis.

Pricing of booths varies by event, but we keep our pricing reasonable with booths available under $100 for all events.

Are there chairs, tables, electric, and other services available?

We rent the following items on a first come, first served basis:

• Tables 2' x 4.5' ($5)

• Electricity ($20)

SBL FAQ

What is an SBL?

SBL stands for Seattle Business License. The City of Seattle requires vendors to provide their SBL or pay a $15 fee.

How do I check the status of my SBL?

You can verify that you have a current SBL, make changes, or renew it online by following this link.

Do I need an SBL to participate?

If you do not have an SBL, you can pay a $15 fee to waive this requirement.

What if I have an Olympia/Tacoma/Name Your Other City business license?

Even if your business is registered in another city, you are required to have a Seattle specific business license or pay the $15 fee.

Ammenities FAQ

Is WIFI available?

Our WIFI is not reliable, particularly with crowds. Please plan accordingly.

Is there an ATM onsite? 

No. Please bring your own change and direct customers to one of the gas stations on 4th Avenue for ATMs and cash back.

Is the space wheelchair accessible?

The event is hosted on the main floor of the building and there are no stairs. The main room has two open exits without doors (5' and 3'). The conference room has two standard doors (3'). Aisles in both rooms are at least 3' wide, although the space can get crowded. There are 4 ground floor bathrooms (two with stalls that are not handicap accessible, and two single bathrooms that are handicap accessible.) 

Miscellaneous FAQ

Do you allow vendors to bring pets?

No. Service animals aside, pets are not allowed at your booth or in your car during the event.

Do I need special permits to participate as a food vendor?

Food vendors must follow all requirements set forth by King County. Permitting information can be found here.