MERCHANTS
WELCOME TO THE COMMUNITY MERCHANTS!
We cannot wait to collaborate with you.
Having a storefront can be costly if ventured alone therefore we have created a collaborative space for small business owners to test the market and sell their products with other merchants before venturing out to lease a space of their own. We also provide coaching and mentoring to help those business owners who wish to one day venture on their own, properly prepare, by doing market research and establishing their business for success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few FAQs. If there’s a question not answered feel free to connect with us for further explanation.
MERCHANTS:
How Do I Become A MERCHANT?
Complete the application. Pay the fee. That is IT!
The application was designed to help us get to know you and explore your business needs.
Where Are You Located?
410-E Lightfoot Rd
Williamsburg, VA 23188
How much does MERCHANT Membership cost?
Between $250 & $350 depending upon the space you choose in the boutique (floor spaces are higher priced).
However, we are running a $200 per month FOUNDING membership special for the months of April & May 2022 for ALL spaces in the boutique.
***There is a monthly space fee plus a 15% sales commission that collectively helps cover regular storefront expenses such as utilities, staff, marketing, and supplies. After the initial 3 month start-up payment, fees will be deducted from the merchant sales on a monthly basis. Commission fees will begin with the first sale.
What does MERCHANT Membership Include?
◉ Retail location open and operating 6 days a week
◉ Space for lease
◉ Overhead expenses (i.e. utilities, marketing, and supplies)
◉ Sales staff & management
◉ Point of sale system and merchant access (merchant training available)
◉ Fixture including racks, shelving, and tables (basic)
◉ Merchant signage placed in each merchant space
◉ Daily use of the maker space
◉ Daily use of equipment (training required)
◉ Business Workshops (most are free, and some specialty sessions are at minimal cost)
◉ Business Bootcamp – free access to our 2-day business boot camp and access to professional partners to help aid in your business growth (i.e., attorneys, accountants, bankers, marketing professionals, etc.)
◉ Business Coaching (FREE Group Coaching sessions)
◉ Community: Collaboration & Networking opportunities with a community of makers and merchants
◉ Use of meeting space at 3 co-working/co-merching buildings (scheduling & minimal costs may apply) visit our co-working sites at: https://maximizedlifecoaching.com/ AND http://worknimbly.com/
When can I start?
After paying the fee you will schedule your on-site orientation and equipment training. After orientation, you can set up your merchant space, start using the maker's space and start participating in our community activities!
Orientation is held weekly.
What are the store hours?
11:00 am - 7:00 pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
10:00 am - 6:00 pm Wednesday & Saturday
Hours may vary from location to location and by season.
Do I have to lock into a contract?
No lengthy contracts however merchants commit to a rolling 3-month payment period. You may terminate with 30 days’ notice. After the initial 3 month start-up payment, fees will be deducted from the merchant sales on a monthly basis. Commission fees will begin with the first sale.
Do I need to be on-site in my space to sell merchandise?
No!
WE provide sales staff.
YOU provide your merchandise, and we do the rest!
How do you keep track of items sold?
We have a dedicated point of sale system specific to a merchant/vendor-based store.
Merchants are provided a login that will give you access to your sales.
What fixtures, if any, are provided?
To provide a boutique appeal, we provide shelving, tables, and hanging racks. Merchants are encouraged to bring hangers (black), smaller fixtures, and décor needed to display merchandise and highlight their business brand.
How should items be tagged?
Before bringing items to the boutique, merchants must tag, price, and put items in the POS system per the guidelines (discussed at orientation). Tags must include the merchant’s name, merchant code, and price.
What about sales tax?
We calculate, hold and report all sales tax on items sold.
Your sales are paid and the store's commission is calculated before tax.
What about credit card fees?
Credit card fees are covered by the merchant sales and deducted from your monthly payout.
How do I know when my inventory is low? How and when do I restock?
Merchants are provided a login to access their sales. You will be able to manage your inventory by seeing what has sold. You are responsible for restocking your shelves when your inventory is low. If you do not restock an empty shelve or display within 2 days, we will put placeholder inventory on your shelf or display until you arrive to restock. This prevents the boutique from looking empty. You can restock your space at any time during business hours!
When are space fees due? When are sales paid?
Merchants must pay upfront for their first 3 month's space fee.
After the first 3 months, the space fees for the upcoming month are deducted from sales paid to you.
Sales are processed the first business day of each month for the month prior.