FAQs
What kind of spaces are available?
We offer three types of spaces for this event:
Retail
Food
Community Organizations / Non-Profits
Regardless of category, each booth will be 10’ x 10’. All belongings must fit within the allotted space provided.
What does KOHO provide with my fees?
KOHO provides promotion in our social media channels, website, and e-newsletters, including posts that specifically name your business/product. We also submit this event to local San Francisco event guides.
Do I need to bring my own equipment (tables, chairs, tents, etc)?
Yes, all vendors are required to provide their own infrastructure including tables, chairs, tents, and point of sale equipment.
Can I rent tents, tables and chairs?
Yes! Vendors can rent chairs, tables, and canopies!
Chairs (2) - $10
Table (1) - $25
Canopy Tent (1) - $50
For more information on equipment rentals, please click here.
Note: There are a limited quantity of equipment rentals available. Equipment rentals will not be accommodated day-of the event.
Will there be WiFi available?
No, because we will be outside, there is not WiFi available for vendors. Please be prepared to use your own mobile devices and/or equipment in this case.
Where can I park to unload? Can I drive up to my space?
Unloading information will be sent to you if you are accepted to vend at the event. Please know that the unloading zone will only be available for unloading, and you will need to find your own street parking for your vehicle.
You will need to cart your items into the venue from the unloading area. Please be prepared to do this with a wagon and/or dolly..
What factors are considered when selecting vendors?
We read through every vendor’s application and review their website and social media. A large social media following is NOT required - we are looking more for your social media presence to tell your story and understand your offerings. Priority will be given to vendors whose work encompasses the following:
Items that are uniquely Japanese or Japanese American in their nature.
Work that has a clear connection to traditional Japanese or Japanese American culture. (We love a modern take on a time-honored craft or technique!)
Items made and/or designed by the seller.
Work created by folx who identify as Japanese or Japanese-American or who have roots in San Francisco’s Japantown. We recognize that many people with roots in this community no longer have the privilege to live or work here, and we want to make space for you to come back.
I sell food, can I participate?
Yes! We welcome food vendors that serve pre-packaged food and drink items! Food is such an integral piece to our culture, and we encourage vendors whose foods are related to Japanese and Japanese American cuisine to apply. Fresh mochi, artisanal sauces, and giftable foods would be well-received! Note: we cannot accommodate vendors who cook and assemble their foods on-site.
Is there an additional fee to sell food?
Yes. These fees are set by the San Francisco Department of Public Health, and 100% of those fees go to SFDPH.
What’s the general Day-of-Event Schedule look like?
Vendor Load-ins: 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Food vendors, be prepared for inspection by 11:00 am
Retail vendors, be prepared to sell by 11:45 am
Marketplace Hours:12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Load Out of Venue: 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
When is payment due?
Payment is due with your application.
If you apply but are not accepted, you will receive a full refund of your payment by July 17th.
I’ve applied to the market. When will I hear back from you?
You will hear back about the status of your application by Wednesday, July 15th. If we have a waitlist, and you are on the waitlist, your fees will be refunded upon notification of your waitlist status. Vendors who are accepted off of the waitlist will have 48 hours to pay again to secure their space.
What is your cancellation policy?
Vendors who cancel on or beforeJuly 29th will receive a full refund within 3 business days. After that date, the only instance in which a refund will be given is if KOHO is able to backfill your space off of our waitlist.
Anything else I should know?
At the conclusion of the event, you will need to disclose your sales numbers for the event. We know this is unusual, but here’s why:
KOHO is a grassroots community nonprofit organization deeply committed to servicing our arts and culture community. We are sustained by grants and foundations that measure our funding and our success by your success! If you do well and help us collect data on the economic opportunities that we are able to provide you as entrepreneurs, we can use that data to help us gain future funding to allow for more opportunities for you and other artisans to come through KOHO for future markets. It’s through this collective effort that KOHO is committed to nurturing for all.
This data will NOT be used in evaluating if we accept your application at future vending opportunities.