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.

What kind of makers and crafters are you looking for?

Causeway Commons is dedicated to curating a diverse and high-quality selection of vendors, bringing together talented artisans and entrepreneurs from all walks of life. We are particularly seeking vendors who specialize in upcycled goods, home décor, jewelry, handmade soaps or candles, and specialty foods or beverages (pre-packaged by you). To ensure a distinctive and thoughtfully curated shopping experience, we will be selective in our vendor selection, prioritizing uniqueness, craftsmanship, and quality. We will also be focusing on offering products that aren’t available in other local shops, enhancing the shopping experience on the causeway without directly competing with our neighbors.

Will you accept vendors who don't make their own products?

Yes, depending on the types of products you sell, we may consider accepting vendors who aren't strictly traditional crafters or makers.

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!

Does Causeway Commons receive a commission on my sales?

Yes, Causeway Commons will receive 12% 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?

We understand recent events may have raised concerns about payment timelines for product sales. Please rest assured that at Causeway Commons, timely payments are a priority. Our owner—a well-established and respected figure in Southern Maine—has built Causeway Commons on a solid foundation of success. This strong structure ensures that commissions are paid reliably. Additionally, our POS software, created specifically for vendor malls, automatically tracks all sales, giving you access to up-to-date information at all times, with payouts occurring on a bi-weekly schedule.

How much does vendor space cost?

Given the property's age and unique character, along with existing shelving, wall slats and cabinets, no two spaces are alike. While some vendors may only need a small shelf, others might require a couple hundred square feet. As a result, each rental agreement will be customized to fit the specific needs of each vendor. Several factors will influence pricing, including the location of the space, window availability, total square footage, ceiling height, and more. Since we are starting from scratch, our goal is to curate an aesthetically pleasing shopping experience that reflects the needs of the vendors we select. The vendor application allows applicants to specify their preferred location and space size; however, lease offers will depend on availability and will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis. All offers for commemorative vendors will be communicated no later than April 15th, with acceptances due by April 18th. Should space still be available after that, a second round of offers will be sent out by April 20th, with responses due by April 23rd.

What does my rent pay for?

At Causeway Commons, our vendor rent is entirely all-inclusive*. You only pay a 12% 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. 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; the first two being our Invitation Only Open House and our 5 Days in 2025 Grand Opening Celebration! We're excited to share more details about these events as they continue to develop!

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. If you don't currently have an existing policy, you can obtain coverage through ACT for just $24.25 per month.https://www.actinsurance.com/#anchor1

**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.

I don't want to pay rent. I sell my products at craft fairs and make enough money.

That's awesome! If you enjoy participating in craft fairs, we definitely encourage you to keep doing what you love. At the same time, if you're looking for a more cost-effective way to reach an even broader audience with less effort and time, consider having your products sold at Causeway Commons. We take care of all the shop operations for you, which means you can continue attending craft fairs while expanding your reach. We’re not trying to discourage your participation in craft fairs. Keep in mind that Causeway Commons may also host craft fairs during special times, so we encourage you to weigh the costs and benefits of each opportunity. After all, your time is priceless!

(We prepared a comparative analysis of pricing for vendor time—evaluating craft fairs versus renting space at Causeway Commons—to ensure our pricing remains competitive. If you’d like to review the details of our analysis, please let us know, and we'd be happy to send you a copy.)

How long will my initial lease be?

Due to the seasonal variations in the area where Causeway Commons is located, our operating hours will fluctuate by season. Consequently, our business costs have been calculated on a per-square-foot basis, averaged over an annual term, and leases for our inaugural vendors will be offered on an "annual" basis, May 1, 2025-May 14, 2026 with monthly rents due on the 14th of each month Vendors will not be charged rent for May 1, 2025-May 1, 2025 while we are in the process of setting up. After reviewing the annual sales figures to thus point and listening to feedback from all vendors, a determination will be made in April 2026 as to the operating hours for the following year and lease extensions will be offered accordingly to vendors in good-standing no later than April 13, 2026.

After I have applied to be a vendor, if I am offered a space, what do I need to do to secure it?

Please let Sunny know as soon as possible via text or email (information below) so she can prepare a lease tailored to the space and terms offered to you. At the time of your lease signing, your first and last month's rent will be due. These payments can be made via Venmo, cash, check, or credit card.

What is the timeline for opening?

Management will coordinate with our inaugural vendors to assign each a dedicated move-in day and time (or two) between May 1st and May 11th, 2025. The scheduled move-in date for each vendor will depend on both their availability and the location of their leased space. May 12 and May 13 are reserved as buffer days—either to handle any last-minute issues or simply to take a moment to breathe before we dive into business.

May 14th 4:00-8:00 pm Causeway Commons will host an invitation only Open House. While vendor attendance isn’t mandatory, we highly encourage your participation. Each vendor may invite guests (final numbers to be confirmed). Complimentary snacks and a select drink menu will be provided.

May 15th & 16th are reserved for vendor restocks anticipating our guests will be especially generous with their purchases on the 14th!

May 17th & 18th Soft Opening 10:30-6:30

May 19th- May May 22nd are days reserved for vendor restocks and preparations for our five day grand opening celebration!

May 23rd-May 26th 5 Days in 2025 Grand Opening Celebration- Open daily 10:30-8:30

May 27th* Regular Store Hours 10:30-8:30; Hosting Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce After Hours Business Break 5-7 pm in backyard- vendors are welcome to come mingle with the chamber members- snacks provided, cash bar

*waiting for confirmation of date from the SLRCC

What will regular operating hours be*?

Memorial Day-Labor Day: 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)*

*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.

Can I see the space?

Yes! Definitely! Our first showings (open house style) will be held 4:00-7:00 on Tuesday, March 25th and Thursday, March 27th. If space remains after the 27th, we will offer additional viewing opportunities.

Do I have to work at Causeway Commons?

No, and we actually don't want you to have to! Leasing space at Causeway Commons gives our vendors the freedom to focus on what they love most—creating and curating their unique products and spaces. By including an option on our vendor application to express interest in working directly at Causeway Commons, we open up a valuable opportunity: vendors who enjoy engaging with customers can join our on-call team. In the rare instance of scheduling conflicts with our regular sales associates, these on-call vendors can step in, ensuring a seamless and customer-focused experience without interrupting their creative process.

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

Click the 'Apply' button on our home page—we can’t wait to review your information!!

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

Please text or email Owner, Sunny Quintal, 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!

sunny@causewaycommons.com

207-595-9756

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

Causeway Commons has a simple goal: to connect skilled artisans and curators 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 bring them in to the store 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.