MARKET 415 Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome

Thanks for stopping by. We’re glad you are here!

We are 415 Howe Avenue, the Conti Building, located in the heart of downtown Shelton, CT. Our historic factory building hosts a variety of artists, performers and small business entities including event space and the Industry Co-working space.

Collectively we are a group of artists, entrepreneurs and makers fostering community involvement at our unique building.

Check out the FAQs below to see what Market 415 is all about.

What is Market 415?

Market 415 hosts a series of specialty events happening throughout the year.

Things are evolving here so we’re rolling with it and making a few tweaks to our regularly scheduled programing. Folks are requesting more specialty events and we are happy to oblige.

Each event will have a different flavor so be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay in the loop.

Market 415 is a place to show and sell your innovative work and to connect with like minded people who support the maker community.

The market has a fun and funky vibe where vendors and patrons alike have a good time.

We are a true handmade and vintage market. Direct sales, imports for resale and new, mass produced items are strictly prohibited.

Can I be a vendor?

Our events are open to quality, artisan and vintage goods vendors with consistent social social media participation.

You MUST have social media accounts (Instagram and/or Facebook) or a website which represents your goods in order to be considered.

We love original art of any kind, soaps, candles, fiber works, upcycled clothing and vintage finds, original artisan jewelry, pins, patches, independent clothing lines, original photography and wellness products.

We also welcome food entrepreneurs who are in compliance with State of CT regulations and are producing their own products in State of CT approved kitchens. Prepared foods vendors are required to provide a copy of their Kitchen Certification via email.

If your medium is not listed here it doesn’t mean you are not welcome! We welcome artists and makers of all mediums, the more unusual, current and fresh the better! If you have any questions you can contact us at Market415howeave@gmail.com.

What is considered vintage?

Vintage, for us, means items made before 1990.

Vintage vendors include clothing, artwork, décor and accessories.  Think upscale vintage. We lean toward rare or unusual clothing, accessories and décor items.

We do not allow reproduction or new look-alike vintage products presented as true vintage.

What is considered handmade?

Handmade or artisan goods are items you are creating with your own hands.  Goods must be original designs.

Direct sales representatives (Paparazzi, Chalk Couture, etc.), commercially available DIY kits, imports (fair trade or otherwise) for resale or mass produced wholesale products of any kind are not allowed.

What does curated mean?

Curated, for us, means we consider all applications but we can only accept a limited number of each type of product for any one market.

Limiting the number of vendors in each category insures a fair chance for everyone without being in a competitive environment. We believe in community over competition and strive to offer a supportive environment for all involved.

How do you pick your vendors?

Market 415 organizers are a collection of artists, makers and entrepreneurs. We understand it’s hard out there, we’re out there too! We receive more applications than we can accept. We review and decide by committee who best represents each product category.

Some of our criteria for selecting vendors include:

• Quality of items being offered, including the vintage category.

• Uniqueness or innovativeness of goods, even if they are created using traditional methods.

• Vendor presence consistency on social media, specifically on Instagram and Facebook.

• Quality of your presentation and photographs of your work online.

• Limits on the number of vendors per category. Nobody, makers or shoppers, want to see fifteen jewelry makers even though each may be using different types of materials.

• Goods are not available at retail outlets. Overly saturated trends are not a good fit for us.

Please understand we are unable to provide critiques to applicants not selected for Market415.

The final criterion for vendors is the order in which applications are received.  The earlier your application is received the more likely your category will be available.

Still not sure if you’re a good fit? Email us to inquire at Market415howeave@gmail.com. Please include your social media links in your email inquiry.

Do you advertise?

Absolutely! A large part of the vendor fees are put back into the market as advertising costs.

Paid advertising is on on Facebook, Instagram and other online sources. Plus local signage and of course vendors also help get the word out.

The downtown location and proximity to the Farmers Market also drives additional traffic to our market

VENDOR REFUNDS

There are no refunds for vendor cancellations.

Where and when?

Market space is inside the Conti Building at 415 Howe Ave., Shelton.

Please let us know if you need electricity. Electric outlets are limited and reserved for those who request access in advance on their application.

2020 Season

• Apr 25 - Funk & Flea - 10am~4pm
• May 30 - Oddities Market - 12pm~6pm
• June 20th - Vintage & Handmade - 10am~4pm

Other dates to be posted

Early vendor set up begins 1 1/2 hours prior to opening. All vendors are required to be set up and ready for business by start of event.

Breakdown begins at event end time and vendors are required to remain set up until market close.