FAQs

The Keys Market is Sint Maarten’s community-driven eco-marketplace located in the heart of Merriment Green Community. We’re a hurricane-resistant outdoor bazaar that combines traditional market charm with modern eco-innovation, creating the perfect environment for diverse businesses to flourish.

Address: King of The Sea Drive, Sucker Garden, Upper Prince’s Quarter, Sint Maarten

Exact location: View on Google Maps

This is where The Keys Market started in 2018 and will continue its development.

Seasonal Schedule:

• Low Season: June 1 – October 31
• High Season: November 1 – May 31

Daily Operating Hours:

• Flex Spot Stalls: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (vendor setup: 6:30-8:00 AM, dismantle: 4:00-5:00 PM)
• Food Court & EBUs: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Note: Hours may change during themed events, hosted functions, or when hurricane season or weather conditions require adjustments.

The Keys Market is committed to sustainability and community empowerment. We offer:

• Hurricane-resistant infrastructure for year-round operations
• Eco-friendly practices including comprehensive waste management and recycling
• Diverse vendor opportunities from flexible daily spots to permanent business units
• Community ownership model through our Eco Shares Program
• Support for local entrepreneurs with affordable entry options

We welcome a diverse range of vendors across multiple categories:

Retail & Artisan Vendors:

• Local crafts and artwork
• Handmade jewelry and accessories
• Clothing and textiles
• Home décor and gifts
• Books and educational materials
• Plants and gardening supplies

Food & Beverage Entrepreneurs:

• Fresh produce and farm goods
• Prepared foods and meals
• Baked goods and desserts
• Specialty beverages
• Organic and health foods
• Cultural and ethnic cuisines

Health & Wellness Services:

• Natural health products
• Beauty and personal care
• Wellness consultations
• Fitness and yoga services

We offer three flexible options to match your business needs and budget:

Option 1: Flexible Spot Rental
Bring your own equipment and pay only for the space you use. Perfect for testing a new business or operating part-time.

Option 2: Complete Market Stall
Ready-to-use stalls with all equipment included. Just bring your products and start selling.

Option 3: Premium Eco Business Units (EBUs)
Hurricane-resistant shipping container units (20ft) with modern amenities.
Perfect for permanent operations with utilities included.

For Flex Spots or Complete Stalls:
Apply at: Flex Spot Vendor Application

For Eco Business Units (EBUs):
Register your interest at: The Keys Market Interest Registration Form

Flex Spots:

• Ground space only
• You provide: tent/canopy, tables, chairs, display equipment
• Access to utilities (water, electricity at additional cost)

Flex Spots – Complete Market Stalls:

• Pre-built stall structure
• Display shelving and counters
• Basic equipment included
• Access to utilities (water, electricity at additional cost)

Eco Business Units (EBUs):

• 20ft hurricane-resistant container unit
• Electricity, water, WiFi included
• Climate control options
• Secure lockable space
• Professional business address

Essential Documentation:

• Valid government-issued ID
• Proof of address
• Business license or registration
• Market Vending License (see below)
• Food handling certificates (for food vendors)
• Insurance documentation (recommended)

Yes. All vendors must obtain a Market Vending License from the Sint Maarten government.

How to apply:
Department of Economic Licenses
Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic & Telecommunication
Zoutsteeg #3, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten
Phone: +1721 542-2986
Email: economiclicenses@sintmaartengov.org

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be 18 years or older
• Provide valid identification
• Submit proof of address
• Pay applicable licensing fees
• Complete any required inspections (especially for food vendors)

Yes. Food and beverage vendors must have:

• Food handling certificates
• Health department approval
• Compliance with food safety regulations

Food Court Policy: We maintain cuisine diversity by limiting each cultural food style to one vendor. This ensures variety for customers while reducing direct competition.

Approved beverages for food vendors include:

• Water (bottled or filtered)
• Juices (fresh or packaged)
• Smoothies
• Coffee and tea
• Soft drinks
• Non-alcoholic specialty beverages

Alcoholic Beverages: To maintain a cohesive beverage experience and ensure proper licensing compliance, all alcoholic beverages are exclusively served through The Keys Market Bar. This allows us to centralize quality control, licensing, and responsible service while giving our community a dedicated, premium beverage destination.

Available daily utilities for vendors:

• Electricity – Reliable, off-grid solar power with generator backup (no GEBE dependency). Usage is metered for transparent billing.
• Water – Potable water access points
• WiFi – Internet connectivity (EBU units)
• Waste management – Recycling and composting facilities

For Flex Spot & Complete Stall Vendors:

1. Submit Application: Complete online form for your chosen vendor option
2. Review: TKM team reviews your application (typically 2-3 business days)
3. Approval: Receive approval notification
4. Payment: Pay daily/monthly rental fee
5. Begin Operations: Set up and start selling

For Eco Business Unit (EBU) Vendors:

1. Submit Application: Complete interest registration form and business proposal
2. Review: TKM team reviews your application and business plan (typically 7-10 business days)
3. Documentation: Submit required licenses, certificates, and insurance documentation
4. Approval: Receive approval notification and discuss EBU options (purchase or lease availability)
5. Payment: Pay required deposit or down payment based on chosen option
6. Contract: Sign EBU agreement and begin operations

All vendors must:

• Maintain cleanliness of their space and surrounding areas
• Participate in waste management and recycling programs
• Follow operating hours and setup/breakdown schedules
• Comply with health and safety regulations
• Respect neighboring vendors and maintain professional conduct
• Display valid licenses and permits at all times
• Report any incidents or maintenance issues promptly

Additional policies specific to your vendor type (Flex Spot, Complete Stall, or EBU) are outlined in your vendor agreement.

Flex Spots: Yes, bring your own branding, signage, and display materials.

Complete Stalls: Limited customization; signage and branding allowed with approval.

EBUs: Full customization of interior; exterior modifications require approval.

All vendors participate in our comprehensive environmental programs:

• Waste separation – Recycling, composting, and proper disposal
• Eco-friendly packaging – Encouraged use of biodegradable materials
• Water conservation – Efficient use of water resources
• Energy efficiency – Solar power and renewable energy integration
• Local sourcing – Priority for Caribbean-made and locally grown products

Yes! We love market event themes and host regular special events including:

• King’s Day – April 27
• Car Boot Sales
• Kids Market
• Farmers Market
• Builders Market
• Job Market
• Boxing Day Market
• Fine Food Flavors Contest Market
• And more events to come!

Stay tuned for event announcements on our social media and website.

Follow us on:

• Facebook: @caribhousing | @thekeysmarket
• Instagram: @caribhousing | @thekeysmarket
• Website: www.caribhousing.com

We accept:

• XCG (Caribbean Guilder/Eastern Caribbean Dollar)
• USD (US Dollars)
• Euro
• Digital payments (credit/debit cards, mobile wallets)

Rates shown in XCG with USD equivalents for reference.

Payment options include:

• Bank transfer
• Credit/debit card (online platform)
• Cash (in-person at TKM office)
• Digital wallet

Payment schedule:

• Daily vendors: Pay at setup each day
• Monthly vendors: Pay in advance on the 1st of each month
• EBU renters: Monthly rent due on the 1st

Potential additional costs may include:

• Utilities: Metered electricity and water usage (if applicable)
• Equipment rental: Tables, chairs, display units (if not included)
• Storage: Secure storage for equipment between market days
• Event fees: Special themed event participation (varies by event)
• Late payment fees: Applied to overdue rental payments
• Cleaning/damage deposits: Refundable, deducted only if space requires extra cleaning or repairs

• Flex Spots: No deposit for daily rentals; one month’s deposit required for monthly rentals
• Complete Stalls: One month’s rent as deposit
• EBUs (Lease): Two months’ rent as security deposit
• EBUs (Purchase/Hire-Purchase): One month’s stalling fee as security deposit

What’s included in EBU stalling fees:

• Solar power connection and usage
• Wastewater recycling system access
• Waste management and composting facilities
• WiFi connectivity
• Site maintenance and infrastructure upkeep

Deposits are fully refundable upon contract completion and inspection. Deductions may apply for unpaid fees, damage beyond normal wear, or excessive cleaning needs. Refunds are processed within 30 days of final inspection.

Yes, convenient on-site parking is available for XCG 1 ($0.55) per visit. This helps us maintain the parking area and support our sustainability initiatives.

Absolutely! We welcome families and offer:

• Safe, open-air environment
• Community Fitness & Play Zone: Multi-generational fitness and play area with supervised activities for kids and fitness options for adults
• Kids Market events
• Family-friendly food options
• Educational workshops and activities

Yes! The Keys Market is available for private functions, corporate events, and community gatherings. Contact us for availability and pricing.

Service animals are always welcome. Pet policies for other animals vary by event and vendor area. Please check with market management before bringing pets.

We’re here to help! Contact us:

• Email: thekeysmarket@marlinyard.org
• Phone: +31 85 004 1137
• Website: caribhousing.marlinyard.org/the-keys-market-sint-maarten/
• Address: King of The Sea Drive, Sucker Garden, Sint Maarten

Ready to join our community? The Keys Market welcomes entrepreneurs who share our vision of sustainable commerce and community building.

Note: All rates and policies are subject to change. Contact us for current pricing and availability.