Maker Collective Makerspace Plans

Please keep in mind that plans may change a bit as we move forward.

I’m currently exploring the possibility of opening a maker market space in St. Catharines designed to solve some common problems vendors experience at markets.

Many makers have told me things like:

• Transporting displays every time is exhausting

• It’s hard to commit to every market date

• Missing one event means missing all sales opportunities

• Markets can feel inconsistent or difficult to plan around

This concept is meant to create a more flexible system where vendors can still participate regularly, even if they can’t attend every event in person.

The Concept – Regular Indoor Markets

The space would host regular indoor markets on Fridays and Saturdays.

Instead of requiring vendors to attend every event in person, this system would allow more flexibility in how you participate.

Booth or Shelf Participation

Vendors would be able to choose how they participate each time.

You could:

• Attend the market in person with a booth

• Leave products on shelves if you cannot attend

• Mix booth and shelf participation depending on your schedule

Example:

You might attend one market in person, but leave products on shelves for another date that month.

This allows vendors to stay involved even during busy weeks, illness, travel, or other commitments.

Participation Trade-Offs

Both participation styles have different advantages.

Booth Vendors:

Pros

• Direct interaction with customers

• Ability to explain your products and brand

• Often higher sales due to engagement

• Larger display space

• Tables and chairs provided (no need to bring your own)

Cons

• Must attend in person

• Setup and teardown required

Shelf Vendors:

Pros

• Participate even if you cannot attend

• No need to travel or stay for the full event

• Products remain on display between markets

• Products may also be available during workshops

Cons

• Smaller display space

• No direct interaction with customers

Workshop Exposure

The space may also host workshops throughout the month.

Products left on shelves may be available for purchase during workshops, which can provide additional passive exposure.

Booth vendors who take their products home after markets would not have products available during workshops. However, both participation styles have different benefits:

• Booth vendors usually get stronger engagement and higher sales

• Shelf vendors may get more consistent exposure between events

The number of workshops will vary and is not guaranteed.

Optional Display Storage

For vendors attending multiple markets, there may be an optional storage option where you could leave things like display racks and products between markets for a small monthly fee.

This would help reduce the need to transport displays every time.

Vendor Volunteer Option

A vendor volunteer spot may also be available for some markets.

Vendor volunteers would receive a free vendor spot in exchange for helping with things like:

• Setup

• Vendor check-in

• Cleanup

Volunteer spots would be limited and not guaranteed for every event.