A ZipsGuide
Holiday Market Vendor Registration
Promote your business with an ad or coupon in a booklet to be given to students (with valid ZipCard ID) at the market event.
For $50, businesses of any kind (including dining establishments, book sellers and all others), can promote their products and services in the ZipsGuide Coupon Book. For more information and to order an ad or coupon space, click here.
We are pleased to invite small, local vendors from downtown Akron, Akron's neighborhoods, Summit County and closely surrounding areas to register and share their products and services with our student body at: 'A ZipsGuide small & local Holiday Market' on Monday, Dec. 2 from 2 to 7 p.m. in the Jean Hower Taber Student Union - 2nd (main) floor.
The registration form is due by Friday, November 8 at 5 p.m. Please complete this form and submit the $10.00 parking fee to secure your space. The market is currently planned to accommodate up to 50 vendors on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that we cannot accommodate the sale of food, University of Akron branded merchandise or books due to existing external contracts.
**ZipsGuide Student Shopper Insights Report:** As a bonus incentive, vendors who register will receive a copy of the insights report created by students in the PR Strategic Campaigns course. The students surveyed over 200 students about what they are shopping for, who they are shopping for, and what they are willing and able to spend, in order to produce a report that will help vendors plan the best product mix and pricing strategy for the event.
'A ZipsGuide small & local Holiday Market' Vendor FAQ:
How much does it cost? There is no cost to vend at this event outside of the $10.00 parking fee, which must be prepaid to secure your spot.
I want to place a coupon or ad in the market directory booklet, is there a cost? Yes, it is $50 to place an ad or coupon in the market directory booklet that is being planned by ZipsGuide students. These booklets will be handed out to students with a valid ZipCard ID. The $50 will be used to offset the cost of printing.
Who can vend? Note: we will be limiting each product category to ensure good variety at the market. Spaces are first come, first served. Our event is focused on businesses located in the Downtown Akron district, as well as other neighborhoods across the city of Akron. Depending on demand, we will accept vendors from across Summit county and nearby areas. Again, vendors who sell food or University of Akron branded merchandise or books cannot vend those at this market. They can, however sign up for a table to promote their business or, for a small $50 fee to support printing, they can have a coupon or ad in the event directory.
How do I know I've been accepted? You will receive an email confirming your space at the event after your registration and parking fee have been received, and your business has been reviewed (to ensure that your products do not conflict with university policy or existing contracts as noted above). Please check the email you used to register for this confirmation and for further updates as the event date nears.
I want to share this event with my followers, how can I do that? Yes, please! You can share the current A ZipsGuide Holiday Market Event Page here, but when the official student-generated promotional materials are released, you will receive access to social media, web and email marketing graphics that you can use to promote your attendance at the event.
What is provided in terms of space and amenities? You will be provided with a 6-foot table with a minimum of 4 ft in front and behind your table. If you need special access to power, water, or other amenities for your table, please indicate this on the registration form. We will do our best to accommodate these requests.
Do I need to bring my canopy tent? Nope! This market is fully indoors and located in one of the highest student foot traffic areas on campus. It is also located near the unviersity marketplace with dining options including UA dining services, Chick-fil-A, Panda Express and others.
Will all vendors be located on the main floor of the building? Our current goal, based on feedback from prior vendor events, is to keep all businesses on the second floor, which is the main floor of the union. If we attract over 35 vendors, we will split them evently between the two floors and use signage and event features to ensure an equal flow of traffic.
Do I need to accept _________ form of payment? Obviously, the more types of payment you accept the easier it will be for students and community members to shop, but we do not require that vendors accept any specific type of payment. We will create signage that showcases what types you offer to place on your table.
Where do I park? Vendor Parking information (including a map). The student union has a convenient space where you can pull up to drop off your materials and then relocate your car to a nearby parking structure. We have some carts available for moving supplies on a first come, first served basis. We will also have student volunteers to assist the unloading and loading of your materials.
I have a question, who do I contact? Email guide editor, Julie Cajigas at julieca@uakron.edu, or call her office number at 330-972-6914.
Note: Again, we cannot accommodate the sale of food, University of Akron branded clothing, or books due to external contracts with the university. Unsure if your goods are included in this? Email Julie Cajigas at julieca@uakron.edu to clarify what you will be bringing that day to sell or promote. Feel free to reach out to her with other questions that may arise.
Downtown Akron Partnership Announces Downtown Dollars E-Gift Card Program > read more here.