Local Makers - Sell with Us!
About Us
The Crafty Shambles is a family owned craft business, launched in 2020. Over the last few years we have attended countless craft fairs and markets,and had the opportunity to meet and see a wide range of talented local makers.
On Saturday October 1st 2022, we opened our first store in Bentonville Arkansas, at the 100 Center, the corner of North Walton and Central. We have over 50 local artists and makers and we're looking for more!
What Are You Looking For?
We want to make sure we provide a wide range of the best Northwest Arkansas has to offer. Although we produce a range of products ourselves, we want to offer as much variety as our space allows.
We invite all artists and crafters who have product that meet our submission criteria to apply, especially if you offer products that promote the area - NWA, Arkansas, and Bentonville specifically.
We have no rule on exclusivity outside of the store. As makers ourselves, we know how hard it is to build a brand and a customer base, and we believe you should be able to sell wherever you can. So while we may limit the number of makers of one particular craft in the store, we have no requirement where you can only sell in our store. All we ask is when you promote your products on your social media, you reference us as a location you can buy them (and tag us if you can!)
Furthermore, we welcome artists and makers who would like to offer classes and use our space, even if you don’t intend to sell product.
Submission Criteria
This criteria must be met for all vendors wishing to sell arts and crafts at the store.
- Your product must be handmade, by you or members of your family.
- You may submit product where you have sourced "raw materials" from other places, but the item must have been transformed into something aesthetically or functionally different.
- Food product must be correctly labeled in compliance with the Arkansas Freedom Act
- Children’s toys must have gone through the necessary federal certification testing.
- Your product is not political / sexual or otherwise controversial in nature.
Our commission rate is 25% with no upfront costs or set monthly fees. When you sell - you'll get paid at the end of that month.
25% may seem high, but we will be taking care of staffing to sell your products, most the marketing (you can still help!), handling the tax etc. You have no booth fees and you don’t have to stand at a booth all day!
We do not have a minimum term, and although we would prefer that you sell with us for at least 6 months, you are not obligated to do so. Furthermore, we do not require you to volunteer hours at the store. Although not required, there are opportunities to volunteer at the store with reduced commission rates for those that do.
Will You Promote My Products?
Yes! We actively promoting The Crafty Shambles Studio Store and as many products as we can across multiple social media channels in addition to when we attend markets and craft events. Our goal is to offer as many of our products on our website as well. One of our unique selling points here is we offer online pickup and delivery in the local area.
We have over 2600 Facebook followers and steadily growing, 500+ Instagram followers (also growing) and we will be working on our TikTok channel over the next few months. We have a lot of plans for growth - but as an accepted maker, we'll need your help too!
All approved vendors will be invited to a private Facebook group where we'll work as a community to promote the store and all the products. Working together, we will make this more successful. One thing you will notice quickly is that we are very transparent, we share what’s working and what’s not working, and we listen to our vendors and customers feedback and act on it.
Why is it called a Studio Store?
50% of the store is dedicated to craft making! We have scheduled and walk in events where the public and private parties can come to the store and make their own crafts. People that come to the studio will shop in the store as well!
The Studio is also available to local makers who would like to teach craft classes. Local makers that do not want to sell,but do want to offer classes should apply as a vendor. For classes during opening hours, we charge a 20% commission on ticket sales, and we use the commission to promote the event and operate the store during the event. Outside of opening hours, the cost is $25 per class hour.
What Do I Need To Do?
If you are interested in being a local maker or offering classes with The Crafty Shambles, please complete the application form below.