How to become a trader

Action West London is offering the opportunity for Market traders and also people with some or no market trading experience to run a stall in Acton’s Street Market. Action West London welcomes keen traders who are interested in starting up their own market trading business.

We are keen to support enthusiastic traders, freelancers, upcyclers, fashionisters, arts, crafts, designers, ethnic foods, start- ups and local businesses reflecting the energy and diversity of Acton and West London.

Stalls are also available for charities, social enterprises and young people.

Application process

To apply to be a trader at Saturday Market W3:

  1. Please read this page fully and then complete an application form.
  2. Once approved you will be sent a link to make payment for your booking. You will then receive a confirmation of your booking.
  3. Few days before market day you will receive further instructions for set up.

Please note that we do not operate on a first come first served basis. Stalls will be allocated in advance and in accordance to our criteria. We have some permanent pitches and some that we offer on rotation so we will try and give as many people as possible an opportunity to trade with us. 

Please refer to our Traders FAQ for more details on having a stall at Acton MarketW3

CONTACTS

Mary Horesh, Saturday Market Manager mary.horesh@actionwestlondon.org.uk
(Responsible for Trader Bookings and Marketing)

Ismail Ali, Saturday Market Supervisor ismail.ali@actionwestlondon.org.uk

Gary Buckley, Action West London CEO gary.buckley@actionwestlondon.org.uk
(Responsible for set up, Health & Safety and Operations)

ABOUT THE MARKET

The Market is located in the centre of Acton Town, The Mount & King Street, Acton, W3 9NW (Off Acton High Street) outside the Morrison’s Supermarket.

Saturday Trading times: 10 am to 4 pm, but can vary throughout the seasons

APPLYING FOR A PITCH

At your initial assessment the Market Manager will be looking for:

  • Uniqueness of product, due to limited pitches we will need to limit product duplications.
  • Ethical sourcing/manufacturing process (e.g. recycled products, fair trade)
  • Local businesses with a local following 
  • Informed salesmanship and understanding of brand marketing 
  • Commitment to presentation and good appearance of the stand
  • Commitment to collective marketing efforts to grow the market as a sustainable shopping destination in West London.

TYPES OF TRADER

  • Fashion & Interiors: New, vintage, up-cycled, recycled and end of lines. 
  • Farmers Markets: Cheese, eggs, all kinds of farm and fresh produce.
  • Food: International Street food, fresh and artisan products.
  • Kids: Gifts and goods, with creative and interactive experiences.
  • Art: Street artists and artists 
  • Gifts & Accessories: Sustainable, ethical, homemade, handmade and local products will be given preference.

PITCH FEES

  • Single pitches with Gazebo £25: Dimensions 3m x 3m approximately with 1 trestle table (183cm x 76cm)
  • Double pitches with Gazebo £35: Dimensions 4.5m x d 3m with 2 trestle tables 
  • Small Catering Van Space £40 (No vehicles allowed to be left in the market area unless required for trading)
  • Pitch only sites on application

STALL STRUCTURES 

We provide gazebos and 1 table for all stands including sides and back panel (unless you booked a pitch only space). You must bring tablecloths for tables (a double-bed flat sheet is ideal). Every stall must be dressed – we reserve the right to cancel future bookings if stalls don’t meet with requirements.

POWER POINTS 

Power points are available for food traders. Any non food stall holder who needs power should indicate requirements in their application form. Not all zones of the market have power and so battery operated lighting may be required on stands in the winter months

N.B Food traders need to discuss their power requirements with the Market Set Up Team

CANCELLATIONS

In the event the market is cancelled due bad weather or COVID refunds will be issued within 7 days.

If for any reason you need to cancel a booking please do so 5 days in advance.

Cancellations within:

  • 5 days of market day will be subject to a 50% charge.
  • 48 hours of the market day will not be refunded.

SAFETY 

All traders must abide by the Health & Safety Regulations 

SET UP

  • Traders can arrive 90 mins before the market opens for set up or agree an early arrival time with the on site market supervisor. 
  • Casual traders can be refused if there all pitches are booked. To guarantee a stall, all traders must pre-book.
  • Parking is free in the surrounding streets on a Saturday.
  • Loading and unloading is limited to 30 mins. Cars must be moved of site 15 mins before the market opens and will not be allowed access during market operating times. 

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

All traders must obtain their Public Liability Insurance before trading at the Market. We recommend:

  • Combined Market Traders Insurance Association at www.cmtia.co.uk – provides an instant insurance cover for all UK based market traders
  • National Market Traders Federationat www.nmtf.co.uk – offers insurance, as well as information and advice for all UK based market traders.

Additionally, food traders need to register with the council as a Food Business and provide us with the following documents: Register here. https://www.gov.uk/food-business-registration

  • Food and Hygiene Certificate (level 2)
  • Public Liability Insurance

If you require any further assistance, please contact:

STALL SET UP & DESIGN

Gazebo Pitch includes:

  • Covered gazebo
  • Trestle table: One for a single, two for a double
  • Pitch only spaces will assigned by the on site Market Manager. 

All Traders must bring

  • Battery operated lighting and market clips for hanging items
  • Card payment terminals
  • All traders are expected to fully dress tables on the stand. For table cover a double flat sheet is ideal.
  • Chair if required

Food Traders must bring

  • Must display current food hygiene certificate at all times.
  • If Electricity required traders should bring an extension lead (at least 10m long), which is fitted with a 3amp fuse. Please note that all leads and appliances must be PAT tested (All reputable shops sell PAT tested leads)
  • If bringing seating for customers should get approval from the Market Supervisor.

TRADER RULES

  • Rubbish: stall holders are responsible for taking their rubbish off site at the end of the day – DO NOT LEAVE IT AT YOUR PITCH.  You must keep your pitch area tidy all day.  If you leave your pitch dirty at the end of the day you will incur £5 fine and traders who leave repeatedly leave rubbish on site will be denied permission to trade. Rubbish disposal bags are available from the Market Manager.
  • Spreading: if a trader doesn’t show and there is a free stall available we will allow traders to make use of the space but permission must be sought before you do this. 
  • Loading and Unloading: Mount traffic is one way direction from Horn Lane/Churchfield Rd once on the mount, you must leave via the High Street.
  • No Smoking: smoking is not allowed in or behind stalls or in the trader walkways between stalls.  This is a fire risk.
  • Traders responsibilities: Market traders are responsible for all aspects of sales and customer legislation.   Traders must have a sign advising customers on their returns policy and on policies for deposits.  In addition, any trader selling food or related goods must register with the LB Ealing Environmental Health section.
  • Complaints Procedure: If a stall holder wishes to make a complaint, please contact the organisers and if they aren’t able to resolve your issue please contact gary.buckley@actionwestlondon.org.uk

USEFUL TIPS 

Refer to Acton SaturdayW3 Trader FAQ for further information.

  • Stand out: Give some thought to the presentation of your stand. A good looking stand will always attract attention. Take a walk around other traders at the Acton market and other markets to get some inspiration from experienced stall holders. Consider getting a mentor, or speak to us, we have partners who can provide training and help you with branding, stand builds and blackboards. 
  • Service with a smile: Talk to everyone, local markets are friendly places and people will want to support you. Get to know your customers, be interested in who they are and what they do. Be helpful to fellow traders. 
  • Collaborate: We encourage collaborative stalls and will be putting together a few ourselves, If you know a brand that will complement your offering ask them to join you. Eg, A plant pot seller could collaborate with a plant seller. A gift brand with a card and gift wrap company etc.

Helpful Organisation & Links

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