What are the requirements of dealers at the Aberfoyle Antique Market?
 Your business must be registered as an Ontario business. You will be required to provide this business number when you sign your lease. Your business must be involved in the sale of antiques. This is loosely defined, but should cover products manufactured in the 1950s or earlier, i.e. 1940s, 1930s, etc. It is acceptable to sell items in the rough. There is no requirement as to the category of antique you offer, but if limited spaces are available, the dealer awarded the space may be determined by the uniqueness of their offering. You must agree with the requirements of an Aberfoyle dealer as set out in the lease.

What is the process for becoming a dealer at Aberfoyle?
 Contact the office at 519-763-1077 and request to have your name added to the waiting list of Dealers. Booths typically only become available at the end of a season. Each year, a few dealers leave the Market, usually to retire. When these spaces become available, they are awarded either to new dealers or to existing dealers who are seeking to expand their booths.

Why would I want to be a dealer at Aberfoyle?
 The Market in Aberfoyle is well-known. On a typical Sunday, we’ll have 1,000–3,000 visitors, all keen to seek out a special acquisition. While many dealers have complained of a declining market for antiques, Aberfoyle actually saw an attendance increase in 2007 over 2006 of 8.5%. A large part of this increase is attributed to the attitude of management and their commitment to growing awareness and attendance for the Market. A long-term plan to achieve these goals was put into action in 2007. While Market management cannot guarantee your individual business results, your opportunity to achieve positive results are far superior if you become a member of the Aberfoyle team.
 

What options do I have as a dealer?
 Your options as a dealer are to become a permanent dealer or a visiting dealer. A third option of a Fall or Spring Special Dealer is also available. If you wish to participate in either the Fall or Spring Specials please click on Dealer Info – Special Events.

What classifies a permanent dealer?
 Permanent Dealers have fixed booth space. This means that you will be assigned a permanent structure booth. This booth will allow you to store some of your inventory between Sunday events. The security of this booth is your responsibility as is any loss or damage to your inventory while in the booth. Booths are supplied with electricity at no extra cost beyond your rent charge. Booths may also be rented at a nominal charge during the off-season for the storage of inventory. As a permanent Dealer you pay your rent on a monthly basis – calculated on a per week charge – and agree to open your booth each week of the season. If you fail to open on a particular week for any reason, you are still responsible for the payment of your rent. If you miss multiple Sundays within a season, it is unlikely your lease will be renewed for the next season. This action is taken to ensure our visitors have the enjoyment of the full Market.

What classifies a visiting dealer?
 A visiting dealer receives space in the parking lot area. This space must be requested at least one week in advance and may or may not be rain/sun protected. Visiting dealers may participate at the Market one week but not the next – it is up to them. Limited spaces are available and there is no guarantee of space for a visiting dealer from week to week. Visiting dealers who book space in advance and then fail to participate on the designated week are still responsible to pay the rent for that space. Dealers who fail to pay the rent for a ‘no-show’ will no longer be awarded space for future Market days. Visiting dealers who choose not to participate due to forecasted rain may cancel as long as they do so by 4 pm the Friday prior to the Market day. This option is not available to permanent dealers, as their booths afford them some protection from the elements.
 

What other charges are there for being a dealer at Aberfoyle?
 While some venues have additional charges for advertising and other things, Aberfoyle has no such other charges. Management uses the rents to maintain booths, pay electrical charges, maintain the grounds, advertise, etc. There are no additional charges for any of these items. Dealers are cautioned, however, that they are not covered by any insurance purchased by the Market. Losses to inventory or injury to customers or damage to their personal effects due to a dealer’s neglect are risks borne by the dealer.

What rules must I adhere to if I become a dealer?
 The rules at Aberfoyle are quite simple. They relate to opening hours, the type of inventory you sell, and your respect for our visitors. As these requirements change slightly from year to year, we recommend you request a copy of the lease for review.

What if my booth requires repair?
 Repairs are carried out based on urgency. A leaking roof will be repaired sooner than a loose hinge. Dealers should report repair requirements to management for review and prioritization. As already stated, management will not bear any responsibility for damage to your inventory while on Aberfoyle premises. If you are concerned about possible damage to a specific item between Market days, you are responsible for taking proper precautions to protect it from damage.

May I make alterations to my booth?
 You may make alterations to your booth if they are pre-approved by management. Approval does not automatically mean that you will be compensated for the alterations. If you wish to be compensated, the cost of the work must be reviewed and approved by management. Please note that management will be undertaking a replacement program for booths over the next few years. Due to the investment that will be made in this exercise, it is unlikely management will approve any current alterations for reimbursement.

May I erect a tent or other structure by my booth?
 These must also receive prior approval by management. A tent or other structure may or may not be approved and will depend somewhat on lane access. If others require lane access that your tent or covering may block, they will not be approved. In the event that your tent or covering are approved, be advised that the approval will only be for the current year, and there is no assurance of the approval for the subsequent year or years. Therefore the risk of expense associated to the tent or structure is entirely to the dealer, and Market management will not compensate dealers for any inability to use these tents or structures in future years.

What’s next?
 Again, if you are serious about becoming a dealer, please contact management at 519-763-1077 to get more details. Thanks for your interest!
 
© 2009 Aberfoyle Antique Market
1-877-763-1077    519-763-1077    fax: 519-763-6221   info@aberfoyle-antiques.com