When are you opening the Virginia Beach store location?
We plan to open to the public March – April 2025.
Vendors can start coming in to setup and work on their booths once our renovations are complete. Vendors will be notified by email once our remodel is done. We hope to be complete in January – February 2025.
How do I become a vendor?
Start by submitting a vendor application on our website. The application doesn’t commit you or us to anything, it just lets us know that you are interested. After that, we will reach out and discuss what your needs are and if they align with what we have available in the store then move forward from there.
Will there be partition walls?
No. We’re not building walls for you. You will have an open space to build on. Here are some examples.
How does working as a Vendor for Discounted Booth Rent work?
We are currently experiencing a high volume of requests to work for booth discounts. Unfortunately, there are no more spots available at this time. If you’re interested, we will add your name to our waitlist for future opportunities.
Approved vendors are eligible to work the store for a discount on booth rent. These vendors are not employees. They will not be issued a 1099 or w-2. They will receive a discount on their monthly rent due.
What happens if I submit an application but the store doesn’t have space for me?
We keep all applications on file and when a space becomes available, we will reach out to potential vendors who may be a good fit for that space.
How long are booth leases?
Our leases are month-to-month. We prefer vendors to commit to at least three months but it is not a requirement in the lease.
How often will rent be due?
Leases are month to month and rent will be due each month.
Do vendors need to have a business license?
Chesapeake – No
Virginia Beach – Yes…
The City of Virginia Beach requires all vendors to obtain a business license to sell at our location. Even if you have a business license for another store in Virginia Beach, you will still need to acquire one specifically for VA Vintage. Note: They will require you to provide a signed vendor agreement between you and VA Vintage.
The cost of the business license is determined based on an estimate of gross sales. There are three different tiers available for licensing fees.
$0 – $25,000 =$25 Flat Fee
$25,001 – $100,000 = $40 Flat Fee
$100,001 – $200,000 = $50 Flat Fee
For help, call the Commissioner of the Revenue at (757) 385-4515 or email [email protected]. Here’s a printable copy of the Business License Application
Payments may be made in the license portal at https://pay.vbepay.com, or send check a check by mail to the Commissioner’s Office, City Hall, Building 1, 2401 Courthouse Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. You may also visit the office to pay in person by cash, credit card, debit card, or check.
Payments may be made in the license portal at https://pay.vbepay.com, or send check a check by mail to the Commissioner’s Office, City Hall, Building 1, 2401 Courthouse Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. You may also visit the office to pay in person by cash, credit card, debit card, or check.
Do vendors need insurance?
Vendors do not have to have insurance but it is recommended. The store’s policy does not cover vendors.
How will income taxes work?
Our vendors are umbrellaed under the store’s license and taxes. Vendors will not receive tax information from the store and each vendor will be responsible for reporting their own income.
Are there credit card fees?
No. Our credit card fees are factored into our 13% sales commission. As a vendor you are only responsible for booth rent and sales commission. Customers are not charged extra for using their card.
Can I bring in a locking case for smaller items?
Yes! Locking cases are encouraged! We are happy to keep a key at the register and open it for interested customers.
Will I be able to advertise my own business in my booth?
Yes, vendors are welcome to hang a sign for their business and put out business cards in their space.
Can I hang items on the wall?
Vendors are welcome to hang items on the walls of their space. For spaces that do not have walls, vendors are welcome to bring/build their own faux walls or barriers and hang whatever they like as long as the items are secured and not a safety hazard.
Can customers try on clothing items I bring in?
Yes. The store has a locked dressing room and we are happy to unlock it at customer request.
Will I be the only vendor selling my item?
No vendor is guaranteed exclusivity but we do keep the balance of merchandise in mind when selecting new vendors. We try to bring in vendors that have diverse products and different styles.
Can I sell food items?
Yes, certain treats and snacks are allowed. Please check with us if you are unsure. Food items must be packaged and contain a list of ingredients and born date and/or old date. Vendors cannot sell certain baked goods (i.e. cakes, pies) as we have a non-compete clause with some of the restaurants in our shopping center.
How many vendors are in the store?
The number of vendors in the store will fluctuate based on the store and the space needs of each vendor.
Do you “haggle” with customers?
The store will sometimes accept lower offers from customers when given permission from the vendor. When a vendor signs their lease, they are given the option to accept lower prices or to remain firm on their prices. Either option is acceptable and will not affect your placing in the store.
Are animals allowed in the store?
Neither customers nor vendors are allowed to bring pets into the store. Appropriately outfitted service animals adhering to state/federal laws are allowed.
Will I be able to run sales or discounts?
Vendors are welcome to run a sale as long as they notify staff so that items can be priced accurately at check out.
Can I advertise my business and the store? What type of advertising does the store do?
Vendors are encouraged to advertise. The store utilizes many forms of advertising, both paid and unpaid. Some examples include paid online ads, posts in local and relevant social media circles, paper ads and outdoor markets.
When will I be able to stock my booth?
Vendors will be allowed to visit and stock their booth anytime during business hours.
How much time will I need to dedicate to my booth?
Every vendor will have unique preferences and needs for their space so this answer will vary from person to person but a good rule of thumb is to plan to stock and organize your space once a week.