What We Look For in a Strong Market Application

Why Applications Matter at Old Town Farm & Art Market

At Old Town Farm & Art Market, applications help us understand vendors as businesses, not just products. A strong application allows us to assess fit, quality, and readiness while ensuring the market remains balanced, professional, and sustainable for everyone involved.

Applications are not about perfection. They are about clarity, alignment, and communication.

Clear and Consistent Product Information

We look for applications that clearly explain:

  • What you sell

  • How your products are made or sourced

  • What customers can expect week to week

Consistency matters. Customers return to the market expecting reliability, quality, and transparency, and applications help us understand how vendors support that experience.

Quality and Authenticity

Our customers value locally produced, thoughtfully made goods. Strong applications reflect:

  • Care in production

  • Attention to quality

  • An understanding of customer expectations

Products don’t need to be complex, but they do need to be intentional.

Fit Within the Market Mix

Part of our role is maintaining a balanced vendor lineup.

Applications help us assess:

  • Whether a product category is currently open

  • How offerings complement the overall market or existing vendors

  • Whether products fill a gap or add variety

This process supports overall vendor success by avoiding oversaturation.

Professional Presentation

First impressions begin before market day.

Strong applications typically include:

  • Clear, well-written descriptions

  • Quality product images

  • Branding that reflects care and professionalism

These elements help us understand how a vendor will present themselves at the market and how customers will experience their business.

Understanding the Market Environment

Old Town Farm & Art Market operates weekly, rain or shine, with evolving expectations and standards.

We value applications that reflect:

  • Awareness of market operations

  • Willingness to follow Rules & Regulations

  • Readiness to participate as part of a larger market community

This understanding helps reduce confusion and sets everyone up for success.

Online Presence (When Applicable)

While not required for every business, an online presence (website or social media) can help us better understand a vendor’s products, story, and consistency.

Clear, current, and accurate online information supports the review process.

Applications Are Always Welcome

Our applications remain open throughout the season because vendors are ready at different times.

Some vendors:

  • Attend weekly

  • Participate a few times each month

  • Sell seasonally

  • Offer products that perform best during specific times of year

All of these models are welcome when they align with market needs and standards.

How Applications Are Used

Applications help us:

  • Verify necessary State Licensing and Registrations, Insurance, KDA Authority Letters, and determine initial fit for new vendors

  • Assign probationary status

  • Maintain fairness and balance

  • Support long-term market growth

They are a starting point for a relationship, not a one-time transaction.

(This is an optional resource for vendors interested in understanding how applications are reviewed and how Old Town Farm & Art Market maintains quality, balance, and consistency.)