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Applications will soon be available for the 2012 show, to be the first to know sign up on our mailing list on the left hand side of the page.

 

 

FAQ

Who can apply?

We welcome crafters, artists, and do-it-yourselfers, regardless of whether this is your first show or your full-time business. All the goods you sell must be handmade by you. This is not the place for Tupperware or mass-produced “world goods.”

While we love all our crafty cousins located all over the world, DIY Trunk Show is in Chicago in November. We’d hate for you to end up in a snowstorm an hour away and not make it to the show. Our rule of thumb is that you can be no more than a seven-hour drive from the city.

What if I’ve just started my business?

We love new faces and ideas! We always set aside spaces for crafters who are transitioning from hobby to business. We suggest you read up on the things we look for, including good, well-lit photos, an accurate description of your work, and an unique take on the craft. For more information read this article.

What types of crafts will you accept?

The DIY Trunk Show has always featured cool local vendors selling a wide variety of handmade items, and we’re always interested in expanding our selection.. However, if you’ve read the Craftifesto, you should realize that we’re not the venue for handpainted ceramic angels, snowman poop, wooden geese on a stick for putting in your yard, etc. If you think of yourself as “K”ountry, and if you spell craft with a “K,” this probably isn’t the right show for your goods. If you have any doubts about whether your items will fit with our market, check out photos of last year’s goodies on our Facebook page, or feel free to email: diytrunkshow@gmail.com.

We ask vendors to choose one of the following categories on their application:  Art, Baby/Kids, Bath & Beauty, Clothing, Fashion Accessories, Functional Ceramics & Glass, Home Décor & Accessories, Jewelry, Paper Goods/Stationery, Pet Items, Plush, Purses/Totes/Wallets, and Yarn. We limit the number of crafters accepted in any one category to give shoppers the best and most unique shopping experience. Traditionally, jewelry is the most competitive category. Every year we are forced to decline or waitlist crafters we really like in the name of variety.

How much does it cost? How do I send in payment?

If you are accepted into the show, your booth fee of $85 will be due. We prefer that you pay through PayPal. If you do not have a PayPal account please contact us at diytrunkshow@gmail.com to arrange payment by check..

What does my booth fee cover?

The DIY Trunk Show is an all-volunteer event. Your booth fee covers only our expenses for producing the show, including space rental, insurance, and security for the venue. The fee will also cover PR and advertising in a variety of local print and online media. We’ll also have posters and postcards printed for distribution around the city. You’ll get a stack of each in your vendor kit before the show.

What if I don’t have my own table or chair?

Vendors can rent tables for $12, when filling our your application you will be able to request a table rental. The tables measure 6’x3’ rectangular. The tables aren’t pretty, so we’d recommend bringing your own cover or tablecloth. When you show up the day of the show, please see us at the information table to collect your rentals.

Can I share a table/space?

Yes, but please keep in mind that both of you must fill out separate applications. Consider whom you wish to share a booth with carefully, because both of you must be juried and accepted. If your booth partner is declined, even if we love your work, you will be declined too.

What is the photo and description for?

Because the application and jury process are all done electronically, your photos are the best way we have to see and evaluate your products. Your photos and vendor description will be listed on the artists page of the DIY Trunk Show site, which will let shoppers know who will be participating and what you’ll be selling.  We’ll also need high-resolution images (300 dpi and 1,500 pixels by 1,500 pixels) of vendors’ work to appear on the posters, postcards, and advertisements.

What if something happens and I can’t make it? Will I get my money back?

All of the money we collect from vendors will be spent on space rental, insurance, and publicity before the big day, we won’t be able to refund anyone’s money. But we’re willing to help you find a replacement from our waiting list. If you know ahead of time you will NOT be able to make it to the show, let us know and we’ll try to find a replacement for you. We can’t make any promises, however.

Will I get time to set up or tear down?

You’ll have an hour to set up and an hour to tear down. We HAVE to be out of the building by 6:00 pm. We do this every year so we know it’s possible. We’ll also have volunteers on hand for show day to help the process run smoothly.

What are my responsibilities for helping to get the word out?

If you have a website, we’ll ask you to mention the show. We’ll mail you a stack of about 30-50 postcards and ask you to either mail them to your mailing list or place in a cool spot or two where shoppers might find them. If you live in town we’ll mail you some posters and ask you to put them up around town. ”DIY” means do-it-yourself, which means that we need all of our vendors to help us get the word out. We’ve had great success every year by relying on everyone who is a vendor or a friend of the show to help with publicity.

What about collecting sales tax or having to have a business license?

Ah, yes! Anytime you’re going to be selling something to the public, the state of Illinois requires you to have a state tax ID number and requires you to collect sales tax. As far as we know there won’t be anyone collecting this tax at the show, which means you’ll be required to pay it on your own. You’ll receive a form from the state at the end of December, to fill out and you’ll have to pay the state the sales tax you collect at the show. To get the correct forms to fill out, visit the <a href=http://www.revenue.state.il.us/businesses/register.htm>Illinois Business’ website. Everyone selling at DIY Trunk Show is expected to charge sales tax on each purchase and pay this to the state.

If you are including the sales tax in the cost of your items on the day of the show, you must have a small sign saying as much. Customers get confused why one booth seems to be charging sales tax and not the next, so please make everyone aware.

How can we contact you?

Our email address is diytrunkshow@gmail.com

There are comments for many sections of the website, so feel free to use this feature. While DIY Trunk Show is a one-day event, we’re hoping to create a permanent crafty community around Chicago. We made several friends in previous years and would love to see that happen for everyone involved.