The Finders Keepers | Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Applying

When can I apply?

How do I apply?

Do I have to apply each time?

When will I get my application result?

We receive a LOT of applications to process. Please be patient with us; we thoroughly process each application individually giving each the time 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 (3) or four (4) weeks. Once your Finders Keepers account has been activated you can log in at any stage to view the progress of your application.

Once the results are ready we will send you an email notifying you. To view your results you will need to log into your Finders Keepers Online Portal, so be sure to note down the email address and password you set in your application.

Please note we review all applications we receive so if you have not received an email from us after four (4) weeks of the application closing date, we suggest you log into your FK Online Portal to see if your result is available. You can email us if you have any trouble logging in.

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.

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). 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?

Once the application results are available we will notify you by email. To view the results simply log into your Finders Keepers Online Portal and click 'the results are in'.

If your application is successful you will gain access to an online event dashboard which will provide you with all the necessary details regarding payments, and other essential event information.

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 our sharp digital campaign assets to help with your own marketing efforts to promote your attendance.

As the event date approaches, we will upload very important information to your online event dashboard. 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?

If you need to cancel your application before the approval stage, you may email us to let us know and we will remove your application from our database.

Once an offer to participate in the markets is sent and accepted, cancellation fees begin to apply.

If offered a position you will have 7 days to accept this offer. If your offer is not accepted by this time it will be withdrawn and offered to a stallholder on the waitlist.

To accept your offer you will be required to pay a 20% deposit. This deposit is non-refundable. Any cancellations made following acceptance of the offer will forfeit the 20% deposit fee.

Should you cancel between 6 weeks and 3 weeks prior to our event, this will result in a forfeiture of 50% of the stall fees paid by the stallholder. If your stall fees have not been paid you will still be liable to pay 50%.

Cancellations occurring less than three weeks prior, stall fees are non-refundable.

Should you choose not to comply with our cancellation terms, your future applications for stalls at the Finders Keepers will not be considered.

Your Stall

What can I sell at the Markets?

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

For the fees outlined, Stallholders receive three (3) days stall hire. Stall prices vary and can be found on the Apply Page under each city heading.

In addition, as a Stallholder you will also receive:

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;

1 x temporary event line-up listing for the duration of the selected market;

Inclusion in the Line-Up announcement blog post;

Inclusion in the Finders Keepers smartphone app (for selected event), allowing shoppers to read up about you which also includes a link to your chosen website;

The opportunity to access a 1 x permanent web design directory profile (attracts a small fee) - on our popular website which drives traffic to your chosen website;

The opportunity to access benefits that our sponsors and partners provide; and

Access to the Finders Keepers exclusive 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 have extensive advertising, marketing, media, public relations and social media campaigns running all year to a massive following reaching millions of people around the country and the world! All of our stallholders have equal opportunities to be featured amongst these campaigns.

What is the Debut Stall?

Will I be featured on the Finders Keepers Social Media?

Will my stall come with furniture / walls?

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 and invest in extensive public relations, marketing and advertising campaigns to ensure appropriate media coverage and large audiences attend our events.

We have an annual schedule of media releases announcing our event dates which support us in receiving a variety of organic and paid coverage. You'll often hear and see us splashed across papers, street press, magazines, radio and online.

Finders Keepers also have a highly engaged online community of followers who we communicate to regularly via our website, newsletters and social media.

We distribute our event flyers throughout city hotspots prior to our events. In 2018 we are further increasing our advertising and marketing efforts, to ensure major growth and to support our stallholders in their commercial endeavours.

Our loyal community of visitors often 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] (2019)
Tips from Our Sellers - Why you Should Apply! [revised 2019]
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)