Vendor Ready - How to be a professional Vendor
If you’ve been thinking about becoming a vendor, or you already are and want to do it better, start here.
I’m currently running a free Vendor Ready Training Series where I break down:
How to get accepted into markets
How to improve your booth and increase sales
What most vendors learn the hard way
👉 Save your spot here:
gratefulgardenllc.com/vendor-ready-series
Below this, you’ll also find additional free resources to help you get started and keep growing.
Your First Message to a Market Manager Matters. Here Is What to Send.
How to Reach Out to a Market Manager
If you are interested in vending with us and want to reach out directly, here is exactly what to say so I can actually help you.
Copy this. Fill it in. Send it.
I am [your name] and my business is [business name]. I sell [specific product, not just a category]. This is my [first time / Xth season] selling at markets. I love selling this because [your real reason]. I would be a good fit for your market because [something specific to this market and community]. Here is a photo of my booth or products: [attach a photo].
That is it. That one message tells me everything I need to know to get you started.
The more specific you are, the faster I can help you.
Courtesy of Grateful Garden LLC
Resources for Vendors
Want to start a business?
Start Here
Colorado Business Express at https://mybiz.colorado.gov/.
Becoming a vendor : Legal and Licensing
Licensing Center Website - Temporary Restaurant License
Denver Food License Information Document
Guide for Hemp-Derived Products at Special Events
Event & Vendor Booth Setup Checklist - Preserve & Protect the City's Natural Waterways
What Needs Carpet & Kitty Litter On-site For Festival Food Vendor?
Handwashing Station Requirements
Colorado Retail Food Regulations
all vendors selling any items the appropriate Denver or Aurora sales tax must be paid.
Existing brick and mortar businesses in the City and County of Denver will report event-related sales.
Non-local or pop-up vendors must register for a Special Event Sales Tax License and file their sales tax return online. this website for more information.
Any questions regarding Denver City Taxes may be directed to 720-913-9446.
Are you a food truck and need recopricty from or for Denver?
Coloardo Cottage Food ct
Use this checklist to make sure that your product(s) and business fall under those permitted by the 2012 Cottage Foods Act.
This checklist will also help you organize the materials needed to sell your product(s) at farmers’ markets in Colorado, as well as from your home, roadside stand or CSA.
Remember the Cottage Foods Act is meant to encourage small-scale, direct-to-consumer sales.
For information on starting your food business, consult the Colorado Business Express at https://mybiz.colorado.gov/.
You are responsible for informing yourself about and paying all applicable federal, state and local taxes and registration fees related to operating your cottage food business in Colorado.
Are you hiring or wanting to work for growing vendor businesses?
Do you need staff for markets and Farmers Market Brand Ambassadors?
Are you someone that wants to work seasonsal awesome events? Send us an email here. We will let you know if you have a match.
Are you selling/ leasing your Food trucks or market equipment.
We have many new vendors that want to expand! Let us know if you are selling your equipment or buying. We will let you know if you have a match.
Colorado farmers market association
CFMA provides technical assistance, training, mentorship and opportunities for peer-to-peer support and networking.
Practical Tools:
Zoho Website
Your friend earns $100 worth of credit instantly after signing up via your referral link!
What can you do with Zoho Wallet credits?Your Zoho Wallet credits can be used for subscription renewals, upgrades, purchasing user licenses, add-ons, and other Zoho products as well.
Mint Wireless
For $45 : Get a 90 day unlimited data phone plan (or month to month). Activate and old phone. Give it a SIM. You now have a stronger hotspot and dedicated device for sales. I only pay $360 A YEAR for my primary cell plan too.
Chase Business Credit
Pay no annual fee for all the features that come with your card. Earn 90,000 bonus points with the Ink Business Preferred® card or up to $1,000 bonus cash back with the Ink Business Premier℠ card, Ink Business Unlimited® card or Ink Business Cash® card. I can be rewarded if you apply here and are approved for the card.
Wave Accounting
This is a free accounting software. I have worked for millionaire businesses that still use this. It is set up similar to QB but better IMHO.
Wave does not have a program where users can earn rewards for referring new users. I just want more people to know about it to get started with invoicing. (I currently pay for ZOHO One and still liked Wave better but I pay soo)
Be Branded
We partner with a local promotional product company called Be Branded and they can take care of you. Just tell them Katrina Karczewski Sent you for extra attention! Brian Ensign, Be Branded’s Owner and team can quote projects quickly and get you answers in minutes, not days. They only use high quality vetted suppliers that will treat your projects as their own.
Insurance for your event.
Grateful Garden LLC requires each vendor to show proof of the following minimum level of insurance:
GENERAL LIABILITY (FOR NON-FOOD/DRINK VENDORS)
Occurrence Limit: $1M, Aggregate Limit: $2M
PRODUCT LIABILITY (FOR FOOD/DRINK VENDORS, IN ADDITION TO GENERAL LIABILITY)
Occurrence Limit: $1M, Aggregate Limit: $2M
Once you have that add us as on the COI as additional insured.Grateful Garden LLC
Who we recommend to do 1, 30, 90 day or more coverage
or
Farmers Market Vendor Essentials
After running a weekly market and working events across Denver, these are the tools vendors ask me about the most.
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