Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book a pitch at your markets?
You’ll only be able to book a pitch at the market if you are registered with us, either as a casual trader or a Member. Markets are all separate events and open individually for bookings. Markets will open first to members and then to selected Casual traders. If you are not a member or a registered casual trader you will not be able to book a pitch at the markets.
What does it mean to be a registered casual trader?
Registered traders are simply those that have completed the application form and returned it to us with all the appropriate documentation. Provided the form has been completed correctly the trader will be classed as registered once the application has been assessed and filed. . Membership will be discussed if the applicant is interested in joining as a member and they fit the criteria. Registration is vital. All traders must register with the market. Registration with the market does not imply that a trading pitch will be allocated however. Some markets will only be open for booking with our members for example.
Can I join the market as a member?
Trading Membership will be open to anyone that meets the Trading Criteria and has an interest in assisting the group to achieve its aims and is willing to adhere to the group rules. If you feel you meet the criteria and are interested in assisting the group please contact us to discuss membership. Non Trading Membership shall be open to anyone who has an interest in assisting the Group to achieve its aims and is willing to adhere to the rules of the Group. All Membership applications must be reviewed and approved by committee before they are approved.
How do I become a member of the Market Group?
If you wish to join as a member contact us and request a registration form, and let us know that you are interested in membership. All traders must trade with us once as a causal trader before applying for membership. The committee will assess the registration application and if we feel you fit the trading criteria and add value to the market your membership application will be accepted.
Do I have to be a member to trade at one of your markets?
No, we love casual traders. You don’t have to be a member, however, we do prioritise our members and cannot guarantee that all casual traders will be offered pitches.
Will I ever be offered a trading pitch if I am a casual trader?
While we cannot guarantee that any casual trader will be offered a pitch we do regularly have spaces available for casual traders. Whether or not you are offered a chance to trade will depend on a few factors. When selecting traders from our casual traders the committee will take into account the following, 1)which traders compliment and add value to the event , 2)which traders best fit the criteria3)which traders don’t conflict or create a direct duplicate with members 4) which traders help us meet our ideal trading ratio 5) other factors may be taken into account.
Will I always be guaranteed a trading pitch if I am a member?
Frequently we have more members than trading pitches available. While we cannot guarantee that every memberr will be offered a pitch at every market . Whether or not you are offered a chance to trade will depend on a few factors. When selecting traders the market manager will take into account the following, 1)which traders compliment and add value to the event , 2) which traders help us meet our ideal trading ratio, 3) other factors may be taken into account.
Do you supply market tables?
No, The Ballycastle Town Market will not typically provide any accessories other than canopies. Tables, chairs etc must all be provided by the trader.
I need a larger/smaller pitch size. Can you accommodate?
Our standard Pitch size is 6ft (1.8m), where possible we will try to accommodate your requirements. Larger pitch sizes will incur a higher pitch fee. It is your responsibility to notify us of the required pitch size when applying. Failure to do so will result in a 6ft pitch being allocated. Alternative pitch sizes may not always be possible, so please check for each market that you apply for.
Why do I need Public Liability Insurance?
While public liability cover is not a legal requirement, it is crucial. And it is a contractual requirement when trading with us. This insurance is required by most markets and protects the market trader from any liability if a shopper happens to get injured. They can also protect the market trader from liability associated with the products that he or she is selling. It is a vital means of protecting one's assets if a person is interested in opening and operating their own market stall. Without this insurance, a trader could find themselves in serious financial trouble should an accident occur. Most of our traders have acquired public liability insurance for less than £50 per Year.
Do you accept Employee Liability Insurance Instead?
No. Employee Liability Insurance and Public Liability Insurance are not the same, please don’t confuse these two. Public Liability Insurance is between the Trader and the Public (Customers, and other traders) Employee Liability Insurance is an agreement between yourself and your employees. It is a legal requirement if you have employees.
I’m selling food and I have a Food Hygiene Certificate. Is this enough?
No. It is great that you hold this certificate and it is recommended that you do so. However in addition we require that you register your food business with your local Environmental Health Department. They will complete all the necessary checks on your premises and procedures etc. This registration is a legal requirement for all Food Businesses and does not cost anything. You must provide us with proof of this registration.
Do you allow duplicate traders?
Yes and No. Each product duplication application will be assessed individually on the merit of the application. Members are advised to work together as a team to avoid duplication of products whenever possible. If the committee feel that a particular product duplication is not in the best interests of the market it may be refused, however no trader should feel they hold a monopoly over one product area.
Whenever we are selecting registered traders from the casual traders list we will take duplication into account.
We do try to avoid over saturation of each market with one particular type of trader.
We aim to allocate a ratio of the market to each trading category – This is a difficult area to manage and this ratio is used as a guide. This guide is important and it may be reviewed frequently to reflect the demands on the market from certain areas. We find it’s beneficial for both the traders and the customers to manage the ratio of traders that the markets. Category 1 – Primary Farm produce 20% Category 2 – Hand Made Consumable products 20% Category 3 – Hand Made Items 35% Category 4 – Hand Made Jewellery 10% Category 5 – Art 15%
Do you provide electricity?
Occasionally at some larger events it will be provided, but not typically. We have strict safety rules for any trader that may wish to use electricity, a generator or gas, and these must be adhered to.
Why do you impose a trading criteria, and do I have to meet it?
One of our aims is to provide a market that serves the Members and the local community. We must impose this criteria to ensure the produce and craft items remain within our desired criteria and to the standard we expect. Typically all traders should meet the trading criteria; exceptions may be made, but this rarely happens.
When we can’t source enough traders for any particular market, we will allow pitches to be hired to traders who would usually cause duplication or who don’t typically fit the criteria as we cannot afford to allow pitches to sit empty. The committee may make exceptions to the criteria in certain situations – ie to respond to local demand.
We also find that the local community enjoys a little variety in the market from time to time and aim to occasionally invite different traders to help add variety to the markets.
Do you have a hot food and drink policy?
To ensure we are consistent in providing a market that complements the local area we have introduced a 'No Hot Food & Drinks' policy.
This is to ensure that we complement rather than compete with the local high street retailers and provide a synergistic environment.
Exceptions may be made by the committee where the hot food/drink provider is the primary producer of the goods sold, and on occasions where the location of the market does not compete with local high street hot food providers.