Vendor Bookings
Understand the vendor booking process from space selection to payment confirmation, and learn how to optimize the booking experience for your vendors.
Booking Process Overview
The booking process is designed to be intuitive for vendors while giving you complete control over space allocation and payment collection. Understanding each step helps you support vendors and troubleshoot issues.
Event Selection
Vendor chooses from available events and views event details
Space Selection
Browse available spaces with pricing and location information
Add-ons
Select optional services like electricity, tables, or promotion
Review & Submit
Review booking details, accept terms, and submit application
Payment
Complete payment processing and receive confirmation
What Vendors See During Booking
Event Information
Complete event details and logistics.
- Event date, time, and duration
- Venue location and directions
- Setup and breakdown times
- Expected attendance and demographics
Space Availability
Visual representation of available spaces.
- Interactive venue map
- Space sizes and dimensions
- Pricing per space type
- Proximity to amenities
Pricing Breakdown
Transparent cost calculation.
- Base space rental fee
- Add-on service costs
- Platform fees and taxes
- Total amount due
Space Selection
The space selection interface allows vendors to choose the best location for their business while giving you control over space allocation and pricing strategies.
Space Display Options
Visual Venue Map
Interactive map showing available spaces, dimensions, and proximity to key facilities like restrooms, parking, and main entrances.
List View with Filters
Tabular display allowing vendors to filter by size, price range, location preferences, and special features.
Category-Based Grouping
Spaces organized by vendor type or product category, ensuring complementary businesses are positioned strategically.
Space Information Display
Premium Corner Space
10x10 ft • High traffic • Near main entrance • Power included
Standard Space
10x8 ft • Moderate traffic • Interior location • Power available (+$25)
Budget Space
8x8 ft • Lower traffic • Back area • No power included
Space Pricing Strategies
| Space Type | Pricing Factor | Typical Premium | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corner Spaces | High visibility, dual access | 25-50% premium | Established vendors, unique products |
| Entrance Adjacent | First impression, high traffic | 15-30% premium | Food vendors, popular items |
| Main Aisle | Central traffic flow | 10-20% premium | Variety of vendors |
| Interior Standard | Base pricing tier | Standard rate | Most vendor types |
| Perimeter/Back | Lower traffic, cost-conscious | 15-25% discount | Budget vendors, specialty items |
- Balance Categories: Distribute similar vendors throughout the venue for better customer flow
- Strategic Placement: Position complementary businesses near each other
- Traffic Flow: Use popular vendors to draw customers to quieter areas
- Accessibility: Ensure ADA-compliant spaces are clearly marked and accessible
Add-on Selection
Add-ons provide additional revenue opportunities while offering vendors valuable services that enhance their event experience.
Utilities & Infrastructure
Essential services for vendor operations.
- Electricity: Standard and high-power options
- Water Access: For food vendors and demonstrations
- Internet/WiFi: Dedicated connection for POS systems
- Waste Removal: Additional disposal services
Equipment & Furniture
Rental items to complete vendor setup.
- Tables: Various sizes and heights
- Chairs: For vendors and customer seating
- Tents/Canopies: Weather protection
- Display Cases: Secure product showcase
Marketing & Promotion
Services to boost vendor visibility.
- Social Media Feature: Highlighted posts
- Program Listing: Enhanced directory placement
- Banner Space: Additional signage opportunities
- Email Newsletter: Vendor spotlight inclusion
Add-on Pricing and Availability
| Add-on Service | Price | Availability | Popular With |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Electricity (110V) | $25 | 80% of spaces | Food vendors, craft demonstrations |
| High-Power Electric (220V) | $50 | Limited spaces | Food trucks, large equipment users |
| 6ft Table Rental | $15 | Unlimited | New vendors, minimal setup |
| 10x10 Tent Rental | $35 | Weather-dependent | Outdoor events, weather protection |
| Social Media Feature | $20 | 5 per event | New businesses, special promotions |
| Premium Directory Listing | $30 | 10 per event | Established vendors, brand building |
Important considerations for add-on services:
- Capacity Limits: Set realistic limits based on venue infrastructure
- Deadline Policies: Establish cutoff dates for add-on requests
- Cancellation Terms: Define refund policies for cancelled add-ons
- Setup Coordination: Ensure add-ons are delivered and configured properly
Booking Submission
The booking submission process collects all necessary information and ensures vendors understand their commitments before payment processing.
Required Information at Booking
Vendor Information
Contact and business verification.
- Primary contact person and phone
- Emergency contact information
- Business license verification
- Insurance certificate current status
Product Details
What the vendor will be selling.
- Product categories and descriptions
- Price ranges for customer guidance
- Special dietary or allergen information
- Any demonstrations or activities planned
Setup Requirements
Logistical needs and special requests.
- Vehicle size and access needs
- Setup time requirements
- Special equipment or utilities needed
- Accessibility accommodations
Booking Status Flow
Pending Application Submitted
Vendor has submitted booking request but payment is not yet processed. Admin review may be required for new vendors or special requests.
Confirmed Booking Approved
Space is reserved and booking is confirmed. Payment may be pending based on your payment terms (immediate vs. deadline-based).
Paid Payment Complete
Full payment received and vendor is fully confirmed for the event. Setup instructions and final details can be sent.
Cancelled Booking Cancelled
Booking was cancelled by vendor or admin. Refund processing follows your established cancellation policy.
Terms and Conditions
Vendors must acknowledge and agree to your terms before completing their booking. Key areas to cover include:
- Payment Terms: Due dates, accepted payment methods, late fees
- Cancellation Policy: Deadlines, refund schedules, cancellation fees
- Setup and Breakdown: Time limits, cleanup requirements, equipment removal
- Conduct Standards: Professional behavior expectations, prohibited activities
- Insurance Requirements: Coverage amounts, certificate submission deadlines
- Weather Policies: Outdoor event contingencies, makeup date procedures
- Compliance: Health permits, business licenses, local regulations
- Clear Language: Use plain English, avoid legal jargon where possible
- Reasonable Policies: Balance protection with vendor-friendly terms
- Regular Updates: Review and update terms annually or after incidents
- Legal Review: Have terms reviewed by legal counsel periodically
- Accessibility: Ensure terms are easily accessible and downloadable
Common Booking Issues and Solutions
Understanding common booking problems helps you provide better support and improve the booking experience.
Space Availability Conflicts
Issue: Multiple vendors trying to book the same popular space.
Solution:
- First-come, first-served policy with clear timestamps
- Hold periods (15-30 minutes) for payment completion
- Waitlist system for cancelled spaces
- Alternative space suggestions with incentives
Payment Processing Problems
Issue: Credit card declines, incomplete payments, technical errors.
Solution:
- Multiple payment method options (card, ACH, check)
- Clear error messages with next steps
- Manual payment processing capability
- Payment plan options for large amounts
Documentation Issues
Issue: Missing or expired insurance, licenses, permits.
Solution:
- Automated reminder system for document updates
- Grace periods with conditional approval
- Document verification checklist for vendors
- Direct links to relevant licensing authorities
Last-Minute Changes
Issue: Vendors requesting space changes, add-ons, or cancellations close to event date.
Solution:
- Clear deadlines for changes communicated upfront
- Fee structure for last-minute modifications
- Limited availability policies for peak times
- Flexible options where operationally feasible