FAQ – BUST Craftacular | Spring! Brooklyn

by Meredith Felt

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If you are interested in becoming a vendor, please read the entire FAQ before starting your application–even if you have been a vendor at past BUST Craftacular events. 

What is BUST Craftacular | Spring!?

BUST Craftacular | Spring! is a stylish shopaganza featuring some of NYC’s most talented handmade craft vendors and artists. We’ll be featuring over 90 vendors of unique, vintage, and handmade creations from the five boroughs and beyond.

It’s more than an indie shopping mecca – it’s an interactive, all-day event featuring free and low-cost worksops,  tutorials, cocktails, snacks, music, and plenty of space to chill with friends.

BUST Craftacular | Spring! is brought to you by the same team as the BUST Craftacular, NYC’s original indie handmade market.

When and where will BUST Craftacular | Spring! take place?

BUST Craftacular | Spring! will take place on Saturday, May 12th at Industry City Factory floor. The BUST Craftacular | Spring! will be open to shoppers from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. 

How do I apply to be a vendor? When do I find out if I’ve been accepted?

Apply here (but please read this FAQ in its entirety first.)

  • February 7st, 2018 – Applications Open at 10% Off
  • February 14th, 2018 – Discount period ends (midnight)
  • April 6th, 2018 – Applications close (midnight)*  We are extending applications until April 17th, 2017
  • April 6th, 2018 – Applicants notified of acceptance decision
  • April 7th, 2018 – 100% refund period ends (midnight)
  • April 8th, 2018 – Vendors who were not accepted/withdrawn will be refunded on this date
  • April 24th, 2018 – 50% refund period ends (midnight)
  • April 25th, 2018 – Vendors who were not accepted/withdrawn will be refunded on this date.
  • May 12th, 2018 – BUST Craftacular | Spring!

  *Occasionally BUST will accept applications after the official close date. Acceptance of late applications is not guaranteed and vendors who apply during the official vendor call will receive preferred placement. If you choose to enter a late application, you will remain subject to the 100% and 50% refund periods. If you submit an application after the refund period, you must notify BUST in writing within 3 days of your application date.  

How will vendors be determined? What kind of vendors do you accept?

BUST accepts vendors who offer handmade or small run crafts and products. Businesses who resell handmade crafts from other artisans or who have distribution in more than one state will be evaluated on a case by case basis. Larger companies who wish to participate in the BUST Craftacular should consider getting involved through sponsorship

Vendors will be juried by BUST Craftacular staff on the basis of quality and uniqueness of their wares. Due to space limitations, we cannot accept all vendors. Vendors who are not accepted due to space limitations will continue to be invited to future events. We are accepting vendors from the following categories for this particular event:

Accessories
Bath and Body
Books/Magazines
Bridal
Cards and Stationery
Food/Drink (pre-packaged)
Food/Drink (prepared/hot)
Haircare
Handmade clothing and accessories (both men’s and women’s)
Hats and headwear
Housewares
Informational
Jewelry
Kids
Knitwear
Lingerie (handmade and vintage)
Makeup
Nail care
Original Art
Pets
Prints and Paper Goods
Screenprinting
Tools/Crafting
Toys
Vintage clothing and accessories (both men’s and women’s)
Vintage patterns and sewing supplies
Vintage vinyl and tapes

If you have any questions about whether your products are a fit for BUST Craftacular | Spring!, please email the Craftacular team ([email protected]).

 *Food trucks will not be able to attend this event.

What kinds of people attend the BUST Craftacular | Spring! event?

There are three general groups who attend the BUST Craftacuar events, including:

BUST Magazine audience: Fans and subscribers of BUST! Check out the link for detailed demographics, but here are some for starters:

  • 98% Female
  • Median Age: 32 years
  • Median Income: $65K
  • Top descriptors: Educated, Trendy, Fashionistas

 

General Public: The event will be open to the general public, so expect to see families and shoppers from local Brooklyn neighborhoods.

Press and Buyers: BUST has built a reputation with local buyers, stylists and fashion journalists as the go-to event for trending fashions.

How can I offer a service bar/DIY area at BUST Craftacular | Spring! ?

If you are a NYC local service based business we would love to get you involved. The Spring! event will offer service bars where business can feature promotions, additional products/services or giveaways. In order to set up a bar, we ask that businesses be prepared with staff and supplies to offer a minimum of one free service to attendees which are estimated to be several thousand, though each bar should be prepared to service several hundred.

Large businesses who would like to offer a bar at the event can apply as a sponsor

Vendors who would like to offer a free service such as product demos at their space are highly encouraged to do so! Please plan a display that will allow you to host attendees in addition to your products within a 7’x6′ space.

What type of spaces/tables will be provided and what are the fees?

There are three space options available at BUST Craftacular | Spring! :

 

 

1-day standard space (7’x6′, 6′ table) – $220 + $20 for table and 2 chairs
1-day double space (14’x6′, two 6′ tables) – $400 +$35 for two tables and 4 chairs
1-day shared space (4’x6′, shared 6′ table) – $150 + 12 for half table and one chair

 

 Premium Add-ons:

Double corner – $100 (available with a double space selection)
Single corner – $50 (available with a full table standard space selection)

In addition, all applicants are required to pay a non-refundable application fee of $20.

table rental fees: 

You will be prompted to pay your space fee via credit card or PayPal at the time of application. Your application will not be considered unless you have paid the space fee in its entirety when you apply.

  • Clearance in the aisles and vendor areas is important! If you’d like to use additional displays in front of your space, plan to use only 1′ in addition. If you plan to use displays behind your space, we recommend that you give yourself about 3′ of working space in addition to a display. Your displays must fit within your 7’x6′ area. If you have a custom built display, then please email a photo to [email protected].
  • If you apply for a standard or double space, you do not have to use the BUST standard issue tables, however, they will remain available to you.
  • We highly discourage planning any displays for the side of your table, these areas are used for other vendors to move freely in and out of the vendor aisle.
  • If you would like to apply for a shared space, do not plan on using a custom display/table in exchange for a standard table. 
  • Lighting can be a problem for your neighbors. Please plan a display that will not obscure the light from other vendors.

 What are ‘Premium’ space options?

This year, you will have the option to select Premium space for an additional fee. BUST considers any corner space closest to the entrance side of the layout, any space located in the first vendor row by the entrance, or any space in a row whereby attendees must pass the space in order to enter a new vendor row a Premium space. There is a limited number of Premium spaces subject to the determination of the Fire Marshall. If you elect a premium space when you apply and BUST is unable to provide you with one due to space limitations, the fee paid for the premium option will be refunded to you. Alternatively, if you select a Premium space and wish to downgrade your space, you must do so before the refund dates listed in this FAQ. No refunds will be provided for downgrades beyond the 50% refund date. 

Can I share a space?

You can certainly share a space with another vendor! Please note that each vendor must apply separately and will be juried as individuals.

To apply for a shared table, please select the “shared space” option on the application. You will then be prompted to indicate whether you need BUST Craftacular staff to match you up with another vendor. If you know who you’d like to share with, you will then be prompted to enter their name. It is recommended that vendors who would like to share and know the vendor they would like to share with apply as early as possible.

How do I pay my space fee? Is there an application fee or any other fees?

You will be prompted to pay your space fee by credit card or PayPal at the end of the application. You must pay this space fee in its entirety in order for your application to be considered.

A one-time, non-refundable $20 application fee is included in your space fee; it does not need to be paid separately. Refunds will be issued for the space fee less the application fee. 

If you cannot attend the Spring! event after submitting an application, notify BUST within 30 days of your application date. Additional service fees may be applied for withdrawn applications after 30 days.

International payments may be subject to an exchange fee by credit card or banking organizations. BUST does not control these additional charges and will not issue refunds for banking fees. Please take note of your bank or credit card’s policies before applying.

When will I be notified of my acceptance status?

Applicants will be notified of their acceptance status by email on April 6th, 2016 (midnight).

What if I’m not accepted?

If you aren’t accepted to BUST Craftacular | Spring! , you will be refunded your space fee on April 8th.

Some vendors will not be accepted initially due to space limitations; they will be placed on our waiting list. If you elect not to stay on the waiting list or we are unable to take you off the waiting list before the event, your space fee will be refunded in full. You are welcome to stay on the waiting list as long as you like.

All refunds will be processed less the non-refundable $20 application fee.

Also, please note that once you accept a vendor spot at BUST Craftacular | Spring!, all of our standard refund policies and deadlines apply (see below).

What if I have to drop out of the BUST Craftacular | Spring!?

We understand that life is unpredictable, and as such, we have a refund policy in place. Once accepted to the BUST Craftacular | Spring! , you have until April 7th to cancel and receive a full refund of your space fee. If you need to cancel after that, you are eligible to receive a 50% refund until April 24th. After that date, no refunds will be given.

All refunds will be processed less the non-refundable $20 application fee.

Additional Refund policy:

Only you can truly understand your products and your target market. After you have applied, BUST will provide you with a venue safe from the elements, a space and table to sell your wares, and promote the event to the public. Vendors are responsible for attending the event on time, providing reasonable protection to their products, and reasonable protection to their fellow vendors from displays and products. Occasionally there are factors that arise that are beyond BUST’s control. BUST cannot issue refunds beyond the refund periods for the following: weather, failure to provide reasonable protections to products, lack of sales or other unforeseeable events. 

Is electricity provided?

Yes. Because the venue does not have natural light, we advise that vendors bring their own light sources; all bulbs must be 60 watts or less. It is highly recommended that vendors bring battery powered lighting. All vendors are responsible for providing and securing their own power strips and extension cords. If you have electricity needs above and beyond a standard outlet (i.e. high-voltage outlets for cooking), please inform the BUST Craftacular team ASAP after submitting your application. Vendors will be invoiced for additional outlets/tie-ins at cost.

Is wi-fi provided?

Yes. We strongly suggest that vendors come prepared with a non-wireless-based payment system in the unlikely event of a wi-fi malfunction.

Do I need a vendor’s permit to sell at BUST Craftacular | Spring!?

Yes: New York State requires that all vendors who accept cash transactions register for a Certificate of Authority to Collect Sales Tax. All accepted vendors will be required to provide BUST with a copy of a valid Certificate of Authority or their sales tax ID number upon request.

If you don’t already have a valid NYS Certificate of Authority, you can apply for it online. or renew your expired certificate by calling the Sales Tax Information center. Please allow at least 20 days for this application process to go through; we strongly suggest starting this process immediately after completing the Craftacular application.

If you have any questions or concerns, please refer to the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance website and customer service department before contacting [email protected] with any additional inquiries.

I am a food vendor, do I need a license?

Yes. Even if you will only be selling some food products, you will need to be prepared to present a license. 

We ask for two documents: 

  • A license issued by the State in which the food is produced. This includes Food Establishment Registrations or Food Packaging Licenses.

  • A Food Handling Safety Certificate issued for at least one team member who plans to be on-site at the event.

 

How will BUST Craftacular | Spring! be promoted?

We employ a professional PR firm to promote each of our BUST Craftacular events. Additionally, we promote the event with advertising placement on craft websites and blogs, listings in local press, and email blasts to local and national mailing lists–as well as good old-fashioned postcards and posters. BUST will also provide promotional banners and graphics for vendors and fans to use on their online shops and portfolios.

Please see our past press portfolio for examples of event promotion.

Where can I find a list of vendors for this event?

A list of vendors will be posted on the BUST Craftacular | Spring! website in late March. Accepted vendors will be invited to submit a 125×125 pixel logo image for this page.

How can I help?

We love and welcome volunteers! If you’re interested in spreading the word about BUST Craftacular | Spring!, would like to help the BUST team with behind-the-scenes operations on the day of the event, or are interested in other volunteer opportunities, please email Jules Abraham, BUST Events + Promotions Manager, at [email protected]

I’d like to promote my product, business, or brand at BUST Craftacular | Spring!. How can I do that? Can I give away my flyers at your event? Can I insert my products into the goodie bags?

We’re always looking for like-minded companies to participate as sponsors and partners in BUST Craftacular events–whether this is through product demos, placement in our 300+ swag bags, sponsored DIY lounges, banners…the possibilities are endless! For more information, please email Jules Abraham, BUST Events + Promotions Manager, at [email protected]

If you have any additional questions about BUST Craftacular or the application process, please email the BUST Craftacular team at [email protected]. Happy crafting!

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Founded in 1993, BUST is the inclusive feminist lifestyle trailblazer offering a unique mix of humor, female-focused entertainment, uncensored personal stories, and candid reporting that tells the truth about women’s lives.

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