For Traders

Trading at Markets

Looking for a stall? Start here.

We get asked most weeks: how do I get into markets? This page is the answer. You’ll find markets right across the Western Cape, how to reach the people who run them, which markets are calling for traders right now, and when applications tend to open through the year.

CURRENT CALLS FOR TRADERS
JOIN OUR TRADERS WHATSAPP COMMUNITY

We don’t run markets ourselves, so we can’t offer you a stall directly. What we can do is point you at the ones that will.

1. Find the markets that suit you

Our market guide covers markets across Cape Town and the Western Cape, and you can browse it three ways:

  • By area, if you want to stay close to home
  • By type, if you make something specific: food, craft, design, plants, preloved
  • By feature, if you have products that suit a particular audience (eg pet-friendly)

Every listing has the organiser’s contact details and links to their own pages, so you can apply directly.

BROWSE MARKET GUIDE

2. Hear about openings first

See who’s looking right now. Markets advertise their calls for traders with us, and we list them as they come in, with closing dates and how to apply.

CURRENT CALLS FOR TRADERS

Join the conversation. Our Traders and Makers WhatsApp Community is where calls go out first, alongside other people doing what you do.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

Our weekly newsletter also covers what’s happening across the Western Cape market scene, including new markets starting up.

SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER

3. How to approach a market

Most markets vet their traders. They’re curating a mix, not filling space, so expect an application rather than a booking form.

  • Have your photographs ready. Clear images of your work are the first thing an organiser asks for. It’s worth spending a morning on this before you contact anyone.
  • “We’re full in that category” is the most common no. It isn’t a judgement on what you make. Always ask to be kept on file, because spaces open up regularly, and particularly in January when traders drop off after the festive season.
  • Be realistic about your first market. Start with one or two that genuinely suit your product rather than applying everywhere. Organisers talk to each other, and a good first impression travels.

4. When to apply

Timing catches most new traders out.

  • The bigger Christmas markets recruit far earlier than anyone expects. Many hold trader selection days in May and June, and are finished by July. If Christmas markets are your goal, you need to be applying in autumn, not September.
  • Smaller Christmas markets often top up in July and August.
  • Spring and summer markets and festivals recruit from around August through October.
  • Regular weekly and monthly markets are looking all year, and January is a particularly good month to ask.

Running a market and looking for traders? We can get your call in front of the makers who are actively looking. Get in touch.

Common questions (FAQ)

How do I become a market trader in Cape Town?

There’s no central application. Each market runs its own process, so the first step is finding markets that suit what you make and where you are, then contacting the organiser directly. Most will ask for photographs of your work and a short description of your product. Our market guide lists markets across the Western Cape with organiser contact details, so you can approach them yourself.

How do I find out which markets are looking for traders?

Markets advertise their calls for traders with us, and we list them on our Calls for Traders page as they come in, with closing dates and how to apply. You can also join our trader list to get new calls by email, or our Traders and Makers WhatsApp Community, where calls go out first. Beyond that, it’s worth approaching markets directly, since many fill spaces from enquiries rather than advertising at all.

How far in advance should I apply?

For a regular weekly or monthly market, a few weeks is usually enough, and January is a particularly good time to ask. Seasonal and one-off markets need much more notice: spring and summer markets recruit from around August, and the larger Christmas markets often finish selecting by July. As a rule, the bigger and more established the market, the earlier you need to be.

Can I apply if I’m just starting out?

Yes. Many markets actively look for new makers, and smaller community markets are a good place to begin while you work out your pricing, your stock levels and how you like to display your work. The most common reason for a no is that a category is already full, not that you’re new, so ask to be kept on file and try again.

When do Christmas market applications open in Cape Town?

Earlier than most people expect. Many of the larger Christmas markets hold trader selection days in May and June, and have filled their stalls by July. Smaller Christmas markets often top up in July and August. If Christmas markets are your goal, start applying in autumn rather than waiting until spring.

Do I need a permit or licence to sell at a market?

It depends on what you sell and where. Most markets are held on private property, so you generally won’t need a street trading permit. Food is the main exception: if you’re selling prepared or perishable food, you’ll usually need a Certificate of Acceptability from your local municipality’s environmental health department, and some markets ask for public liability insurance as well. Always check with the market organiser first, as requirements vary between markets and municipalities.