In-Person Market

Vendor Guidelines

Vendor Guidelines & Expectations:

  • Use of Calgary Dollars

    • Vendors must accept 20-100% Calgary Dollars towards purchases 

      • Vendors are required to display C$ placard supplied by organizers on their table throughout the event

    • Vendor and table fees must be paid in Calgary Dollars 

    • (see Calgary Dollars 101 to find out more about C$) 

  • Respect for others: there is zero tolerance for disrespectful behaviours and actions that perpetuate oppression at our events. Vendors who are unable to be respectful will be asked to leave and will not be welcomed back.

  • No Shows & Leaving Early: 

    • If you do not show up to an event that you are signed up for and do not give notice, you will likely not be welcomed back. Please give as much notice as possible if you are unable to attend.

    • Vendors are expected to stay the duration of the event, even if you sell out. If you leave early you will likely not be welcomed back. Life happens, if you need to leave early for unplanned, legit reasons please let a C$ staff or volunteer know. 

  • Restrictions on what you can sell: 

    • No A.I;

    • No multi-level marketing products;

    • No culturally appropriative, or oppressive products or designs

  • Protecting your products: 

    • Vendor insurance is recommended, but not required. Calgary Dollars, The Arusha Centre, and organizers are not responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen items. 

    • C$ Markets are all-ages and family friendly, keep this in mind for your set-up - keeping fragile, sharp, or delicate items away from children’s grasp.

Calgary Dollars 101:


What is Calgary Dollars (C$)? 

Calgary Dollars is a local, complementary, community currency. 

Local = Can only be used/earned in Calgary 

Complementary = Used in combination with Canadian Dollars (CAD) 

Community = Calgary Dollars are backed, and given value by community (individuals and vendors who provide goods and services)

Calgary Dollars has 2000+ users, and over 200 local businesses that accept 20-100% Calgary Dollars towards purchases. 

Why use Calgary Dollars? 

Calgary Dollars is a tool that helps keep money, and value within the Calgary economy.

  • Local Economy Boost: Keeps money within the local economy, supporting small businesses and local jobs.

  • Community Building: Encourages residents to engage more with their community, fostering stronger social ties.

  • Economic Resilience: Provides an alternative means of exchange, which can be particularly valuable in times of economic stress.

How It Works

  1. Earning Calgary Dollars:

    • C$ Marketplace: Calgary Dollars has an online marketplace where users, and businesses can make posts to advertise items and services for sale. C$ also hosts in-person markets (like this one!) around the city, all vendors at these markets accept 20-100% Calgary Dollars towards purchases!

    • Businesses: Local businesses earn C$ by accepting them as payment for goods and services

  2. Spending Calgary Dollars:

    • Local Transactions: C$ can be spent at participating local businesses, and on our online Marketplace

    • Community Services: They can also be used to pay for community services, rent in certain housing agencies, on Calgary Transit Tickets (when purchased through The Arusha Centre) and even City of Calgary business license fees!

Example:

Imagine Jane has some extra produce from her garden. She can sell it at a local market and accept C$ as payment. Jane then uses her C$ to pay for a local trades person to fix her fence. The trades person might use their C$ to buy coffee from a local business, or on transit tickets.

This cycle keeps the money circulating within the community, benefiting everyone involved.

By using Calgary Dollars, Calgary creates a supportive network where residents and businesses help each other, strengthening the local economy and community ties.