Trader Rules and Guidlines

TRADER RULES & GUIDELINES
We’re really pleased you’re interested in trading with The Pop Up Group. Our markets are built around quality, fairness, and community — celebrating independent makers, growers, and street food traders while creating a safe, enjoyable experience for both traders and customers.
We are a vendor-first market, which means we take care to support our traders so they can focus on their customers. When stallholders are looked after, the whole market benefits.
By applying to trade with us, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to the rules and guidelines below.

PRODUCT STANDARDS
All products must be made, grown, or prepared by you.
We do not accept imported non-food goods, mass-produced items, or drop-shipped products.
Products must be high quality and professionally presented at all times.
We reserve the right to refuse or remove products that do not meet these standards at any point.

STREET FOOD TRADERS
We welcome a limited number of street food traders at selected markets to enhance the visitor experience.
Street food traders are selected to ensure a balanced offering and avoid unnecessary duplication.
Not all street food applications can be accepted.
Priority may be given to traders offering something distinctive and complementary to the market.
When applying as a street food trader, you must provide a clear description of your menu, photos of your setup and food, details of equipment being used, and any power requirements.
Acceptance of street food traders is at the discretion of The Pop Up Group and may vary by venue or event.

ALCOHOL TRADERS
We welcome applications from traders selling bottled or packaged alcoholic products, such as craft spirits, bottled beers, wines, or ciders.
Alcohol must not be sold for on-site consumption unless explicitly agreed in writing in advance.
Small tasting samples may be permitted, subject to licensing and venue conditions.
Traders are responsible for ensuring compliance with all relevant licensing laws and regulations.
Please outline your full product range and any sampling plans when applying.

STALL ALLOCATION & FAIR TRADING
We aim to create a well-balanced mix of stalls at each market, giving traders the best possible opportunity to trade successfully while keeping the experience varied for customers.
Where multiple traders offer very similar products, we may limit direct overlap to help protect trader sales.
Overlap may be permitted where traders have discussed it between themselves and are happy to trade alongside one another. Any agreed overlap must be declared at the time of application and approved in advance.
In cases of partial overlap, a trader may be asked to remove a specific product for that event, typically the most recent applicant.
Priority may be given to traders who apply early or trade regularly with us.

WHY WE MANAGE PRODUCT OVERLAP
Managing product overlap helps create a healthier market for everyone. It reduces unnecessary competition, improves variety for customers, and supports fair trading conditions. Where overlap works for the traders involved, we’re open to it, always with transparency and the wider market in mind.

SAFETY & CONDUCT
All equipment must be safe, suitable for public use, and maintained in good working order.
All electrical equipment must be PAT tested and in date.
Traders may be asked to provide proof of PAT testing on the day.
Cables must be secured and kept clear of public walkways.
Any hot equipment or cooking areas must be supervised at all times and clearly identified.
Gazebos and displays must be stable and securely weighted. Gazebo weights are mandatory on all legs.
Traders are responsible for the safety of their pitch, equipment, and any staff or helpers.
Professional and respectful behaviour is expected at all times.

GENERAL SETUP & TRADING
Traders must provide their own table and/or gazebo unless otherwise agreed in advance.
Pitches must be kept tidy throughout the event.
All rubbish and waste must be removed at the end of the market.
Traders must arrive at least 60 minutes before opening and be fully set up 15 minutes before opening time.
Traders are expected to remain for the full duration of the market unless prior permission has been given to leave early.
We reserve the right to refuse applications, cancel bookings, or remove traders from an event if these guidelines are not followed.

TRADER & VOLUNTEER DISCOUNT
To encourage a supportive, community-led atmosphere, traders and volunteers are asked to offer each other a small discount during the market.
A minimum 10% discount is suggested but not mandatory.

PITCH FEES, BOOKINGS & STALL ALLOCATION
Pitch fees vary by location and event and will be clearly communicated before payment is requested.
Submitting an application does not guarantee a pitch.
Bookings are only confirmed once a payment link has been issued and payment has been received in full.
Payment links are typically sent in the week leading up to the market.
Once payment has been received, traders will be allocated a pitch on the stall layout.
Stall layouts are usually finalised and shared approximately 24 hours before the market.
Pitch positions are allocated at the discretion of The Pop Up Group, taking into account stall size, power requirements, product mix, and overall market flow.
Specific pitch positions cannot be guaranteed.

ELECTRICITY
Electricity availability and pricing vary by venue and cannot be guaranteed.
Where electricity is available, it must be requested in advance and is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Traders requiring electricity must supply their own extension cable.
We recommend bringing an extension cable of at least 50 metres.
All electrical equipment brought to site must be PAT tested and suitable for outdoor use.
Failure to complete payment by the stated deadline may result in the pitch being offered to another trader.

WEATHER, CANCELLATIONS & NO-SHOWS
Markets run outdoors and will go ahead in most weather conditions unless advised otherwise.
Markets will only be cancelled by The Pop Up Group in cases of unsafe or extreme weather, venue issues, or circumstances outside our control.
If a market is cancelled by us, traders will be offered a refund or credit depending on the circumstances.
If a trader cancels after payment has been made, refunds are not guaranteed and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Failure to attend a market without prior notice may affect future applications.

WHAT TO BRING – TRADER CHECKLIST
Traders are responsible for bringing everything required to trade safely and professionally, including table and/or gazebo, gazebo weights for all legs, display equipment, signage and pricing, stock, packaging and payment equipment, and weather protection.
If electricity has been requested, bring an extension cable (minimum 50 metres recommended), any additional power equipment required, and PAT-tested electrical equipment only.

STREET FOOD SAFETY & COMPLIANCE
Street food traders must comply with all relevant food safety and trading regulations, including appropriate food hygiene certification, public liability insurance suitable for street food trading, compliance with local authority and environmental health requirements, and safe handling, storage, and preparation of food at all times.
All cooking equipment must be safe, stable, and supervised.
Traders are responsible for managing queues safely and ensuring their setup does not obstruct walkways or neighbouring stalls.
Failure to meet these requirements may result in refusal to trade on the day.

DECLARATION
By submitting an application, you confirm that all products sold will be your own work, meet the standards set out by The Pop Up Group, and that you agree to follow all trader rules and guidelines, operate a safe and professional stall, comply with relevant laws and regulations, remain for the full duration of the event, and pay the applicable pitch fee in advance to secure your booking.