MERCH / RETAIL VENDOR SUPPORT ROLES

Recruiting new vendors across each category is a key responsibility within the Ride Out of the Darkness® event structure. These roles ensure that participants and families have varied, high-quality options to engage with, rather than encountering repeated or overlapping vendors.

Vendor Leads and Coordinators are responsible for curating a diverse and balanced vendor lineup, intentionally expanding options while maintaining alignment with the Love Surrounds You™ mission. The goal is not volume, but variety, quality, and relevance.

These roles emphasize long-term, relationship-based partnerships. Vendors are not viewed as one-time participants, but as ongoing collaborators who help strengthen the event experience and support the broader community year after year.

  • (candles, soaps, art, jewelry, home goods)

    ROLE TYPE

    Merch / Retail Vendor Support Role — 10–12 Month Assignment

    ROLE PURPOSE

    Recruits and supports handmade, craft, and artisan vendors to create a unique, high-quality shopping experience while preventing oversaturation, duplication, and off-mission products.

    SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY

    • Recruits new handmade/craft vendors throughout the year
    • Reviews vendor applications in this category for mission fit and variety
    • Helps prevent duplication overload (ex: too many candle vendors)
    • Confirms vendors understand expectations, setup rules, and boundaries
    • Serves as category point-of-contact for vendor questions
    • Tracks vendor commitments and communicates updates to the Merch / Retail Vendor Coordinator
    • Flags any vendors selling inappropriate, offensive, or non-handmade items for review

    TIME COMMITMENT

    • 1–3 hours per month (light outreach + category tracking)
    • Increased coordination the final 2–3 months before the event
    • Event-day presence preferred (or available by phone for vendor issues)

    SUPPORT & STRUCTURE

    • Reports to the Merch / Retail Vendor Coordinator
    • Supported by vendor templates, category guidelines, and vendor systems
    • Works alongside Vendor Check-In & Operations for day-of placement support

    IDEAL FOR SOMEONE WHO

    • Loves handmade goods and small businesses
    • Is organized, consistent, and detail-oriented
    • Can communicate expectations clearly and professionally
    • Understands that balance and variety matter more than volume

    ROLE MINDSET

    “Variety over volume.”
    This role protects the integrity of the handmade vendor category so the retail area feels intentional, high-quality, and easy to shop — not repetitive or overcrowded.

  • ROLE TYPE

    Merch / Retail Vendor Support Role — 10–12 Month Assignment

    ROLE PURPOSE

    Recruits and supports vendors offering personalized, photo-based, and custom gift products while managing category balance, preventing long-line bottlenecks, and maintaining a smooth attendee experience.

    VENDORS THIS ROLE SUPPORTS

    This Lead supports vendors such as:
    • Tumbler and drinkware brands
    • Custom engraving and personalization booths
    • Photo products (prints, photo gifts, memorabilia)
    • Custom gifts and keepsakes
    • Event-themed products and bundles
    • Laser engraving and on-site personalization (approved setup only)

    SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY

    • Recruits drinkware and custom product vendors throughout the year
    • Reviews vendor applications in this category for mission fit and product appropriateness
    • Helps manage category balance to avoid overcrowding and duplication
    • Identifies vendors that may create long lines and flags placement needs early
    • Confirms vendors understand setup rules, line management expectations, and booth boundaries
    • Serves as the category point-of-contact for vendor questions
    • Communicates vendor notes and updates to the Merch / Retail Vendor Coordinator

    TIME COMMITMENT

    • 1–3 hours per month (application review + vendor communication)
    • Increased coordination during the final 2–3 months before the event
    • Event-day availability preferred to assist with flow or placement questions

    SUPPORT & STRUCTURE

    • Reports to the Merch / Retail Vendor Coordinator
    • Supported by vendor templates, category guidelines, and vendor tracking systems
    • Works with Vendor Check-In & Operations to support placement and day-of flow

    IDEAL FOR SOMEONE WHO

    • Is organized and detail-oriented
    • Thinks ahead about crowd flow and spacing
    • Communicates clearly and calmly with vendors
    • Enjoys supporting small businesses while protecting the attendee experience

    ROLE MINDSET

    “Great products still need great flow.”
    This role ensures custom vendors add excitement and personalization to the event without creating congestion or disrupting the mission-focused experience.

  • ROLE TYPE

    Merch / Retail Vendor Support Role — 10–12 Month Assignment

    ROLE PURPOSE

    Recruits and supports apparel and accessory vendors while helping keep the retail vendor area balanced, mission-appropriate, and organized. This role also helps prevent crowding and flow issues since apparel vendors often create the highest-traffic shopping areas.

    VENDORS THIS ROLE SUPPORTS

    This Lead supports vendors such as:
    • Clothing vendors (shirts, hats, hoodies, biker apparel, boutique apparel)
    • Accessories vendors (patches, pins, decals, keychains, small gift items)
    • Leather goods vendors (wallets, belts, bags, vests, straps)
    • Jewelry vendors (rings, bracelets, chains, earrings)
    • Sunglasses and fashion add-ons
    • Women’s biker fashion and lifestyle brands

    SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY

    • Recruits apparel and accessory vendors throughout the year
    • Reviews vendor applications in this category for mission fit and product appropriateness
    • Helps manage category balance to avoid duplication overload (too many similar clothing vendors)
    • Confirms vendors understand setup rules, booth boundaries, and display expectations
    • Flags vendors with high-traffic setups that may require spacing or specific placement
    • Serves as the category point-of-contact for vendor questions
    • Communicates vendor notes and category updates to the Merch / Retail Vendor Coordinator

    TIME COMMITMENT

    • 1–3 hours per month (recruiting + application review + vendor communication)
    • Increased coordination during the final 2–3 months before the event
    • Event-day availability preferred for vendor support and flow questions

    SUPPORT & STRUCTURE

    • Reports to the Merch / Retail Vendor Coordinator
    • Supported by vendor templates, category guidelines, and vendor tracking systems
    • Works with Vendor Check-In & Operations to support placement and vendor flow

    IDEAL FOR SOMEONE WHO

    • Understands vendor variety and category balance
    • Communicates clearly and professionally
    • Can spot duplication and overcrowding issues early
    • Enjoys supporting retail vendors while protecting the attendee experience

    ROLE MINDSET

    “High traffic requires high structure.”
    This role keeps the apparel and accessories category exciting and diverse while protecting walkways, flow, and the overall event experience.

  • ROLE TYPE

    Merch / Retail Vendor Support Role — 10–12 Month Assignment

    ROLE PURPOSE

    Recruits and supports vehicle lifestyle vendors that represent motorcycle, Jeep, Bronco, car, and truck culture — while enforcing the “NON-MECHANICAL” boundary so the vendor area stays safe, compliant, and focused on retail products only.

    VENDORS THIS ROLE SUPPORTS

    This Lead supports vendors such as:
    • Motorcycle lifestyle brands and ride culture merch
    • Jeep, Bronco, car, and truck lifestyle brands
    • Club culture brands (approved merch only)
    • Decals, flags, banners, patches, and vehicle-themed products
    • Ride gear accessories sold retail only (gloves, glasses, small gear items)
    • Detailing products sold retail only (NO servicing, NO washing, NO installs)
    • Vehicle-themed art, prints, and custom accessories

    SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY

    • Recruits vehicle lifestyle vendors throughout the year
    • Reviews vendor applications in this category for mission fit and product appropriateness
    • Ensures vendors understand the NON-MECHANICAL rule clearly:
    • No repairs
    • No installs
    • No servicing
    • No “quick fixes” or work performed on vehicles
    • Flags any vendor who appears service-based or mechanical for review
    • Helps manage category balance so the vendor area doesn’t become repetitive or overcrowded
    • Serves as the category point-of-contact for vendor questions
    • Communicates vendor notes and updates to the Merch / Retail Vendor Coordinator

    TIME COMMITMENT

    • 1–3 hours per month (recruiting + application review + vendor communication)
    • Increased coordination during the final 2–3 months before the event
    • Event-day availability preferred to assist with category questions and compliance reminders

    SUPPORT & STRUCTURE

    • Reports to the Merch / Retail Vendor Coordinator
    • Supported by vendor templates, category guidelines, and vendor tracking systems
    • Works with Vendor Compliance & Rules Coordinator for enforcement support if needed
    • Works with Vendor Check-In & Operations to support placement and day-of vendor flow

    IDEAL FOR SOMEONE WHO

    • Loves ride culture and understands multiple vehicle communities
    • Can communicate boundaries clearly without drama
    • Is confident enforcing “retail only” expectations
    • Enjoys helping vendors feel supported while protecting event safety

    ROLE MINDSET

    “Culture is welcome. Chaos is not.”
    This role protects the ride culture vibe of the event while keeping the vendor area safe, non-mechanical, and mission-aligned.

  • ROLE TYPE

    Merch / Retail Vendor Support Role — 10–12 Month Assignment

    ROLE PURPOSE

    Recruits and supports gear, tool, and outdoor/preparedness vendors while ensuring product displays remain safe, controlled, and mission-appropriate. This category requires extra awareness because certain products can create safety risks, crowding issues, or compliance concerns if not managed properly.

    VENDORS THIS ROLE SUPPORTS

    This Lead supports vendors such as:
    • Outdoor gear and camping brands
    • Survival and preparedness product vendors
    • Tools and practical equipment vendors
    • Flashlights, safety products, and emergency kits
    • Storage solutions and utility products
    • Tactical-style retail items (approved and appropriate for the event environment)
    • “Everyday carry” style products that are legal and venue-compliant

    SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY

    • Recruits gear, tools, and preparedness vendors throughout the year
    • Reviews vendor applications in this category for mission fit and safe product type
    • Helps prevent unsafe booth setups such as:
    • Sharp display hazards
    • Large items blocking walkways
    • Aggressive or fear-based marketing
    • Confirms vendors understand booth boundaries and display expectations
    • Flags any vendors selling prohibited items or creating safety concerns for review
    • Helps manage category balance to avoid duplication and overcrowding
    • Serves as the category point-of-contact for vendor questions
    • Communicates vendor notes and category updates to the Merch / Retail Vendor Coordinator

    TIME COMMITMENT

    • 1–3 hours per month (recruiting + application review + vendor communication)
    • Increased coordination during the final 2–3 months before the event
    • Event-day availability preferred to assist with safety display questions or compliance concerns

    SUPPORT & STRUCTURE

    • Reports to the Merch / Retail Vendor Coordinator
    • Supported by vendor templates, category guidelines, and vendor tracking systems
    • Works closely with Vendor Compliance & Rules Coordinator to flag prohibited items
    • Works with Vendor Check-In & Operations to support placement and safe booth spacing

    IDEAL FOR SOMEONE WHO

    • Is safety-aware and detail-oriented
    • Can spot display hazards and prevent problems early
    • Communicates clearly and professionally with vendors
    • Understands that preparedness products must still be presented responsibly

    ROLE MINDSET

    “Preparedness should feel empowering, not alarming.”
    This role keeps the gear and tools category practical, safe, and organized — protecting the attendee experience while supporting vendors who bring real value.

  • ROLE TYPE

    Merch / Retail Vendor Support Role — 10–12 Month Assignment

    ROLE PURPOSE

    Recruits and supports tattoo and body art culture vendors while protecting safety, compliance, and public health standards. This role ensures this category stays mission-safe, family-aware, and clearly within approved boundaries.

    VENDORS THIS ROLE SUPPORTS

    This Lead supports vendors such as:
    • Tattoo artists promoting their shop or portfolio (marketing only)
    • Temporary tattoo vendors (stick-on, stencil, non-permanent)
    • Airbrush artists (if approved)
    • Body art vendors offering safe, non-invasive services (if approved)
    • Piercing-related retail products (jewelry for purchase only)
    • Tattoo aftercare retail products (sealed and properly labeled)
    • Tattoo lifestyle merch and art prints

    SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY

    • Recruits tattoo and body art vendors throughout the year
    • Reviews vendor applications in this category for mission fit and appropriateness
    • Ensures vendors understand the compliance boundaries clearly:
    • No tattooing unless fully permitted, pre-approved, and venue-compliant
    • No piercing procedures unless fully permitted, pre-approved, and venue-compliant
    • No unsafe or unsanitary practices
    • Confirms vendors follow booth boundaries and safe setup expectations
    • Flags any vendors attempting to perform procedures without approval
    • Helps manage category balance to prevent overcrowding or off-mission products
    • Serves as the category point-of-contact for vendor questions
    • Communicates vendor notes and updates to the Merch / Retail Vendor Coordinator

    TIME COMMITMENT

    • 1–3 hours per month (recruiting + application review + vendor communication)
    • Increased coordination during the final 2–3 months before the event
    • Event-day availability preferred for compliance questions and vendor support

    SUPPORT & STRUCTURE

    • Reports to the Merch / Retail Vendor Coordinator
    • Supported by vendor templates, category guidelines, and vendor tracking systems
    • Works closely with Vendor Compliance & Rules Coordinator for licensing and safety boundaries
    • Works with Vendor Check-In & Operations to support correct placement and day-of setup

    IDEAL FOR SOMEONE WHO

    • Understands tattoo and body art culture
    • Is confident communicating boundaries clearly and respectfully
    • Values safety, cleanliness, and public professionalism
    • Can spot compliance risks early and escalate quickly

    ROLE MINDSET

    “Culture is welcome — compliance is required.”
    This role protects the freedom and creativity of body art vendors while keeping the event safe, respectful, and fully aligned with venue rules and public health standards.

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