# III. A. 1. Getting Started - How to Apply **URL:** \ **Category:** Vendor Handbook\ **Created:** [January 1, 2026, 5:00am UTC](https://vendors.chattanoogamarket.com/t/iii-a-1-getting-started-how-to-apply/2161 "2026-01-01T05:00:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![brandy](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/user_avatar/vendors.chattanoogamarket.com/brandy/32/973_2.png) [@brandy](https://vendors.chattanoogamarket.com/u/brandy)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2026, 5:00am UTC](https://vendors.chattanoogamarket.com/t/iii-a-1-getting-started-how-to-apply/2161/1 "2026-01-01T05:00:00Z")
### **Steps Before Applying** **1. Check Eligibility & Vendor Standards** We only accept handmade, locally produced items. National franchises, multi-level marketing, or branded products are not eligible. Be prepared to provide photos or videos of your production process with your application. Vendors must meet all general and product-specific standards, including licenses, permits, and inspections. Only approved vendors can sell at our markets. **2. Observe the Market** Attend as a customer, chat with Market staff, and see how experienced vendors are set up. Make sure the market is a good fit for you. Market days are long, often warm and loud, and require inventory and preparation. It’s hard work—but also rewarding! **3. Join the Vendor Forum** The forum is our main communication channel. Create an account or log in to view the [vendor handbook](https://vendors.chattanoogamarket.com/t/table-of-contents/2608/7) and receive announcements and updates about upcoming events. **4. Ask Questions & Connect with Staff** If you’re unsure whether your product or activity is a good fit, reach out to staff before submitting your interest. ### **Apply** **5. Submit Your Application** [Apply online](https://form.asana.com/?k=ikOI-BtvMOdr_zN8r_ZlXA&d=133458379423364) between February and November 1st. The application portal is closed during the off-season. Applications that meet initial eligibility and align with our market standards will move into a full review, including verification of permits, product label compliance, inspections, and any additional required information. At that time, a nonrefundable $75 processing fee will be collected. Payment of this fee does not guarantee acceptance into our markets. _Note:_ Approval does not guarantee immediate market space. When space is available in your product category, Market staff will contact you to move forward in the application process. **6. Respond Promptly to Requests** After applying, respond to any requests for documentation, product photos, or workspace photos. Delays may slow approval. ### **Onboarding** **7. Complete Vendor Orientation** Required before selling at any market. You may vend the same day as your orientation. Sign up via the Vendor Portal. Orientations are offered multiple times each month. **8. Register for Your First Market** Once approved and oriented, register for markets through the Vendor Portal to reserve your spot. ---
**Author:** ![chris](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/user_avatar/vendors.chattanoogamarket.com/chris/32/3_2.png) [@chris](https://vendors.chattanoogamarket.com/u/chris)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2026, 5:53am UTC](https://vendors.chattanoogamarket.com/t/iii-a-1-getting-started-how-to-apply/2161/2 "2026-01-13T05:53:53Z")
A post was split to a new topic: [New Vendor Applications](https://vendors.chattanoogamarket.com/t/new-vendor-applications/2210) ---
**Author:** ![chris](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/user_avatar/vendors.chattanoogamarket.com/chris/32/3_2.png) [@chris](https://vendors.chattanoogamarket.com/u/chris)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2026, 10:17pm UTC](https://vendors.chattanoogamarket.com/t/iii-a-1-getting-started-how-to-apply/2161/3 "2026-01-26T22:17:37Z")
2 posts were merged into an existing topic: [New Vendor Applications](https://vendors.chattanoogamarket.com/t/new-vendor-applications/2210/7) ---
**Author:** ![chris](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/user_avatar/vendors.chattanoogamarket.com/chris/32/3_2.png) [@chris](https://vendors.chattanoogamarket.com/u/chris)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2026, 4:42am UTC](https://vendors.chattanoogamarket.com/t/iii-a-1-getting-started-how-to-apply/2161/4 "2026-02-02T04:42:08Z")
2 posts were split to a new topic: [Holiday Market Applications?](https://vendors.chattanoogamarket.com/t/holiday-market-applications/2299) ---
**Author:** ![chris](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/user_avatar/vendors.chattanoogamarket.com/chris/32/3_2.png) [@chris](https://vendors.chattanoogamarket.com/u/chris)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2026, 8:43pm UTC](https://vendors.chattanoogamarket.com/t/iii-a-1-getting-started-how-to-apply/2161/5 "2026-02-03T20:43:46Z")
2 posts were merged into an existing topic: [New Vendor Applications](https://vendors.chattanoogamarket.com/t/new-vendor-applications/2210/15) ---
**Author:** ![chris](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/user_avatar/vendors.chattanoogamarket.com/chris/32/3_2.png) [@chris](https://vendors.chattanoogamarket.com/u/chris)\ **Post date:** [January 7, 2023, 9:14pm UTC](https://vendors.chattanoogamarket.com/t/iii-a-1-getting-started-how-to-apply/2161/6 "2023-01-07T21:14:31Z")