Applications are open for Christmas Makers Market

We are really excited to announce that we're planning our next Christmas Makers Market in the heart of Dumfries.  We can't wait to transform the Midsteeple Quarter spaces on the high street including the The Smithy & The Press into a festive market for the weekend. Customers will have the chance to explore the spaces for an exciting two days of independent shopping! We're really looking forward to hosting our market indoors, especially at this time of year!

Is there an Application Criteria?

For our Christmas Makers Market, we will be selecting all the businesses using the same APPLICATION CRITERIA we've used in the past for our previous market festivals and other events. At The Guild Dumfries, we aim to provide visitors to any of the markets & projects we organise with a diverse range of makers, creatives, independent businesses, food and beverage producers, with an emphasis on quality, regional and seasonal produce. Over the last couple of years, we’ve built a strong reputation in the community as a key platform for emerging & more established business owners to gain exposure and develop a brand presence.

To ensure we continue to maintain our reputation we take care and commitment throughout our entire application process. The Guild Dumfries will review each and every application thoughtfully, and we don't take it lightly it’s a serious business and a big job! If you’ve never applied to be involved in one of events before, please don’t be scared! We LOVE to hear from new makers and we're happy to give advice before you make an application. We’re keen to support all of our traders, both fledgling and the more experienced. 

How do I apply?

As the market isn’t that far away, if you are interested in taking part, you will need to apply as soon as possible and no later than 9th October 2022 at MIDNIGHT.  All you need to do is complete the online application. You'll find the link below.

 All applicants will be contacted by email, if successful you'll be sent more information and payment details. If we offer you a place, you'll also be sent a link to join our private facebook group and instagram account.

This is a great opprtunity and a low-cost way for makers, creatives and producers to create greater awareness about their work, its an opportunity to increase your audience, engage with potential customers and make sales. Taking part is a great way for you and your business to interact directly with new and existing audiences, gain feedback about your products and also we hope have some fun being part of our creative community while you work. We hope you will be interested in joining our community and getting involved at our next market in the heart of Dumfries.

The Guild Dumfries are really looking forward to hosting our next makers market in a brand new indoor venue in the heart of Dumfries on Saturday 12th & 13th November from 11 am until 4pm. If you'd love to be involved, you'll need to fill out our online application form below. Before you do, don't forget to read all the finer details below.  By taking part at the makers market you are confirming you agree with The Guild (Dumfries) C.I.C terms and conditions.

PAYMENT

We will send you all the details you need to make payment if your application is successful, please do NOT send payment with your application form. The Guild Dumfries can receive payment in advance by bank transfer, details of which will be included within your acceptance email. Payment will be required by a date specified in the acceptance email. Your booking is not secure until full payment has been made. If payment has not been received before the payment deadline stated in your acceptance mail, your selling space at the market will be allocated to another business on our waiting list. Bookings are non transferable.

COST

There are a variety of different types of trading spaces available at this makers market at on the 12th & 13th December in Dumfries town centre from 11am until 4pm.

STANDARD SPACE ONLY . ONE DAY - TABLE & CHAIRS NOT INCLUDED | £30

You'll  be given a space that accomodates a 6 foot by 2 foot table. You are required to provide your own tables, chairs etc. You can of course bring along additional tables, hanging rails, easels and display shelving as long as this fits within your allocated space.

STANDARD SPACE ONLY . TWO DAYS - TABLE &CHAIRS NOT INCLUDED | £50

You'll be given a space that accomodates a 6 foot by 2 foot table. You are required to provide your own tables, chairs etc. You can of course bring along additional tables, hanging rails, easels and display shelving as long as this fits within your allocated space.

SHARED MARKET SPACE . ONE DAY ONLY - TABLE &CHAIRS NOT INCLUDED | £20

We will be offering the opprortunity of sharing a market space to businesses. You'll be given a space that accomodates a 6 foot by 2 foot table. You are required to provide your own tables, chairs etc. PLEASE NOTE | Both applicants must apply and be accepted to trade.

CHARITY MARKET SPACE . ONE DAY ONLY - TABLE &CHAIRS NOT INCLUDED | £25

You'll be given a space that accomodates a 6 foot by 2 foot table. You are required to provide your own tables, chairs etc.

As a social enterprise, any additional profits made from each event will be re-invested into developing the types of facilities, projects, events, activities and opportunities our community and town needs.

MARKETING & PR

We will be marketing the Christmas Makers Market on all our social media accounts, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. We will also promote the event on our website, to our mailing list and within our network of organisations, partners and supporters. We'll also have promotional material inside our shop at Flourish. Each maker will receive a media kit that we encourage you to use on your social media and website. 

FOOD SAFETY

At any of our events, food safety is important. All food & drinks producers will need to provide us with copies of the following documents if their application is successful.

• Food Hygiene Certificate/s.

• Food Hygiene Rating.

• Details of the local authority you are registered with.​

SET-UP & BREAKDOWN

You will be sent more specific details of set up and breakdown information if your application is successful, and when payment and documentation have been received by us.

The positioning of stalls is the decision of the organiser. Stalls cannot be moved on the day. Stallholders MUST NOT pack away before the event has ended. We ask all stallholders to keep all bags, suitcases, boxes etc under their stall and hidden by your table covering. All walkways should be kept clear at all times throughout the event.

THEFT & LIABILITY

The Guild (Dumfries) C.I.C take no responsibility for loss or damage to you, your products or belongings during the event. The Guild will not be held liable for any thefts or accidents that may arise during set up, trading hours and breakdown of the market. It is your responsibility as a business to have suitable Product & Public Liability Insurance.

If more than one employee will be working at your stall during the trading hours of the event you will also be expected to have Employee Liability Insurance.  The team at The Guild will make every effort to prevent any incidents. However, we cannot be held responsible if theft or damage does occur. You will need to provide us with a copy of all insurances if your application is successful and when payment is required.

REFUND & CANCELLATIONS

A full refund of the stall fee will be given if cancellation is made within 21 days of your payment and booking. No refund will be given if you fail to notify us of a cancellation or do not show up at the event. If a cancellation is made after 21 days, we will of course try our best to fill your space if you cannot take part in the event. You will be charged in full if a replacement cannot be found. Please be aware of the time and administration required to re advertise your space at the market.

The Guild Dumfries shall be under no liability for delay or failure to provide any services as a result of any act or circumstances beyond reasonable control included and not limited to, changes to goverment policy regarding Covid-19 outbreak, bad weather conditions, failure to power supply, injury, terrorism, fire, war, lock out or strike.

FEEDBACK & EVALUATION

As part of your involvement in this event we ask that all successful traders provide us with feedback about your participation and let us know your experience of being involved. You will be required to complete an online evaluation form and submit by a deadline date. Gathering your feedback is crucial, it provides us with a better understanding of what you thought about taking part, what impact its had on you, your business and where we may be able to provide support and training to raise your profiles, upskill and grow your business in the future. It helps us to identify what we did right and where improvements can be made. The feedback also allows us to provide evidence to potential funders, stakeholders and others.

FRIENDS OF THE GUILD

We ask that all successful applicants become FRIENDS OF THE GUILD so that you are showing your support for The Guild (Dumfries) C.I.C. It also allows us to show potential funders, stakeholders and others that the community supports the work that we are doing.

WHAT WE’D LIKE YOU TO DO

Our indoor Chrismas Makers Market is an exciting community event, designed specifically to promote our aims and vision but also to promote your work and business. We want customers who come to the Makers Market to know the makers and people behind the marvellous products they purchase. We want them to get to know you a little better and create profiles for our community of makers taking part. To do this and to help us sell your products effectively we will need a few things from you. More details will be sent to you if your application is successful.

If you are successful, we would also like businesses and organisations to promote their attendance at Dumfries Market Festival, let your mailing list know, post details or share e-flyers on social media, your blog and website. We would also be keen for you to distribute printed posters and flyers. We happily invite you to send us content, social media posts and images that can be used in the run up to the event and to share your story.

By taking part in the Christmas Makers Market, you are agreeing to these terms & conditions above. Space is limited at this event so if your application is unsuccessful this time, please don't be disheartened or take it personally.  We want to provide visitors and customers to our curated events with a mix of sellers and disciplines and an alternative shopping experience. 

Got a question about the application process before you apply? Please get in touch and we will try our best to answer your query.