About

Vendors help make our events great! Our events are a vital component to the revitalization of historic Downtown Richmond and they offer unique opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs to reach a wide demographic. Our vendors help create events that offer goods, services, information, and a sense of community togetherness for all attendees. Benefits to vendors include promoting their business, reaching current and new customers, and networking with community members, representative, and other businesses.

Requirements

• Review each event’s Vendor Information Packet (available above) and agree to terms and conditions.
• Complete registration process, pay all fees, and submit any additional documentation by given deadlines.
• Business license for municipality in which your business is primarily located/operates.
• Adhere to vendor-specific guidelines outlined below.
• Understand that Richmond Main Street seeks to create events that are welcoming and feature a variety of activities and vendors, offering a diverse array of goods, services, information, and food. In most cases, space is limited and available on a first-come, first-reserved basis. Artisan/Retail and Food vendor registration may be subject to review, approval, and waitlisting by RMSI staff. Accepted registration allows vendors to participate in the event, but does not guarantee sales. Failure to adhere to vendor terms and conditions, and any additional applicable City, County, or State regulations may result in automatic closure and/or revocation of vendor space without refund.

Resources

City of Richmond Finance Department – Business License Unit 
450 Civic Center Plaza, 2nd Floor, Richmond, CA 94804 
(510) 620-6742, www.ci.richmond.ca.us

About

Any business wishing to sell non-food items (jewelry, clothing, candles, paper goods, home decor, accessories, art, etc.). Handmade items preferred; resale allowed with valid resale permit.

Downtown Richmond merchant is defined as a business or entrepreneur operating within the boundaries of the Historic Downtown Richmond commercial district: 6th-16th St. between Bissell and Barrett Ave.

Requirements

Register: For each event, complete vendor registration form, submit payment, and agree to terms and conditions.

Obtain and provide proof of a Seller’s Permit

• Who Needs It: People who sell new or used merchandise in California, including handcrafted items, are generally required to hold a seller’s permit. Learn More & Get a Seller’s Permit
• Exemptions: People who qualify as and identify that they are, an occasional seller, all retail sales are exempt, only sell items purchased from section 6015 sellers, or a qualified itinerant vendor. Nonprofit organizations selling taxable items are not exempt. Learn more: Temporary Sellers, Section 6015 Sellers
• Requirements for Temporary Locations (such as special events): Register for a Temporary Seller’s Permit OR update your current Seller’s Permit (for your permanent place of business, for example) to include our events as sub-locations. Ways to register: online or in person at a field office.

Your Responsibilities:

• Before the Event: Obtain/maintain a Seller’s Permit (listing our events as sub-locations) OR obtain a Temporary Seller’s Permit. Complete Richmond Main Street event registration process, answering all questions on the form truthfully and accurately.
• At the Event: Bring a copy of your sellers permit and present it to any state Board of Equalization inspectors who request to see it. Know your tax rate and collect all applicable sales tax.
• After the Event: Report all sales tax information to California Department of Tax and Fee Administration

Resources

Your California Seller’s Permit (Publication 73)

Obtaining a Seller’s Permit FAQ

Information Needed to Get Started

Verify a Permit, License, or Account

Temporary Seller’s Info

California Department of Tax and Fee Administration: www.cdtfa.ca.gov, Customer Service Center 1 (800) 400-7115

About

Any business wishing to sell food and/or beverages – restaurants, caterers, manufactures, food trucks/carts, booth operators. Booth and mobile (cart/truck) spaces available.

Requirements

Apply: For each event, complete vendor application form, submit payment, and agree to terms and conditions.

Complete Paperwork for Health Permit Application:

All food vendors:

• Complete and return Vendor Operator Information form (provided in Vendor Information Packet or by request from RMSI staff). Take care to:
  • Complete all fields highlighted in yellow – Please type or print legibly!
  • Answer all questions accurately and truthfully
  • Provide name and address of approved commissary/production kitchen OR provide copy of valid and legible Cottage Food Operation permit
  • Provide specific/detailed information in sections related to menu, sources of product, and cooking equipment
• Review, understand, and comply with all set-up requirements outlined in California Food Code Requirements for Temporary Food Facilities. Please be advised that failure to comply with these requirements may result in closure by health department inspectors. Richmond Main Street is not responsible for any related financial loss or damages.

Mobile Vendors: Also provide valid and legible copy of valid mobile operator permit (scanned/PDF preferred)

Nonprofit Vendors: Also provide proof of nonprofit status (EIN # or copy of IRS confirmation letter)

Veteran Exempt: Also provide legible copy of honorable discharge DD214 (scanned/PDF preferred)

Resources

Contra Costa County Environmental Health: www.cchealth.org/eh or (925) 692-2500

California Food Code Requirements for Temporary Food Facilities

Temporary Food Facilities Brochure

Temporary Food Facilities FAQs

About

Businesses or community organizations promoting services, programs, resources, etc. Offering an interactive activity is highly recommended and encouraged!

The following types of information booth spaces are available:

• Nonprofit/Community: Nonprofit organizations, community groups, governmental departments, offices of elected officials, educational agencies, churches, etc. providing information, resources, giveaways (non-food), and/or activities. Retail sale option available for nonprofit/community groups, as well; Seller’s Permit required.
• Commercial Business: For profit or commercial business (gym, retail store, service provider, independent contractors, referral/network marketing company representatives, etc.) offering information only.

Requirements

Register: For each event, complete vendor registration form, submit payment (if applicable), and agree to terms and conditions. If applicable, provide proof of nonprofit status and/or Seller’s Permit, and complete any additional paperwork.