The Finders Keepers | Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Applying

When can I apply?

How do I apply?

What happens when I apply?

Once you complete your application, you will receive TWO (2) forms of confirmation.

Firstly a message will be displayed once you submit your application on our website, which states your application has been successfully sent. During times of high-traffic on the web site, there can be slight delays with this part of the process. Please be patient once you've pressed submit, and allow a couple of minutes for your confirmation. Avoid potential problems by applying earlier during the submission time. We generally find that issues with connectivity occur mostly on the last few days that applications are open, especially the final day.

In addition, you will receive an email advising that your application form has been received by us. Sometimes the Internet annoyingly chooses to mark our important emails as Spam. Please check your junk mail if you're still waiting to hear from us just in case that's what's happened. If you do not receive a confirmation you are welcome to contact us via markets@thefinderskeepers.com to confirm that your application has been received.

We receive a LOT of applications to process. Please be patient with us; we believe in giving every application a thorough read through and the time that it deserves.

We endeavour to have responded to all applicants two (2) weeks after the applications closing date. During peak times however, it may take longer, sometimes three or four weeks. All results are sent directly to applicants via email, so it is imperative that your supplied email address is current.

Please note we reply to every application that has been sent. If you have not received an email reply after four (4) weeks of the application closing date, please email us. Again, for this reason, it is vital that all of the contact details on your application form are 100% correct. It would be a shame to miss out on a stall offer due to a typo on your application form.

Due to the extremely high volume of applications, we are unable to provide individual feedback on your application results.

Feedback

Who can apply for the Markets?

Can my products be produced overseas?

We support Australian made, locally sourced and ethically produced items. There are many factors that influence the curation of our markets however we do prioritise applications that support these values, and designers who advocate those principles.

We do ask applicants to explain their design and production processes as a part of the application and we definitely do take into consideration where products are made. Our priority is always ethical production, and we do reject a large number of designers as a result of their products being sourced and/or produced overseas, particularly when mass production is apparent.

Having said that, there are many designers who participate in Finders Keepers events who source overseas to other small businesses, and in many cases they are in fact regularly visiting their teams to ensure appropriate workplace conditions and pay rates.

Do I need an ABN?

Can we apply as a collective or group?

I was a stallholder at the last markets. Can I apply again?

I want to apply for all of the markets (ie. Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide). What are my chances of getting into all of them?

I want to apply for all of the markets at the same time. Can I use the one application form for all 4 cities?

Can I send product samples to support my submission?

Can I change my application once it’s submitted?

I got in! What next?

If you are a successful applicant, you will be sent an acceptance email. This email will include all of the necessary details regarding payments, and other essential information.

Once payment is received in full, your participation in the event is considered fully confirmed.

One of the images from your application will be chosen to announce your involvement in the markets through our media channels, and we will also provide you with promotional tips and collateral to help with your own marketing efforts.

As the event date approaches, you will receive several emails containing very important information. This includes such details as stall allocation, floor plans, bump-in and bump-out process and other details. It is a condition of inclusion as a stallholder to the Finders Keepers that you read, understand and comply with the provided information.

What if I have to cancel my application?

Your Stall

What can I sell at the Markets?

How much is a stall? What is included in that fee?

Stallholders receive three (3) days stall hire.

In addition, you will also receive:

1 x web directory profile - a permanently maintained listing on our popular website which drives traffic to your chosen website

1 x profile in our smartphone app, allowing shoppers to read up about you which also includes a link to your chosen website

1 x optional markets promo pack - a bundle of marketing collateral to help you promote your involvement in the markets and some helpful tips and guides for you as a stallholder

Inclusion in our stallholder supporter program which provides offers from businesses to help you run your small creative business, such as offers from PayPal, frankie magazine, Sendle and many more to come.

Our seller newsletter which includes links to educational blog posts and helpful updates on application opening and closing dates so you never miss out.

In addition, Finders Keepers partake in extensive event advertising, marketing, media, public relations and social media promotion to our massive online following of well over 100K.

2017 Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide Rates

Debut Design Stall 1.5m x 1.5m: $495*
Design 2m x 2m: $990
Design 4m x 2m: $1650
Design 3m x 3m: $1650 (ADL only)
Design 6m x 2m: $2530
Design 4m x 4m: $3300
Design 6m x 3m: $3300 (ADL only)

* First time applicants only. This is a one-time offer sponsored by us to support the community of new designers. This can only be used once in one city. Due to the size of the stall, chairs are the only furniture that can be hired from Finders Keepers.

Power set up and supply is an additional $99

This cost is inclusive of GST, administration fees and payment processing surcharges. Select designers will be featured on our blog and various social media outlets in the lead up the event. NB: These are chosen at our discretion, there is no guarantee of inclusion on social media to any stallholders.

Trestle tables, clothing racks and chairs are available for hire at additional cost. Alternatively, we encourage stallholders to create their own unique and interesting displays for their allocated space. For ideas, have a look through our galleries of past events, or attend your local markets for inspiration.

Do I need Public Liability Insurance?

Do I need EFTPOS/Credit Card facilities?

Can I access power at my stall?

Where can I hang my sign? What if I need to hang artwork?

Can I choose my stall position?

Logistics

Can I trade for one day only?

I am applying from interstate, can I courier my stock to the venue?

Is there Wi-Fi access?

Can I bring my dog / cat / ferret / rat?

Visitors

Who can attend the Market?

How do visitors know about the Markets?

At the Finders Keepers we engage in an extensive public relations, marketing and advertising campaign to ensure appropriate media coverage for our events.

For each event, press releases are sent out to a variety of media and as a result we receive substantial coverage. You will find our event mentioned in local papers, street press, magazines and online. We also receive fabulous marketing support through our media partner frankie magazine.

Finders Keepers also have a steady channel of promotion via our website, newsletters and social media.

Finders Keepers are in the fortunate position of having a large social media following, as well as a substantial following for our blog. We have a large newsletter subscription list, whom we communicate with regularly.

We distribute our event flyers throughout city hotspots prior to our events. In 2017 we are further increasing our advertising and marketing efforts, to ensure major growth and to support our stallholders in their commercial endeavours.

Now in our tenth year of operation, each of our events attract tens of thousands of people. The visitors themselves enhance our marketing efforts further through their own social media networks, word of mouth, and stallholders benefit from the additional exposure that brings. This can lead to future sales online, wholesale opportunities and media exposure for sellers and their brands. This further enhances our ability to reach our goals of connecting and empowering the creative community in their own business endeavours.

Miscellaneous Questions

I am hosting a market/event/workshop/pop-up shop. Can the Finders Keepers curate our event for us?

Can you please email your stallholder database for a shout-out or promotion?

Do you guys accept work experience placements, volunteers or internships?

Does The Finders Keepers accept paid editorial on their blog or social media channels?

How many people attend the markets?

You haven't answered my question!

For any further information regarding applications or our events - please contact us.

Please feel free to email us if you have any more specific questions.

Stallholder Resources

Here are some of our guides you might find useful.

Top 10 Tips: Applying for the Markets [revised] (2014)
Top 10 Tips: Market Stalls (2011)
5 Tip for doing an interstate market (2012)
Top tips: How to maximise your experience as a stallholder (2013)