Hi, there. Our apps for the 2010 Winter Show won't go live until Monday, August 9, but in the meantime you can read our FAQ, which should answer all your questions about becoming a vendor at the Urban Craft Uprising.
FAQ and Policies
We highly recommend reading this page in its entirety, but for easy reference, you can also click on any of the questions below to jump to that specific answer.
To apply for the show, we need to see photos:
Do you need to see photos of my work?
I don't think 5 photos is enough to show my work. Can I send more or photoshop a bunch of images into one composite photo?
My photos aren't really that important because you'll look at my website and blog, right?
I've been a vendor with Urban Craft Uprising before. I can just send you the same photos I did last time, can't I?
More info about the application process:
Can I apply to share a booth with a friend?I've been a vendor with Urban Craft Uprising before. Do I still need to fill out the application?
Is there a quick checklist for what I need to do to apply as a vendor for Urban Craft Uprising?
Are there any resources out there for me about how to successfully apply to, and vend at, a craft show like yours?
All about the jurying process:
What do you mean when you say UCU is a juried show? How do you pick who gets in?I've been a vendor with Urban Craft Uprising before so I have a better chance of getting accepted, right?
How will I know if I get in or not?
If I don't get in, will you tell me why?
Details about the business side of applying to UCU:
Aside from a booth space, what perks do I receive for being a vendor with UCU?What are the fees and costs involved in the show?
I see that you're asking for my Seattle City Business License. What if I don't have one?
I'm an out-of-state vendor. Do I still have to collect and pay sales tax?
Are there any special conditions for food vendors?
What is swag?
A few more tidbits you should know:
I see all kinds of email addresses on your website. Would you like me to sign you all up for my newsletter?Can I volunteer at Urban Craft Uprising?
How do I become a sponsor of Urban Craft Uprising?
I've read this whole FAQ, but my question isn't here. What should I do?
I want to send you money but I forget how. What is your Paypal address?
To apply for the show, we need to see photos:
Do you really need to see photos of my work?
Yes. The truth is that these 5 photos are what the UCU team is using to evaluate how your work might compare to others, and whether it is a good fit for our event. Please make sure that these represent that best that you have to offer.
In order for your photos to be processed, please use the following file naming protocol: "businessname_photonumber.jpg"
for example:
CoolTshirtCompany_1.jpg
CoolTshirtCompany_2.jpg
CoolTshirtCompany_3.jpg
CoolTshirtCompany_4.jpg
CoolTshirtCompany_5.jpg
Your application is NOT complete and will NOT be reviewed until you submit your photos. Photos should be representative of the merchandise you'll be selling in your booth. If you include more than 5 photos, they will be deleted and it will not be possible to process your application.
Nope. Five gives us a good idea of what you do, and keeps us from spending weeks and weeks jurying applicants.
If you send us more than 5, or take several photos of your goods and paste them together into one document, your files will be automatically deleted and your photos will not be reviewed.
My photos aren't really that important because you'll look at my website and blog, right?
Sorry, but we never ever look at websites or blogs. We make our decisions based entirely upon your currently submitted photos and the information you provide in your application. That's why we tell you that your photos are really, really, really important. Really.
Technically, yes… BUT: if we see the same photos each time you apply, we can sometimes get bored, or left with the impression that your work doesn't change. We'd love to see what you are up to now-a-days so we can better see how you fit into the current show.
More info about the application process:
Can I apply to share a booth with a friend?
Sure, but you each need to fill out the application separately, and will be juried separately. If both of you are accepted, we'll make split booth payment arrangements with you. If one of you gets in, but the other doesn't, we will offer you a space of your own, or try and match you up with another shared booth partner. Also, booth shares can only be 10 x 10 spaces.
I've been a vendor with Urban Craft Uprising before. Do I still need to fill out the application?
Yep! We love all our past vendors but each show is a new show and creating a successful balance of vendors can't be accomplished without all new apps every time.
Is there a quick checklist for what I need to do to apply as a vendor for Urban Craft Uprising?
-
- 2) Fill out the online application and upload your 5 excellent photos
- 3) Pay $10 application fee via PayPal
- 4) Be patient
Yes! Visit this link for more information.
All about the jurying process:
What do you mean when you say UCU is a juried show? How do you pick who gets in?
Part of what makes Urban Craft Uprising a successful show is the careful selection of vendors we think will create the best balanced and quality show. With previous attendee surveys in hand, we sit down as a team to look at application info and photos and make decisions based on originality, aesthetic, marketability, general appeal, price range, etc. We also consider the variety of the show overall, making sure that we don't have too many similar items or vendors. Take a look at our vendor list and our Flickr pool to get a sense of previous shows.
Sorry, but it doesn't work that way. We love all of our previous vendors but every show is a new show and we believe part of our continued success is that we always, always start entirely from scratch.
How will I know if I get in or not?
Because we receive so many applications, it's no longer possible for us to email each and every applicant with their status. What we do instead is post a "cast list" on our website of the vendors that have been accepted to the show. We announce the posting on Twitter, Facebook, Newsletter, etc. If your name is not on the cast list, it's because we didn't feel your work to be a good match for the show and encourage you to try again for the next one.
Here is the 2010 calendar of important dates:
February 8: Applications for 2010 Summer Show go live on website
April 5: Applications for 2010 Summer Show due
April 19: Jurying for 2010 Summer Show
April 26: Accepted vendors for 2010 Summer show posetd on website
July 10 & 11 -- Urban Craft Uprising 2010 Summer Show
December 4 & 5 -- Urban Craft Uprising 2010 Winter Show
If I don't get in, will you tell me why?
Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications, we can't give specific feedback to each person. When time permits, we will respond to respectful inquiries from applicants with details as best we can.
Details about the business side of applying to UCU:
Aside from a booth space, what perks do I receive for being a vendor with UCU?
UCU vendors gain exposure to thousands of potential fans and shoppers. The UCU vendor will have their business name and website listed on the UCU "Vendor Links" page for almost a full year, as well as inclusion of their business name and booth location in the UCU show program which will be handed out at the show.
The show program is available in nearly 100,000 copies of pre-show week's The Stranger. We had nearly 1.8 million hits and over 46,000 unique website visitors in 2009, and our monthly newsletter boasts 2,500+ subscribers.
What are the fees and costs involved in the show?
You may choose either a 10'x10' booth for $300 or 5'x10' for $200. (Vendor provides all tables, chairs and display items.)
If you would rather not donate Swag items, you may pay a $25 swag fee.
If accepted, you will be billed through Paypal, and there is an additional $10 Paypal fee.
I see that you're asking for my Seattle City Business License. What if I don't have one?
A Seattle City Business License is required for all businesses operating in the city of Seattle. If you do not already have one and your business is operational in the city, you should apply for one right away.
However, if you do not typically operate your business in Seattle, you may request to be included in our umbrella license which we purchase for out-of-town and temporary vendors. Inclusion in this license costs $10. If you do not have your own Seattle City License, make sure to choose this option on the application.
Even if you think you have this license, but don't happen to have it on you when you fill out the application, you must choose this option. If accepted, and you are then able to provide us with your license number within 1 month of acceptance, we will refund this $10 fee to you.
I'm an out-of-state vendor. Do I still have to collect and pay sales tax?
Yes. All vendors are responsible for paying their own sales tax for business conducted within Washington, regardless of whether they are Washington residents. You may choose to add on sales tax at the time of purchase, or design your pricing system to already include sales tax. Either way, you are responsible for paying the appropriate taxes on revenue collected at the show.
If you are an out-of-state vendor, you must call the Washington State Department of Revenue 1-2 months before the show date, to file a temporary registration for their business.
To do this, call 1.800.647.7706 and let them know that you need a single-event registration for participating in a craft show; they will send you the appropriate paperwork. ?
Are there any special conditions for food vendors?
To be a food vendor, you'll need to have the following available for inspection on the show days:
- * King County health permit
- * City of Seattle business license
Attention Food Vendors: Our show just got easier for you to vend at! There is no longer a 4-ounce size restriction on food items at your booth. Cook, bake, and freeze whatever you'd like!
The reason dozens of shoppers line up at our doors for hours before we open is clear: We are known for our great swag bags. We want to continue that legacy and hope the information below will make our swag contribution guidelines clear.
Of course swag is a tool for promoting you and your business, but this is also something our customers should be excited about.
We want these to be bags full of goodies - real examples of unique, hand-crafted arts and crafts that will be fun for the audience and a great way to reach a new market of interested crafting fans.
Here are a few things that, when contributed alone*, do not meet the $25 swag minimum:?
- * business cards
- * buttons with your logo or trademark
- * stickers with your logo or trademark
- * postcards with your logo or trademark
- * coupons
* Business cards, stickers, logo buttons and coupons are ok when they are added to actual swag items. (If you make jewelry, send us a ring or two, and 100 coupons. If you make plush, send a stuffed toy and 50 buttons.)
Simply put:
$25 of actual merchandise = required minimum swag contribution
$25 of actual merchandise + any additional merchandise/promo items you want = awesome
Basically the swag recipient should open that bag and be floored by what awaits them. Things that intrigue the customer to come and see what else you have in store is what we are looking for.
If you really do not want to make your own swag, you have the option to contribute $25 instead, which will be factored into your application fee, and will go towards the purchase of additional swag and swag accessories to be included in our world-famous swag bags. The Summer 2010 deadline for receiving all swag contributions is Friday, June 4.
A few more tidbits you should know:
No. Please, please don't do that. We will absolutely notice you, but not in the way you were hoping for. We are overwhelmed with correspondence already and if you sign us up for your newsletter without our permission it makes us more overwhelmed, and very very sad.
Can I volunteer at Urban Craft Uprising?
Yes. We love our Street Team, and would be happy to have you join us... even if you just want to pass out postcards in your neighborhood before the show! Drop an email to moxie@urbancraftuprising.com to get on our volunteer list.
How do I become a sponsor of Urban Craft Uprising?
Being a sponsor gets you in front of a large and growing community of crafters and artists, and their fans. This year, you get "two for the price of one" as we now have an exciting new Summer show as well as our big annual show in December.
We have sponsorship options from small to large for any type of business. Please send an email to kristen@urbancraftuprising.com to get the details.
I've read this whole FAQ, but my question isn't here. What should I do?
Double check the FAQ, and if you still can't find your answer, go ahead and email moxie@urbancraftuprising.com and ask away!
I want to send you money but I forget how. What is your Paypal address?
Please make all Paypal application and booth payments to payment@urbancraftuprising.com.
Ready to apply? Our apps don't go live until Monday, August 9, but you can sign up for our mailing list and be the first to know when they launch!
