Food Vendor FAQ
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
- * Sell/showcase food in pre-packaged containers and/or serve 4 oz samples or less.
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. We will sit down as a team and make decisions based on originality, aesthetic, marketability, general appeal, price range, etc. Although this is the first show to include food vendors, feel free to take a look at our vendor list and our flickr pool to get a sense of the show.
Aside from a booth space, what perks do I receive by 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. Nearly 8,000 attendees attended our last Winter show, in December of 2008. The Winter show program was available in nearly 100,000 copies of that week's The Stranger weekly. We had nearly 1.4 million hits and over 42,000 unique website visitors in 2008, and our monthly newsletter boasts 1,800+ subscribers.
Do you need to see photos of my work?
Yes. In addition to your application, you need to submit 3 photos:
- - in jpg format
- - no larger than 1024x768 pixels
- - with file names using the following naming scheme:
mybusinessname_1.jpg
mybusinessname_2.jpg
etc.
Photos named any other way, or in any other file format, will be automatically deleted and your application will not be reviewed.
***Do remember that these 3 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.***
I don't think 3 photos is enough to show my work. Can I send more?
No. Three gives us a good idea of what you do, and keeps us from spending weeks and weeks jurying applicants.
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. We'll send you an email with your status. Please know that we wish you the very best and hope you'll try again.
What are the fees and costs involved in the show?
Booths are 10'x5' -- $175
(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 will pay an additional $10 for Paypal fees. (Booth payment by check can be arranged once you've been accepted.)
What is swag?
Swag is a sample of your product or gift certificate that you as a vendor donate to the show. Although the swag bags are exciting party favors for our fans who come to the show (and each year creates such excitement that hundreds of people line up around the corner before doors open in the morning!), they are also a great marketing tool for you as a vendor to use in getting your business name out to the public and enticing them to come to your booth for more!
If accepted as a vendor, your swag donation will be due no later than June 19, and should be worth no less than $25 (retail value, not cost to you). This may be one item, or multiple small items, but must be something that represents what you as a vendor will be selling in your booth. Keep in mind this is only a minimum requirement and vendors are welcome to submit as much swag as they would like! Please be sure and attach a business card or tag on your swag so our fans know where to find more.
However, 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.
I see all kinds of email addresses on your website. Would you like me to sign you all up for my newsletter?
No. Please, please don't do that. We are overwhelmed with correspondence 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?
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 mike@urbancraftuprising.com to get the details.
What's a quick checklist for what I need to do to apply as a vendor for the Urban Craft Uprising?
- * Sign up for UCU newsletter (from the homepage)
- * Fill out online application
- * Email 3 photos (proper names and sizes to photos@urbancraftuprising.com)
UCU 2009 Summer Show Food Vendor Application
August 1st and 2nd, 2009 at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall
The Urban Craft Uprising is a juried show. All food vendor applications must be received by Friday, May 29. You can expect to hear a decision by mid-June.
