Become a CraftyAss Markets Maker
Wanna Be a CraftyAss Maker?
So you’re thinking about joining CraftyAss Markets?
We like your style already.
We’re not a flea market. We’re not a dusty consignment shop. And we’re definately not into boring.
We are a curated, high-energy, handmade-loving retail space built for makers who are ready to actually grow.
If that’s you…keep reading.
Who We Are
CraftyAss Markets is a division of Painted Donkey Inc., a maker‑focused business that’s been backing creatives since 2015.
We’ve always been about helping makers win. In 2024, we leveled up and created a physical retail space where handmade businesses could show up, stand out and scale.
We started in Ajax. Now we’re proudly planted in beautiful, busy, historic downtown Cobourg – and we’re building something special here.
Why Cobourg? (Because Foot Traffic Matters.)

Let’s be real – vibes are great, but foot traffic pays the bills.
Downtown Cobourg brings:
A thriving tourism scene
Festivals, events and street buzz
A walkable downtown packed with cafes, restaurants and boutiques
Locals shop here. Tourists shop here. Summer explodes here.
And they’re looking for handmade.
Helpful links:
What You Get From Us
We don’t just unlock the door and wish you luck.
Our makers get:
- Staff who care (like actually care)
- Loud, consistent marketing and social media promotion
- Featured maker spotlights
- Themed sales and content days
- Extended hours during peak seasons
- Participation in town festivals and street events
We hustle for traffic. We build energy. We create the buzz.
But this only works if you bring the heat too.
What Is Expected From Maker Partners
Success at CraftyAss Markets is a shared effort. To keep our market fresh, engaging and professional maker partners are expected to:
- Offer products with a clear handmade or crafty element
- Maintain an active presence on your own social media
- Engage with CraftyAss Markets online (sharing, liking, commenting, tagging)
- Keep inventory organized, clearly labelled and well stocked
- Introduce new or refreshed products at least once per month
- Commit to a minimum 3-month term when joining
- Provide 1 month notice if you choose to leave the market
How it Works
Interested in joining us? You’re in the right place.
Please explore the sections below to learn more about:
- Maker fees & structure
- Booth setup and merchandising
- Application and onboarding process
If you think CraftyAss Markets might be the right fit for you, we can’t wait to hear from you!
Let’s grow your handmade business – together.
CraftyAss Markets provides shelves and tables as well as the option to bring your own approved shelf or display setup to display your products.
If you will be using your display space to advertise a custom product that must be ordered, our team members will be trained to help customers understand your process and requirements.
Shelf Space Provided by CraftyAss Markets
20″(L) x 12″(W) x 14″(H) shelf $25 per month with no commission fees
Fridge or Freezer Space
1 fridge shelf 17″(L) x 14″(W) x 12″(H) $40 per month with no commission fees
1 freezer basket 20″(L) x 8.5″(W) x 8″(H) $50 per month with no commission fees (includes storage directly below the basket for additional stock)
BYOD (Bring Your Own Display)
*If your display has to be attached to the wall, approval is required prior to the display being setup. Upon removal you will be required to repair any damage caused to the wall by your display, this includes patching any holes caused by screws. All displays must be stable and safe.
2′ wide x 2′ deep x 8′ tall (max) $125 with no commission fee
3′ wide x 2′ deep x 8′ tall (max) $185 with no commission fee
4′ wide x 2′ deep x 8′ tall (max) $245 with no commission fee
5′ wide x 2′ deep x 8′ tall (max) $305 with no commission fee
6′ wide x 2′ deep x 8′ tall (max) $365 with no commission fee
REMINDER – A minimum commitment of 3 months is required when first joining the market, regardless of which display option is selected. Display options can be changed at any time. When leaving the market 1 month notice is required prior to your departure date.
Our pricing structure is based on low rental prices for display space, with no additional commission fee. We do not collect sales tax on your behalf. Your prices must be inclusive of sales tax (HST) for Ontario if you are required to collect it. If you collect sales tax you are responsible for calculating and remitting it to the government. CraftyAss Markets charges a 13% administration fee to customers on each order. This is a fee customers are used to paying when purchasing goods (Ontario HST). In our case it’s used to maintain lower shelf prices for makers.
Food vendors will be required to provide a copy of their Dine Safe certification, or a letter from the Dine Safe certified commercial kitchen the products are prepared in. All food items must have an ingredients list, and a best before date on each package.
If you are able to travel to our Cobourg locaition to replenish and/or refresh your display you are welcome to do so during our regular store hours.
If you prefer to have additional inventory stored at Crafty Ass Markets for our staff to restock your display on your behalf there will be an additional monthly fee of $20. All products must be labelled and ready to sell in the system before being placed on the shelves.
Your products can also be shipped to us to be displayed on your behalf.
As a vendor you will be provided access to an online system where you will manage your products, product images, inventory levels, and pricing (regular and sale pricing). This is also where you will see your sales, what commissions have been paid to you or are pending payment to you.
Vendor comissions are paid monthly at the beginning of the month. For example, commissions earned in the month of May will be paid out early in June. Payments are sent via email Interac eTransfer. We recommend setting your email up with your bank for Autodeposit. This eliminates the need for a security question and ensures no delays in receiving your funds.
All vendors are advised to carry insurance for all products on display or in storage at Crafty Ass Markets, while every effort will be made to ensure the security of the premises and products, Crafty Ass Markets is not responsible for any damage or loss of vendor products and displays.
Ready to join us?
Have questions? Email us at makers@craftyassmarkets.ca and we will be happy to help!