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SOAM Vendor Guidelines

Southcoast Open Air Market

A thoughtfully curated, handmade-first community market

Welcome to SOAM

SOAM Open Air Markets is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting local makers, artisans, and small businesses on the South Coast of Massachusetts. Our markets are intentionally curated to create an enjoyable, inspiring experience for vendors, shoppers, and the community.

These guidelines help ensure clarity, fairness, and alignment for everyone involved. We encourage all applicants to read through them carefully before applying.

Handmade-First Market Philosophy

SOAM is a handmade-first market.

We prioritize artisans and makers who personally design, create, and produce the goods they sell. Our goal is to celebrate craftsmanship, creativity, and originality while maintaining a cohesive and high-quality market experience.

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What qualifies as handmade:

  • Products personally designed, crafted, and assembled by the artisan

  • Items made primarily using the maker’s own hands, tools, and techniques

  • Small-batch production is acceptable if fully designed by the artisan

 

What does not qualify:

  • Mass-produced or commercially manufactured items

  • Products made with minimal artisan involvement

  • Resale, wholesale, or drop-shipped goods

 

If your products do not meet this definition, please apply through the Nonprofit + Local Business Application instead.

Vendor Selection & Curation

SOAM is a curated market. Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance.

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For each market date, we thoughtfully select vendors based on:

  • Craft quality and originality

  • Clear product focus or specialty

  • Variety and balance within the market

  • Alignment with SOAM’s mission and values

  • Overall market experience for shoppers​

 

We may limit similar product categories and rotate vendors throughout the season to keep the market fresh and engaging.

Vendor Categories

 

Artisan Vendors (Primary Focus)

  • Handmade goods, artists, designers, and makers

 

Farmer & Food Vendors

  • Packaged food, specialty food, prepared food, and food trucks

 

KidBiz Vendors (Limited & Sponsored)

  • Youth entrepreneurs (18 and under)

  • Handmade items created by the child

  • Spots are sponsored, limited, and selected based on creativity, effort, and readiness

 

Nonprofit & Local Business Vendors (Limited)

  • Nonprofits, brick-and-mortar businesses, and service-based organizations

  • Not primarily handmade

  • Included in limited numbers when they enhance the market experience or align with specific themes

Booth Fees & Pricing

 

  • Artisan 10x10 booth: $100

  • Food 10x10 booth: $100

  • Food truck 20x10 booth: $150

 

A $50 non-refundable deposit is required upon acceptance to reserve your space.
The deposit is applied toward your total booth fee.

Market Dates & Rain Policy

SOAM markets are rain or shine events.

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Weather cancellations are rare and determined at SOAM’s discretion. Decisions are typically made by Friday morning prior to the market.

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If both the original date and designated rain date are canceled due to extreme weather, booth fees will be credited toward a future SOAM market.

Tents, Displays & Setup

  • Vendors must provide a 10x10 white EZ-Up tent with straight legs

  • 30 lb weights per leg (120 lbs total) are required — no exceptions

  • SOAM no longer offers tent or weight rentals

  • Displays must be tidy, professional, and remain within booth boundaries

  • Business signage and table coverings are required

Vendor Conduct & Market Expectations

Vendors are expected to:

  • Be respectful to fellow vendors, staff, volunteers, and shoppers

  • Address safety concerns immediately

  • Follow all market rules and instructions from the SOAM team

 

The following are not permitted:

  • Disruptive or rude behavior

  • Smoking within market premises

  • Selling unapproved or inappropriate items

  • SOAM reserves the right to remove vendors or products that do not align with our standards.

Vendor Rotation & Product Approval

To maintain a high-quality, curated experience:

  • Vendors may not be accepted for every market date

  • Only approved products listed in your application may be sold

  • Any product changes must receive prior written approval from SOAM

Cancellations & No-Show Policy

  • Cancellations must be submitted at least 14 days before your market date to receive a booth fee refund or credit

  • Refunds exclude the non-refundable $50 deposit

  • No-shows without communication result in forfeited deposits/spot fee and may affect future participation

Volunteers & Spot Fee Opportunities

SOAM operates with a small but dedicated volunteer team.

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In some cases, vendors may offset booth fees by providing setup or breakdown assistance. Teen volunteer hours are also available for students who need service hours.

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Availability varies and must be coordinated in advance.

Taxes & Regulations

  • Vendors must obtain and display a valid Massachusetts Tax ID Certificate

  • Vendors are responsible for complying with all local, state, and federal regulations related to their business

Agreement & Acknowledgment

By submitting a SOAM application, vendors agree to:

  • Abide by all guidelines and policies

  • Provide accurate and truthful information

  • Indemnify and hold harmless SOAM, its staff, volunteers, and partners

Questions?

We’re happy to help.

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📧 hello@soamsomerset.com

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Thank you for your interest in being part of SOAM.
We are proud to support the makers, growers, doers, and dreamers who make our community thrive. 🌿

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