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Vendor FAQs
How do I become a vendor?
Anyone wishing to become a vendor must submit a completed application to the Market Manager and be selected through an approval process. A completed application includes an application, signed contract, photos of the product, photos of the booth set-up and a $100 deposit. To ensure a wide variety of goods at the market, the number of vendors in each product category will be limited.
Click here for vendor applications.
How local are your market vendors?
The Rockford City Market gives preference to vendors within a 150-mile radius. Local products and stores receive priority. The event strives to work with local small business owners and entrepreneurs in the area.
How big is the booth space?
All booths are 10' X 10' spaces. Vendors can rent multiples spaces. Spaces are assigned by the market manager. Vendors will be charged for multiple spaces if vendor space need exceed 10' X 10'.
How much is the fee to participate?
Booth fees
The fee for each 10’ X 10’ space during the 2013 season is:
Full Season (20 weeks) May 31 - October 11:
$400 Early Bird Special by April 3 with Frequent Shopper Participation
$450 after April 3 with Frequent Shopper Participation
$500 without Frequent Shopper ParticipationHalf Season (10 weeks) May 31 - August 2:
$250 by April 3 or $275 after April 3 with Frequent Shopper Participation
$300 without Frequent Shopper ParticipationHalf Season (10 weeks) August 9 - October 11:
$175 by April 3 or $200 after April 3 with Frequent Shopper Participation
$225 without Frequent Shopper ParticipationFarmer's Season (5 weeks):
This price is for farmers selling produce only; fee does not apply to value added or processed products
Local produce vendors only
$75 Early Bird Special by April 3 with Frequent Shopper Participation
$100 after April 3 with Frequent Shopper Participation
$125 without Frequent Shopper ParticipationAll fees and deposits must be received by May 1 to start May 31. All fees and deposits must be received by July 24 to start August 9.
Attendance Deposit
The market requires a $100 deposit, from every vendor to ensure consistent attendance. The deposit will be returned in full within 30 days of the close of the Market provided the vendor participates in 90% of the selected Market season. If your application is not accepted, the deposit will be returned.
Is there access to electricity at the Market?
Electricity is available at no cost but is limited and vendors with high usage may be required to supply generators. Vendors are designated spots based on their electric needs. These electric needs must be clearly stated on the application. Fines will be assessed if vendors exceed stated needs. All details are on the vendor application.
Do I need insurance?
Each vendor must submit a certificate of insurance proving they have coverage in the amount of $1,000,000 per occurance / $2,000,000 aggregate.
What kind of licenses/permits do I need?
It is the responsibility of the vendor to obtain and provide to the Market Manager copies of all licenses and permits required for the sale of the vendor’s products at the Market in addition to the basic application.
Questions/concerns regarding food product regulations and/or licensing should be directed to the Winnebago County Health Department.
Vendors selling food or beverage items, baked goods, or giving samples must meet current Winnebago County Health Department food guidelines and have applicable operating permits. Vendors must keep a copy of these permits at their market stall at all times.
All Winnebago County health permits must be acquired two weeks prior to the event. For more information on health permits, call WCHD at 815.720.4101.
What happens if I don’t get accepted after submitting an application?
Your deposit will be returned in full. Applicants are welcome to reapply for the 2014 season.
When will I find out if I got accepted?
Applicants will be notified of their acceptance status within 30 days after a completed application has been submitted. A completed application includes an application, signed contract, photos of the product, photos of the booth set-up (email photos to info@rockfordcitymarket.com) and a $100 deposit. If you have questions about your application status, please contact the vendor manager at info@rockfordcitymarket.com or 815.977.5124.
How are corporations & businesses able to participate?
We welcome requests for sponsorship opportunities from these leaders of business. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact us.
What can you tell me about the customers?
A survey of market customers shows 53% are 40 - 60 years old, 94% have some college education, and 41% spent $25 or more each visit. Click here to see more results from the 2012 survey.
Rules & Regulations
If you have additional questions on the Market's rules and regulations for vendors and performers, please contact the market manager at info@rockfordcitymarket.com or 815.977.5124.
