Q: Steps to becoming a vendor?

STEP ONE: APPLY TO EVENTS VIA THE APPLICATIONS TAB STEP TWO: WAIT FOR ACCEPTANCE EMAIL & INVOICE. STEP THREE: PAY INVOICE & SIGN VENDOR AGREEMENT(FOUND WITHIN INVOICE), THIS SECURES YOUR SPOT! STEP FOUR: POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA ABOUT EVENT LEADING UP TO IT, USING GRAPHICS FROM THE VENDOR FACEBOOK GROUP. STEP FIVE: COMPLETE YOUR VENDOR EVENT CONFIRMATION (SENT THE MONDAY OF EVENT WEEK) FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN REMOVAL FROM EVENT. STEP SIX: RECEIVE LOAD IN DETAILS VIA EMAIL THE WEDNESDAY PRIOR TO EVENT. STEP SEVEN: EVENT DAY! FOLLOW LOAD IN DETAILS AND HAVE A GREAT DAY VENDING! STEP EIGHT: FILL OUT POST EVENT SURVEY(SENT OUT MONDAY FOLLOWING EVENT)

Question 1

Steps to becoming a vendor?

Accepted Answer

STEP ONE: APPLY TO EVENTS VIA THE APPLICATIONS TAB
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STEP TWO: WAIT FOR ACCEPTANCE EMAIL & INVOICE.
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STEP THREE: PAY INVOICE & SIGN VENDOR AGREEMENT(FOUND WITHIN INVOICE), THIS SECURES YOUR SPOT!
​
STEP FOUR: POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA ABOUT EVENT LEADING UP TO IT, USING GRAPHICS FROM THE VENDOR FACEBOOK GROUP.

STEP FIVE: COMPLETE YOUR VENDOR EVENT CONFIRMATION (SENT THE MONDAY OF EVENT WEEK) FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN REMOVAL FROM EVENT.
​
STEP SIX: RECEIVE LOAD IN DETAILS VIA EMAIL THE WEDNESDAY PRIOR TO EVENT.
​
STEP SEVEN: EVENT DAY! FOLLOW LOAD IN DETAILS AND HAVE A GREAT DAY VENDING!

STEP EIGHT: FILL OUT POST EVENT SURVEY(SENT OUT MONDAY FOLLOWING EVENT)

Question 2

How do I apply?

Accepted Answer

Applications are posted on our website and also linked in our Instagram bio. you can also find application links in our weekly newsletter.

Question 3

What is required of vendors prior to the event?

Accepted Answer

All vendors are required to post event on social media. vendors who continue to not do this will be removed from future market opportunities.

Question 4

How much is a booth?

Accepted Answer

Fees vary per event and are listed on the application associated with that event.

Question 5

When are acceptances sent out

Accepted Answer

We process applications on a rolling basis. Your application may be processed at any time, so only apply when you are ready to commit to the event fully.

Application closure dates are listed on every application and typically close out 2 weeks prior to the event.

Question 6

Is the vendor fee refundable?

Accepted Answer

No Refunds. No Exceptions.
Refund Policy
Vendor fees are non-refundable under all circumstances.

This includes, but is not limited to:
Vendor cancellations
Weather concerns
Personal emergencies
Scheduling conflicts
Low sales or attendance
Missed confirmations or deadlines

Once an invoice is paid, funds are allocated toward planning, staffing, permits, marketing, and operational commitments. Because these services begin immediately, refunds are never issued.

Credit Policy(When Applicable)
Credits may be issued at HCM’s discretion only and are not guaranteed.
Credits are issued as HCM e-gift cards
Credits are non-transferable and non-refundable
Credits are managed entirely by the vendor
Vendor Responsibility
Vendors are responsible for:
Applying for credit, using the form under the “Vendors” tab on our website.
Saving and tracking their e-gift card
Applying the credit during checkout for future events
HCM can only view the last four digits of a gift card and cannot retrieve, replace, or manually apply credits.

Final Use of Credits
Once a credit is applied to an event invoice, it is fully redeemed.
If a vendor later chooses not to participate:
The credit is not returned
The credit is not reissued
The credit cannot be moved to another event
There is no rolling, forwarding, or reuse of credits once applied.

Question 7

Do I have to sell handcrafted items?

Accepted Answer

No. While our name is HandCraftedMarket, it refers to the way our markets themselves are thoughtfully curated and intentionally built, not a requirement that every product be handmade.
We proudly feature a mix of small businesses, including handmade goods, designed products, curated retail, boutiques, food vendors, and service-based brands. What matters most to us is quality, originality, and how well a business aligns with the overall experience and community we’re creating.

Question 8

When will I receive load in details?

Accepted Answer

Load in details are always sent the Wednesday prior to an event. if you have not received by the Thursday prior, please reach out.
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OUR OFFICE HOURS ARE MON-THURS 9AM-4PM. Please expect responses to all emails within that time frame.

Question 9

Do I need a sales and use tax ID to participate?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you must supply it to participate in any of our events and we ask for it on the application  If you are based out of another state, it would be your number for that state.

You can find more information about this on the NCDOR website at https://www.ncdor.gov/taxes-forms/sales-and-use-tax

Question 10

Can I bring my dog?

Accepted Answer

Pets are permitted at outdoor events only. Pets are not permitted at indoor events, with the exception of legally recognized service animals.
All pets must be:
Leashed and attended at all times, including during load-in and load-out
Under the vendor’s control at all times
Never left unattended or tied to tents, tables, vehicles, or structures

Excessive barking or disruptive behavior is not permitted and may require immediate removal of the pet from the event area.
Vendors are responsible for considering weather conditions and ground surface temperatures, especially at locations with asphalt or concrete. If conditions are deemed unsafe for a pet, vendors may be required to remove the pet from the event area.
HandCrafted Market CLT and its coordinators reserve the right to require the removal of any pet—or vendor—for noncompliance with this policy. Removal will be without refund or credit.
Vendors who choose to bring pets do so at their own responsibility.

Question 11

How do you pick vendors?

Accepted Answer

All vendors are selected through a curated application process. We review each application individually and consider a variety of factors, including product quality, originality, branding, category balance, and overall fit for the specific event.
Our goal is to create a well-rounded market experience for shoppers while also supporting a diverse mix of small businesses. Because of this, acceptance is not first-come, first-served, and submitting an application does not guarantee a spot.
We’re intentional about avoiding oversaturation within categories and focus on building a lineup that feels cohesive, exciting, and beneficial for both vendors and attendees.

Question 12

Is there any vendor training I need to attend?

Accepted Answer

All vendors must complete a HandCraftedMarket CLT Vendor Readiness Session prior to participating in any events.

Purpose:

These sessions:
Review all policies and expectations
Explain event flow and communication timelines
Provide clarity and space for questions

Format:
Held virtually via Zoom
Cameras are not required
Vendors may listen only

Attendance is required once per calendar year, unless otherwise stated.
Failure to attend will result in ineligibility to participate until completed.

Dates of these sessions can be found under the "Vendor Information tab".

Question 13

Are there any fees involved?

Accepted Answer

Aministrative Fee Policy ($25)
If a vendor:
Applies
Is accepted
Receives an invoice
And then fails to pay the invoice or communicate with us before the invoice due date
a $25 administrative fee will be added to their account.
What the Administrative Fee Covers
This fee exists solely to cover the time and administrative work required to:
Review and process the application
Reserve a vendor space
Create, send, and track the invoice
Follow up on unpaid or abandoned spots
This policy applies only to vendors who are accepted and then ghost (no payment and no communication).

When the Administrative Fee Does NOT Apply:
If a vendor emails us before the invoice due date to let us know they can no longer attend, no fee will be charged.
The space will simply be released.
Outstanding Administrative Fees:
Vendors with an outstanding administrative fee must pay the $25 fee before being eligible to participate in any future HandCrafted Market CLT events.
Administrative fees are non-refundable.
This policy allows us to avoid charging a universal application fee that would otherwise impact all vendors due to the actions of a few.

Question 14

What is provided?

Accepted Answer

We provide the space and the experience. When you join a HandCraftedMarket event, you’re investing in more than just a booth spot—you’re gaining access to a thoughtfully produced market designed to drive real foot traffic and sales.
What we provide:
Curated event planning and on-site coordination
Strategic marketing, advertising, and promotion across our platforms
Strong brand recognition and a built-in shopper audience
A well-balanced vendor lineup to avoid category oversaturation
A polished, engaging market atmosphere that encourages shopping and discovery
What vendors provide:
All booth setup materials (tables, chairs, racks, displays, tents, patio umbrellas, etc.)
All products, signage, and point-of-sale equipment
Power (electricity is not provided at this time)
Our role is to handle the logistics, promotion, and overall experience so vendors can focus on what matters most—showing up, selling, and connecting with customers.

Question 15

What rules do you have?

Accepted Answer

Please view the liability waiver. all policies are listed here

Question 16

Where do I find event graphics?

Accepted Answer

Please go to our vendors Facebook group for graphics
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"HandCraftedMarket Vendors"

You can also find graphics under the "Vendor Information" tab on this website.

Question 17

How can I contact you?

Accepted Answer

Please use the appropriate contact below to ensure timely responses:

General & Event Questions:
info@handcraftedmarketclt.net

Invoices, Payments & Administrative Fees:
info@handcraftedmarketclt.net

Disputes, Chargebacks & Legal Matters:
legal@handcraftedmarketclt.net

Messages sent via social media DMs, text messages, or invoice replies may not be monitored or accounted for.

We can be reached via text or call at 704-728-4299
Our office hours are Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm. Any communication sent after these times will be responded to the next business day.

Question 18

What if I can't make it to an event? (2026 Credit Policy)

Accepted Answer

Credit Policy(When Applicable)
Credits may be issued at HCM’s discretion only and are not guaranteed.
Credits are issued as HCM e-gift cards
Credits are non-transferable and non-refundable
Credits are managed entirely by the vendor
Vendor Responsibility
Vendors are responsible for:
Applying for credit, using the form under the “Vendors” tab on our website.
Saving and tracking their e-gift card
Applying the credit during checkout for future events
HCM can only view the last four digits of a gift card and cannot retrieve, replace, or manually apply credits.

Final Use of Credits
Once a credit is applied to an event invoice, it is fully redeemed.
If a vendor later chooses not to participate:
The credit is not returned
The credit is not reissued
The credit cannot be moved to another event
There is no rolling, forwarding, or reuse of credits once applied.

Link to credit form: 
https://forms.gle/BL8hi8AZTmN1SPte8

Question 19

Do I have to have a certain type of tent?

Accepted Answer

Elevated Presentation Required
Vendors must maintain clean, organized, and professional booths.

Required:
Proper tent weights (when applicable, 25lbs per leg of your tent and 45lbs at base of patio umbrella).
Clear pricing signage
Safe, secure displays
Straight leg tents only(no slant leg). Canopy MUST be white or professionally branded.

Question 20

Are generators allowed?

Accepted Answer

HandCrafted Market CLT does not provide electricity at any events unless explicitly stated.
Generators
Generators must be disclosed via email prior to the event
Only quiet/silent generators are permitted
Not all events or locations can accommodate generators

Vendors must receive approval before bringing a generator.
If you are unsure whether a generator is permitted at a specific event, email prior to applying.
Unauthorized generators may be required to be removed immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions