Maker Application

Hello Makers!

Maker Applications are open and are reviewed once a month. A response to all applications cannot be promised, but we will try our best!

Are you a maker of whimsical, purposeful and all around awesome goods?

You are?! Hooray! You've come to the right spot - we love learning about the awesome work of Canadian makers and small businesses!

Let's get right to it:

We have shared loads of information about working with us on the website so PLEASE review it all before applying. Working together is kind of a big deal and we want to get started on the right foot so please be considerate and take your time to make sure we're a good fit before applying. Search the online shop for similar goods, check out our social media pages. You can find us on Instagram and Facebook .

Please use this form rather than dropping by the shop with your goods as we have lots of questions for you! We set time monthly to review applications and will be in touch after we have reviewed your application.

If you're new to selling we have compiled a Wholesale (+ Consignment) Guide found under the Hi Makers! tab where you found this application, or in the following PDF: Information For Makers. This will hopefully help you learn more about your options for selling your work, both with The Trainyard and in other spaces.

The Trainyard Team

Goods That We Don't Carry or Are At Capacity For

Fine Art: Including original artwork of any size!
Photography prints + cards
Jewellery priced above $45
Polymer clay jewellery (at capacity)
Adult Clothing
Furniture and large wall decor pieces (over 14")
Essential oils, soaps, lotions + creams (at capacity)
Square greeting cards
Candles (at capacity - applications will be saved but not responded to)

Soaps + lip balms must be registered with Health Canada and food products must have the appropriate labelling.

THINGS TO NOTE

+ We operate on wholesale terms only - which is when The Trainyard purchases work upfront to sell (rather than making payment once your work has sold). With the volume of businesses we work with, supporting our staff, and an online storefront, consignment takes more energy and time than we have to give, but we know wholesale can sometimes scare folks off! Review the guide (above) and reach out with any questions!

+ We are committed to holding space for youth (21 & under), folks living with a disability, those who identify as BIPOC, or 2SLGBTQIA+. We recognize there are barriers to creating for a living. Please self identify if you feel comfortable, and share barriers or challenges to retail readiness that you may face. Sometimes goods still aren't the right fit for The Trainyard but we are happy to try to provide information and support to help your business grow.

+ To cover our operating costs, our ideal wholesale pricing is 50/50. Our rent and utilities, packaging, staff costs, breakage & loss & payment processing fees have continued to increase and this pricing allows us to cover these expenses, continue our community giving, and be adaptable to the continued changes. If a 50/50 split is realistically not possible for your business please explain in your application.

Ready to apply?: If you are having difficulty accessing the wholesale application please see the Questions tab for the full list of questions and instructions. The form is our preferred way to receive applications but we know it doesn't work with all email addresses

Maker Meet Ups: We're hoping to get back to partnering with community organizers! Sign up for our Maker newsletter to keep in the loop - we plan to share resources, meet up dates and more!