FAQ for Potential Vendors

If you're new to being a vendor or unfamiliar with our process, please scroll to the bottom and read the final question first.

Why lease space from Causeway Commons?

You're not merely leasing space—you’re investing in a vibrant, dynamic community at the very heart of Naples. But here are a few additional reasons to join us:

1. PRIME LOCATION: They always say, "Location, location, location!" And we have it! Our property is located along the busiest stretch of town, perfectly nestled among essential facilities and an array of popular shops and restaurants. Positioned right on the town’s parade route and within view of the dazzling 4th of July fireworks, our location captivates both visitors and locals alike, whether arriving by car or on foot. We are where every celebration comes to life.

During the off-season, many visitors flock to the area for ice fishing, fall foliage viewing, and skiing, or simply to use our road as a gateway to nearby destinations like North Conway. Meanwhile, our road remains the busiest daily commute for local residents year-round and we’ll be keeping our doors open late enough to welcome commuters who wish to shop on their way home.

2. ENHANCED BRAND VISIBILITY: Leverage our admired address and comprehensive marketing support to elevate your business profile in a competitive market.

3. DEDICATED SUPPORT: Our experienced management and sales team is committed to providing personalized, warm service that guarantees every aspect of your customers' experience is effortless and gratifying, inspiring loyalty and repeat visits.

4. EASE OF BUSINESS: Say goodbye to the nuisance of managing operations and generating sales—everything (well... almost everything) is taken care of for you.

5. AVAILABILITY TO CUSTOMERS: We’ve thoroughly analyzed the traffic data provided by MDOT, and we’re confident that our business hours align perfectly with when your customers are most likely to be walking or driving by. While many small businesses close before the evening commute, Causeway Commons will stay open! And, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, we’ll be open every day from 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM—offering 10 hours of service each day!

What kind of makers and crafters are you looking for?

At Causeway Commons, we are committed to curating a diverse, high-quality selection of vendors, showcasing talented artisans and entrepreneurs from all backgrounds. To maintain a thoughtfully curated and distinctive shopping experience, we allow only one vendor per product type and material. This approach ensures that every offering at Causeway Commons stands out in its uniqueness, craftsmanship, and quality.

We prioritize products that are not readily available in other local shops, enhancing the overall experience on the causeway while supporting—not competing with—our neighboring businesses.

If you're interested in joining our vendor community, please reach out to Sunny@CausewayCommons.com to inquire about current openings and product fit.

Does Causeway Commons receive a commission on my sales?

Yes, Causeway Commons will receive 12% or 27% commission of each sale to cover expenses such as credit card processing, packaging materials, and other operational costs that keep our store running. We love what we do—just like you—but we also need to generate revenue to stay in business.

How do I know I will receive the money I am owed for my sales?

At Causeway Commons, we understand how important timely and reliable payments are to our vendors—and we make them a top priority. Our owner, a well-established and respected member of the Southern Maine community, has built Causeway Commons on a foundation of integrity.

Thanks to this strong foundation, vendor commissions are paid out consistently and on schedule. We use a point-of-sale (POS) system designed specifically for vendor malls, which automatically tracks all sales and provides vendors with real-time access to their transaction data.

Payouts are issued bi-weekly via direct deposit, following rent deductions, ensuring a smooth and transparent payment process every step of the way.

How much does vendor space cost?

Due to the age and unique character of the property—along with existing shelving, wall slats, and built-in cabinetry—no two vendor spaces at Causeway Commons are exactly alike. Some vendors may only need a small shelf to showcase their work, while others may require several hundred square feet. That’s why each rental agreement is fully customized to meet the specific needs of each vendor.

Pricing is influenced by several factors, including location within the building, window access, total square footage, ceiling height, and more.

For those seeking a smaller, more affordable option, our freestanding displays in Artisans Alley are the most budget-friendly. These white bookcases measure 28" wide x 11.5" deep x 56" high and feature four shelves, plus space on top for additional display:

• The middle shelf is fixed.

• The upper and lower shelves are adjustable, with 12" between shelves when placed in the middle position.

• Shelf spacing can be adjusted by 1" increments.

• The top surface ("5th shelf") is limited to 6" in height for product display to preserve store visibility.

What does my rent pay for?

At Causeway Commons, our vendor rent is entirely all-inclusive*. You only pay a 12% or 27% commission on sales—there are no hidden fees or extra expenses when showcasing your products. We combine all operating costs, including payroll (our largest expense), into one straightforward rate, freeing you up to focus solely on your creative endeavors. Averaging 232 hours of operation each month, while our expert team handles sales, you gain plenty of time to develop new products, explore additional venues, or simply enjoy some well-deserved downtime. You simply can’t afford not to rent with us!

Your rent includes a comprehensive marketing package. Every vendor is guaranteed a monthly spotlight on our social media channels, a dedicated listing on the Causeway Commons website (with a direct link to your personal site if available), and the opportunity to sell your products online in addition to your presence on our physical sales floor. Causeway Commons is a proud member of both the Greater Bridgton Chamber of Commerce and the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce and The Collective Women in Business . We are committed to fostering community growth by actively sponsoring and participating in events hosted by the chambers as well as in local town activities.

Rent at Causeway Commons also includes things like drinks, snacks, entertainment and activities during special store events throughout the year.

Lastly, your rent also takes care of all the mundane operational essentials—from heating and cooling services, electricity, internet service, POS fees, and insurance* to building maintenance, signage**, grounds upkeep, phone service, security, trash removal, cleaning, and much more. This means you can benefit from a fully supported environment without the hassle of managing these details yourself.

*Please note that our insurance carrier requires you to provide your own general liability insurance coverage, which you should already have in place. This coverage is essential whether you're at Causeway Commons or any other location where you're selling your products.

**We invite every vendor to supply their own signage, adding a personal touch to their uniquely curated space, but all other signage will be provided by Causeway Commons.

How long will my initial lease be?

Causeway Commons is located in a region with distinct seasonal fluctuations, which naturally affect foot traffic and operating hours throughout the year. As a result, our hours of operation vary seasonally to align with demand. To ensure fairness and consistency, rental costs are calculated on a per-square-foot basis, averaged over the entire year. This approach balances out the peaks and valleys of seasonal business activity. Accordingly, all vendor leases are structured as annual agreements, providing stability for both vendors and the overall marketplace.

What are regular operating hours be*?

Grand Opening-Sunday of Labor Day Weekend: Open Daily 10:30-8:30

Labor Day-November 23rd: Open Daily 10:30-6:30

November 24th-November 27th: Closed for Thanksgiving Break

Black Friday-December 23rd: Open Daily 10:30-6:30

Christmas Eve: Open 10:30-2:30

December 25th-January 1st: Closed for Winter Break

January 2nd 2026-May 21st 2026: Open Thursday-Monday 10:30-6:30 (Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays and April 5th for Easter)*

*As we are able to see patterns in customer traffic seasonally these hours are subject to slight change, but if management determines a change of hours is necessary to make sure we are all as profitable as possible, the number of weekly hours open and payroll will not change; it would just be a shift in which hours we are open.

Do I have to work at Causeway Commons?

No, and we actually don't want you to! Leasing space at Causeway Commons is all about giving our vendors the freedom to focus on what they do best: creating and curating unique, high-quality products. You design your space, stock your items, and we take care of the rest. Our team handles all sales and customer interactions, so you don’t need to be on-site. You get the benefit of a retail presence without the daily time commitment—leaving you more time to do what you love.

I want to apply to be a vendor! What do I need to do?

Please email Sunny at Sunny@CausewayCommons.com to inquire about current openings and product fit.

Do you have another question we haven't answered above?

Please email Sunny@CausewayCommons.com and she'll get back to you as soon as possible during normal business hours and sometimes outside of those hours if she is able!

I haven't been a vendor before. How does this work?

Causeway Commons has a simple goal: to connect skilled artisans, crafters and makers with customers seeking a unique shopping experience, high-quality goods, and exceptional customer service. Vendors rent a portion of the store and make it their own. You can decorate for holidays, reorganize and update your wares, and change the look of your space whenever you want—and let the Causeway Commons sales team handle all the customer service and behind the scenes aspects of running a highly profitable business. Each vendor is given a vendor ID number and access to software that will create labels for you to put on your products before you display them so they can be identified as yours and priced as you would like. When customers find an item they want to purchase, they take it to the shop's registers where Causeway Commons Sales Associates will check them out. Vendors are encouraged to log in to our POS system to see their daily sales and use the inventory system to see when their booth needs a restock. Vendors will be paid their portion of sales bi-weekly via direct deposit after their monthly rent is paid.