As a vendor, whether you’re selling candles, art, baked goods, or handmade jewelry, every market or show is an opportunity — not just for sales, but for connection and community. But not all events are created equal, and sadly, not all event organizers are honest.
Scam events do exist. Some are low-effort cash grabs; others are outright fraud. The good news? With a bit of knowledge and a few precautions, you can avoid getting burned.
Here’s what to watch out for — both online and off — so you can steer clear of shady organizers and focus on events that help your business grow.
RED FLAGS: ONLINE SCAMS
1. Vague or Missing Event Details If an organizer reaches out with an event invite but the details are murky — no venue name, no date, no timeline, or a generic description — be cautious. Legitimate events will always provide full, clear information upfront.
2. Too Good to Be True If someone promises massive foot traffic, celebrity appearances, and high sales without any past event history or promotional plan to back it up — trust your gut. It probably is too good to be true.
3. No Online Presence or Fake Reviews Google the event name and the organizer. No results? Or maybe they have an Instagram full of stock images and inflated “testimonials”? Major red flag. Real events leave a digital footprint: social media, past vendor shoutouts, tagged photos, or even press coverage.
4. Asking for Payment Through Sketchy Methods Scammers often ask for payment via services with little to no buyer protection (Venmo, CashApp, Zelle). Reputable organizers typically use invoicing systems or platforms like Square, PayPal Business, or Eventbrite.
5. Pushy or Aggressive Behavior Scam organizers might pressure you to “secure your spot today” without giving you time to research. If you feel rushed or bullied, walk away.
OFFLINE RED FLAGS
1. No Contract or Agreement Always ask for a vendor agreement or contract — even for small local events. This protects both sides and outlines what you’re paying for. If they won’t provide one? Not worth the risk.
2. Lack of Communication or Vague Answers If your emails go unanswered or your questions are met with vague responses, don’t assume they’re just “busy.” Lack of communication before the event is often a preview of how disorganized or chaotic the event will be — if it happens at all.
3. No Public Promotion You sign up and pay… then crickets. No flyers, no social posts, no buzz. If the organizer isn’t promoting the event and you’re not seeing outreach to the community, foot traffic is likely to be nonexistent — or the event may not happen at all.
4. Bad Reputation in the Vendor Community Word travels fast in the maker world. Ask other vendors if they’ve worked with this planner before. If people say “Oh yeah, that event was a disaster,” believe them.
5. Last-Minute Venue Changes or Cancellations Without Refunds Be wary of events that frequently change locations, cancel without notice, or refuse to offer refunds when they do. While emergencies happen, a good planner will be transparent and work with you.
TIPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF
Do your research. Google the event. Check social media. Look for vendor tags from past events.
Join local vendor groups. Facebook groups, Discords, or online communities often have real talk about local events.
Ask for references. A real event planner won’t mind giving you a few past vendors to contact.
Save all communications. Screenshots, emails, receipts — just in case you need to file a dispute.
Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.
You Deserve Better
Your time, energy, and products are valuable. A scam event can cost you more than a booth fee — it can cost you trust and motivation. But the flip side? There are amazing organizers out there who work hard to create meaningful, well-run shows where vendors thrive. Connect with them. Support them. And always advocate for yourself.
Have a story about a great (or not-so-great) event? Share it with your fellow vendors — your experience might help someone else avoid a headache.
Stay smart. Stay safe. And keep shining out there, creators. 
