FSG Merchanting Frequently Asked Questions

General festival questions have answers in the FSG FAQ
If you have merchanting-related questions that aren't answered here,
ask the Merchant Coordinator

How much does it cost to vend at FSG?
How do I register to vend at FSG?
What hours are the merchants open?
How long does vending last on Sunday?
Where are the merchant spaces located?
Can I park my car in my merchant space?
I use a camper for sleeping and storage. Can I have it in my merchant space?
Where can I take a shower or use the toilet?
Do the merchant spaces have access to electricity?
I need a level merchant space.
If I'm vending, do I have to do community service?
What kind of weather can I expect at FSG?
I don't have a business in Maryland. How do I register with the state for tax purposes?
I noticed that my registration is Weds–Sun and my merchant space is Tues–Sun. Why the difference?
I want to teach some workshops. Can I do them in my merchant space? How do I submit my workshops?
What are Duck Bucks?

How much does it cost to vend at FSG?
Standard single space (12-15 ft. frontage; accommodates a 10' x 10' pop-up tent): $40
Standard double space (approx. 25 ft. frontage; accommodates a 10' x 20' tent or two 10' x 10' tents): $50
Single space with car (allows your vehicle to be parked at the rear of the space): $50
Double space with car: $60
Please note that this is in addition to the main festival registration fees.

How to I register to vend at FSG
You must choose the Merchant registration type on the initial page of the registration system. For FSG registration, start here.

What hours are the merchants open?
FSG has no set business hours for its merchants. Most merchants open up around 10:00am or so and close when it gets dark.

How long does vending last on Sunday?
Vending ends at noon on Sunday so that we all, including merchants, can get packed up and leave by 2:00pm. Many merchants do a lot of last-minute business on Sunday morning because attendees often decide to buy something on Sunday that they looked at earlier in the week.

Where are the merchant spaces located?
FSG's vending area is called Merchants Row, and it starts near the entrance to Camp Ramblewood. It occupies two sections of the paved road onsite and is marked on the map. The roads are lined with large trees, so most of the merchant spaces get shade for at least part of the day.

Can I park my car in my merchant space?
Yes, but you must sign up for a car spot. Be aware that there are very few merchant spaces that can accomodate cars, so if you absolutely need to have your car in your spot, register and sign up early. In addition, cars can't be driven on site except to load and unload. If you need a ride during the festival, FSG staff will be happy to give you a lift in one of our golf carts; just find a staff member with a radio and ask.

I use a camper/RV for sleeping and storage. Can I have it in my merchant space?
Small campers (up to about 15 feet long) are permitted in the rear of merchant spaces on the uphill side of the road. If your camper is substantially larger than this, you'll have to park it in the parking lot. Please contact the Merchant Coordinatorif you have further questions.

Where can I take a shower or use the toilet?
You can use the facilities in the cabin closest to you. Merchants who are located next to the White House may use the showers and toilets there. In all cases, please be quiet and considerate of the people in the cabins who may be resting or sleeping (i.e., please don't slam the door).

Do the merchant spaces have access to electricity?
Electricity is available only in a few spaces next to the White House, and requires running an extension cord from the plug on the outside wall to your booth—at least 20 feet. Generally, you should plan on not having access to electricity for your merchant spot during the festival.

I need a level merchant space.
Unfortunately, there are very few level vending spaces on Merchant's Row. There is very little level ground anywhere in Camp. If you need a level table, workspace, etc., bring shims, pads, or whatever you need in order to make it stable.

If I'm vending, do I have to do community service?
Your merchant fee includes one community service buyout per space. Of course, you may still do a CS shift if you wish.

What kind of weather can I expect at FSG?
Summer weather at FSG is generally warm and somewhat humid. You can expect at least one rainy or stormy day during the festival. In the past few years, there has been severe weather at least once during the week—strong thunderstorms, high winds, and torrential downpours. Please keep this in mind and be prepared to secure your merchant setup if such weather occurs. Weather reports are posted every morning on the cabins and various other locations around camp; staff members will make every effort to keep everyone informed about incoming bad weather. As it gets closer to the date, you can find a specific forecast by looking up zip code 21034 on your favorite weather site.

I dont have a business in Maryland. How do I register with the state for tax purposes?
If you sell goods, you need a Transient Vendor License. If you only offer services, e.g. massage, you don't. Information on obtaining a license is available from the MD Comptroller. You can also call Taxpayer Service at 410-767-1300 (Baltimore area) or at 1-800-492-1751 (from elsewhere in Maryland) from 8:00am to 5:00pm Eastern time. When you mail your license application to the Comptroller of Maryland, send it by Certified Mail and request a Return Receipt. (In case of a problem, this will give you proof that you mailed the application and that it was delivered to the Comptroller.)

I want to teach some workshops. Can I do them in my merchant space? How do I submit my workshops?
You can do workshops; you can even do them at your merchant booth. Several vendors have done so in past years. Please visit the FSG Presenter Info for guidelines and links to submission forms.

What are Duck Bucks?
Duck Bucks are our way of saying “thanks” to our attendees for completing their community service. They're the official currency of Free Spirit Gathering and are worth $5 each. Check at the White House for hours near the end of the week when you can cash in your Duck Bucks.