# How to become a vendor at events.

To become a vendor at events, decide what you will sell, check which business license, tax permit and insurance apply where you sell, find markets that fit your products, send a strong application with clear photos, and plan a simple first booth. Start with one or two small events before committing to a season.

_Updated 2026-10-11._

## Decide what you sell and who buys it.

Markets reward a clear, focused table. Pick a small set of products you can make or source reliably, and be able to say in one sentence what makes them yours. Handmade, food, vintage and resale are treated differently by organizers, so know which category you fall in.

- Write down your cost to make or buy each product and the price you want to sell it for.
- Note what you can restock between events and what you can only make in small batches.

## Check the paperwork before you apply.

Rules depend on your state, county and city, and on what you sell. Most markets ask for some mix of a business license or registration, a sales tax permit, a food permit for anything you eat or drink, and proof of insurance. Ask each organizer what they require, and check the government site yourself.

- Start with the permit guides at /permits for your area.
- Keep copies of every document where you can attach them to applications quickly.
- Keep your licenses, permits and insurance certificates on file and reuse them across applications.

## Find markets and apply.

Look for events that match your products and price point. Read the vendor page for dates, booth size, fees, application deadlines and whether the event is juried. Apply early; popular events fill their categories first.

- Apply to markets and events on bzar and pay booth fees by card.

## Start small and learn.

Your first event is for learning. Track what sold, what people asked for, what was too heavy to carry and what you ran out of. Adjust before you commit to a full season of events.

## Questions

**Do I need a business to sell at craft fairs?**

Often you need at least a business registration or license and a sales tax permit, but it varies by state and by event. Ask the organizer and check your state and county sites.

**How do I get into my first market?**

Pick a small local event, apply with clear photos of your products and booth, and follow the organizer's deadlines and rules exactly.

**Do I need insurance to be a market vendor?**

Many organizers require proof of liability insurance from vendors. Check each event's vendor requirements before you apply.

**How do I find events that need vendors?**

Search local market calendars, ask other vendors, follow organizers on social media, and use a directory of upcoming events.

## Related

- [How to find vendor events](https://bzar.app/guides/how-to-find-vendor-events)
- [How to get accepted to craft fairs](https://bzar.app/guides/how-to-get-accepted-to-craft-fairs)
- [Permits and licenses](https://bzar.app/permits)
- [bzar for vendors](https://bzar.app/for-vendors)