Trade With Us

Criteria & Guidelines

Step 1. Visit The Frome Independent so that you can get a good understanding of what we already offer, and what we are looking for.

Step 2. Complete an online Application to Trade form. Please ensure that you give as much information as possible, referencing the criteria outlined below.

Step 3. Once you have submitted your form, it will be assessed. You will not need to contact us again as we email all applicants, whether successful or otherwise, to notify them of the outcome of their application. We are a small team, and assessment can take some time during busy periods.

Step 4. If you have been successful we will then notify you as to which upcoming dates we can offer you, or whether you are on the reserve list.

Invoices for your pitch, and your Trader Information Pack (with details of your pitch location, parking and set-up time) will be sent to you approximately 10 days before each market date.

Please note that…

  • Submitting this form does not automatically guarantee you a place at the market.
  • All traders – new or existing – MUST reapply for each new calendar year. We start each new year afresh with a new trader list and reserve lists.
  • A successful application in a previous calendar year does not automatically guarantee a pitch in subsequent years.
  • We receive many more applications for each market than we have pitches available. Unfortunately we are not able to offer pitches to every trader who meets our criteria.
  • We encourage you to give as much information in your application as possible, with reference to the criteria (outlined below) in order to help us make our selection.
  • Images of previous market stalls / exhibitions along with images of your current stock are essential.
  • Applicants under the age of 16 must have the consent of an adult before completing the application form and, when trading, must be accompanied by an adult on market day.
  • You should leave plenty of time to apply for a specific market date. We have hundreds of applications each season and book markets up to 3 months in advance.
  • We cannot guarantee that applications submitted less than two weeks before a market date will be assessed in time.

Our Criteria

Please see below for the different areas of the market, and our criteria for those wishing to trade.

We do not consider applications from traders wishing to sell mass-produced and/or imported items.

We ask traders to consider very carefully all aspects of production and sales and do your utmost to prioritise sustainability in your business.

If you have any questions regarding our application process or criteria, please email us at [email protected]

Food and Drink

We are looking for traders who…

  • Demonstrate strong ethics with regard to sustainability, the environment and animal welfare
  • Use recyclable or biodegradable packaging, cutlery and containers
  • Hand-produce their dishes / products
  • Use local, seasonal, ethical and fairtrade ingredients
  • Offer new, interesting and innovative produce or cuisines
  • Offer an interesting, eye-catching display of their products
  • Are based in the West Country

Designer/Makers

We are looking for traders who…

  • Adhere to environmental and ethical principles
  • Use recyclable, biodegradable or recycled packaging and customer bags
  • Offer products made with skilful, innovative design
  • Are knowledgeable, passionate and skilful craftspeople
  • Deliver an interesting and eye-catching display

Flea Traders

We are looking for flea traders who…

  • Deal in genuine vintage or antique items (reproductions or new ‘retro’ goods will not be accepted)
  • Deal in high quality vintage clothing, collectables, homewares or furniture
  • Have a passion for and knowledge of vintage, mid-century objects or antiques
  • Use recyclable, biodegradable or recycled packaging and customer bags
  • Can offer an attractive display of their goods
  • Can offer affordable and interesting items

Homes & Garden

We are looking for traders who offer homewares, furniture and plants who…

  • Sell homewares, furniture and gardenalia that is handmade in the UK or is high-quality reclaimed/vintage items
  • Sell plants, cut flowers and foliage that are grown locally and sustainably
  • Use recyclable, biodegradable or recycled packaging and customer bags
  • Offer affordable and interesting items
  • Offer an attractive display of their goods

Suitcase Sale

The Suitcase sale is a diminutive market – just in a suitcase! If you are new to trading, or just starting out, you may wish to consider a Suitcase pitch as a great way to try out the market.

The Suitcase sale is a mix of traders who would usually fit into any of the above criteria, so please reference the section you feel most applies to you when making an application to trade in the Suitcase sale.

Pitch Information

There are different zones at market events, each catering for different traders with different products and needs. Pitches are awarded according to quality of product, and to ensure an even range of product type throughout the market. Exact pitch locations are determined by the Market Team according to a number of factors. It is not possible for traders to occupy one pitch permanently or to request exclusivity but regular traders can request to be kept within the same zone at each market.

Suitcase sale

Pitches are MAXIMUM 1m x 1m and WE WILL PROVIDE A TABLE measuring approx 80cm square. Traders may bring their own garden parasol or similar (no more than 1m wide) if they require cover – this cover must be easily collapsible and removable. Gazebos are not permitted and there is no electricity provided at these pitches.

Designer/Maker

A pitch is either UNDER OUR COVER and can accommodate a standard 1.8m x 0.75m trestle table, or UNDER YOUR OWN COVER (Westway/Justice Lane areas). There is no electricity provided at these pitches.

Food Producer

A pitch is UNDER OUR COVER and can accommodate a standard 1.8m x 0.75m trestle table. There is no electricity provided at these pitches.

Drink Producer (including alcohol off-sales)

A pitch is UNDER OUR COVER and can accommodate a standard 1.8m x 0.75m trestle table. There is no electricity provided at these pitches.

Flea Market

A pitch is approx 3m wide x 4.3m deep. This is an open-air market so traders should bring their own gazebo if they require cover for their stall. Your gazebo should be no larger than 3m x 3m and come with weights no less than 10kg for each corner. Traders wishing to bring a larger cover must obtain special permission from the Market Team.

Homes & Gardens

A pitch is approx 3m wide x 4.3m deep. This is an open-air market so traders should bring their own gazebo if they require cover for their stall. Your gazebo should be no larger than 3m x 3m and come with weights no less than 10kg for each corner. Traders wishing to bring a larger cover must obtain special permission from the Market Team.

Drinks (coffee vans, alcohol on-sales)

Pitches are approx 3m x 3m. Please note that we do not allow generators on site and there is a limited supply of electric available – please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

Street Food

Pitches are 3m x 3m and you MUST bring your own gazebo cover with weights no less than 10kg for each corner. Please note that we do not allow generators on site and there is a limited supply of electric available – please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

Tables

All Suitcase pitches come with a table INCLUDED in the pitch fee.

Tables are available to HIRE within the Designer/Maker section only for £10. Please indicate on your application form if you would like to hire one. Traders are welcome to bring their own table as long as it fits within the allocated pitch size (see above for pitch sizes).

Pitch prices from August 2023

  • Suitcase sale under 26 year old: £16.50
  • Suitcase sale: £27.50
  • Designer/maker: £66
  • Justice Lane/Westway: £55
  • Food Producer: £66
  • Flea market: £71.50
  • Homes & Gardens: £71.50
  • Drink Producer – inc. alcohol off-sales: £71.50
  • Drinks – coffee vans, alcohol on-sales: £93.50
  • Street Food: £203.50

We reserve the right to amend pitch fees with 4 weeks notice of any market date.

Extras

  • Table hire: £10 (Designer/Maker traders only. Suitcase sale traders will get a table INCLUDED with their pitch)
  • Electricity supply: £11 (only available to Street Food/drink traders with advance permission of the Market Team)
  • Insurance Cover: £6 (for Suitcase and first-time traders ONLY)

Trader Requirements

  • All traders must carry up to date Public Liability insurance of at least £5 million. We are able to offer a limited number of first-time traders coverage under our insurance policy for a fee of £6 per trader per market. Note that this cover is for Public Liability ONLY and will not provide insurance for your stock or any staff you may employ. Please indicate in your application if you wish to be covered by our insurance.
  • Food producers / traders must ensure that they meet our requirements regarding health and safety and food hygiene. Please read the relevant section on the Terms and Conditions. The market appoints an independent health and safety advisor who visits each event to ensure that traders are operating safely.
  • All traders must thoroughly read, agree and adhere to the Terms and Conditions regarding conduct and regulations at the market. Failure to do so will result in individuals not being invited to trade. These are available to view at any time via our website and on the application form.