How to Become a Vendor
Use the links below to quickly find what you need:
START AS A WALK-IN VENDOR - NON RESERVE
PERMITS, LICENSES & VENDOR REQUIREMENTS
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD BUSINESS LICENSE
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME / DBA
KERN COUNTY SWAP MEET RULES & REGULATIONS
KERN COUNTY SWAP MEET RESERVED VENDOR APPLICATION
OFFICE HOURS & CONTACT INFORMATION
START AS A WALK-IN VENDOR - NON-RESERVE
Interested in selling at the Kern County Swap Meet?
You are welcome to come out and give us a try as a walk-in/non-reserved vendor, subject to space availability.
There is no need to commit to a monthly reservation just to try the Swap Meet.
Walk-In Vendor Entry Times - Non- Reserve
Tuesday 6:30 AM – 7:30 AM
Friday Night 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Saturday 6:30 AM – 7:30 AM
Sunday 6:30 AM – 7:30 AM
DAILY VENDOR RATES
Standard vendor spaces are approximately 20' × 20'.
Tuesday — $35
Friday Night — $35
Saturday — $40
Sunday — $45
Additional fees may apply for certain spaces, services, tables, corner spaces, or specialty vendors.
BECOME A RESERVED VENDOR
Reserved vendors receive several benefits:
• The same reserved space every time you come in as a vendor
• Earlier vendor entry and setup time
• Priority entry before non-reserved vendors
• No need to rely on walk-in space availability
• A consistent location that makes it easier for your regular customers to find you
RESERVED VENDOR ENTRY TIMES
Tuesday 5:00 AM – 6:30 AM
Friday Night 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Saturday 5:00 AM – 6:30 AM
Sunday 5:00 AM – 6:30 AM
You are always welcome to start as a walk-in vendor first. If you enjoy selling with us and want the convenience of the same space and earlier entry, ask our office about becoming a reserved vendor.
PERMITS, LICENSES & VENDOR REQUIREMENTS
Depending on what you sell, certain permits, licenses, identification, insurance, registrations, or other documentation may be required by the State of California, Kern County, the City of Bakersfield, or another regulatory agency.
It is each vendor's responsibility to determine which requirements apply to the products or services they sell and to keep required documentation current and available.
The Kern County Swap Meet does not issue government permits or licenses.
Use the official links below to find the appropriate agency.
CALIFORNIA SELLER'S PERMIT
People selling new or used merchandise in California, including handcrafted items, are generally required to hold a California Seller's Permit unless a specific exemption applies.
The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration also requires swap meet operators to maintain certain seller information.
Get a California Seller's
California Department of Tax and Fee Administration – Registration
Web address: https://www.cdtfa.ca.gov/services/registration.htm
Seller's Permit Information
Web address: https://www.cdtfa.ca.gov/formspubs/pub107/
Swap Meet Seller & Vendor Requirements
Web address: https://www.cdtfa.ca.gov/formspubs/pub111/
Seller & Vendors - CDTFA Publication 111
Web address: https://www.cdtfa.ca.gov/formspubs/pub111/sellers-and-vendors.htm
CDTFA Customer Service: 1-800-400-7115
FOOD VENDOR & HEALTH PERMITS
Food vendors may need additional permits depending on how food is prepared, packaged, transported, and sold.
Kern County Public Health states that most people selling food from a vehicle, trailer, cart, or similar mobile operation need a health permit.
Food Vendor & Health Permits
Kern County Public Health – Environmental Health
Web address: https://www.kernpublichealth.com/environmental-health/food
Mobile Food Services
For food trucks, trailers, carts, produce vehicles, ice cream trucks, compact mobile food operations, hot dog carts, tamale carts, shaved ice vendors, and similar operations:
Web address: https://www.kernpublichealth.com/environmental-health/food/mobile-food-facilities
Kern County Environmental Health: (661) 862-8740
Email: eh@kerncounty.com
Food vendors should contact Kern County Environmental Health directly if they are unsure which permit applies.
PLANT & NURSERY VENDORS
California requires a License to Sell Nursery Stock for people selling plants for planting, propagation, or ornamentation.
Plant & Nursery License Information
California Department of Food and Agriculture – Nursery Services
Web address: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/pe/nsc/nursery/
Nursery License Application
Web address: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/forms/docs/64-029a_application_for_license_to_sell_nursery_stock.pdf
Nursery Services: (916) 654-0435
Email: nurseryservices@cdfa.ca.gov
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD BUSINESS LICENSE
Businesses conducting business within the City of Bakersfield may be required to maintain a current Business Tax Certificate, commonly referred to as a business license.
Bakersfield Business License / Business tax Certificate
City of Bakersfield
Web address: https://www.bakersfieldcity.us/
On the City website, look for: Business Tax Certificate or Business Licenses, Permits & Fees
City of Bakersfield: (661) 326-3000
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME / DBA
If you operate under a business name different from your legal name, you may need to file a Fictitious Business Name Statement, commonly called a DBA.
Kern County Clerk
Web address: https://www.kerncounty.com/government/county-clerk/fictitious-business-names
Vendors should contact the Kern County Clerk if they are unsure whether a filing is required.
KERN COUNTY SWAP MEET RULES & REGULATIONS
All vendors are responsible for following the Kern County Swap Meet Rules & Regulations in addition to any applicable government requirements.
View Swap Meet Rules & Regulations
I recommend creating this page at:
https://www.kerncountyswapmeet.net/vendor-rules
Button text:
VIEW VENDOR RULES & REGULATIONS
If you prefer to keep the rules as a downloadable PDF instead, the button can link directly to the PDF.
KERN COUNTY SWAP MEET RESERVED VENDOR APPLICATION
Ready to become a reserved vendor?
Complete our Vendor Application and bring the required documentation to the Swap Meet office during normal office hours.
OFFICE HOURS & CONTACT INFORMATION
Office Hours
Tuesday 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Friday 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Saturday 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Contact Us
Kern County Swap Meet
Corner of Ming Avenue & Union Avenue
Kern County Fairgrounds
Bakersfield, California 93307
Office Phone: (661) 397-1504
Email: KernCountySwapMeet@yahoo.com
Please contact our office during office hours with questions about Swap Meet vendor procedures, reserved spaces, or vendor applications.
Come Out and Give Us a Try!
Whether you want to sell for one day or you're looking for a regular place to grow your business, we'd love to have you at the Kern County Swap Meet.
Start as a walk-in vendor or become a reserved vendor and make the Kern County Swap Meet your regular selling location.
