The Process
How The Circle works
We've made it simple. Tell us about your event, browse our curated vendors, and we'll connect you — no cold-calling, no spreadsheets, no guesswork.
Plan your event in three steps
From idea to confirmed vendor, it takes minutes — not weeks.
Browse the directory
Explore our curated selection of Auckland's best food trucks, bars, entertainers, and experience vendors. Filter by category and read about what makes each one special.
- ✓Filter by food, drinks, entertainment, or experience
- ✓See photos, pricing info, and what events each vendor suits
- ✓Add your favourites to your Event Brief as you go
Submit your enquiry
Fill in your event details — date, location, guest count, and what kind of vendors you need. Tell us about your vision and any specific requirements.
- ✓Takes about 3 minutes to complete
- ✓Your shortlisted vendors are highlighted in your enquiry
- ✓Budget is optional — just give us what you know
- ✓Your contact details are kept private until vendors respond
We connect you
Your enquiry is sent directly to available vendors in the right categories. Interested vendors respond with their availability and any questions — then you take it from there.
- ✓Vendors typically respond within 24–48 hours
- ✓Only vendors who are available and interested will reach out
- ✓You deal directly with vendors for pricing and logistics
- ✓No middleman fees or booking commissions
Get discovered by the right clients
No commissions. No bidding wars. Just qualified leads delivered straight to your inbox.
Apply to join
Submit your application with your business details, category, and a description of what you offer. Our team reviews every application personally.
- ✓Free to apply — no upfront costs
- ✓We review applications within a few business days
- ✓We look for quality, reliability, and fit with our community
Get listed in the directory
Once approved, you'll get a vendor profile on The Circle with photos, your description, and details of what events you're suited for.
- ✓Your profile is seen by Auckland event organisers
- ✓You can be shortlisted by organisers before they even enquire
- ✓We send you email notifications for matching enquiries
Respond to opportunities
When a matching enquiry comes in, you'll receive an email with the event details. Log into your vendor portal, mark your availability, and the organiser will contact you directly.
- ✓See all enquiries matching your category in one dashboard
- ✓Mark yourself available or pass — no pressure
- ✓Deal directly with organisers — no commission taken
- ✓Build relationships with repeat clients over time
Common questions
Is there a cost to use The Circle?
For event organisers, it's completely free. For vendors, there's no commission on bookings — we operate on a curation model. Pricing details for vendor listings may be introduced in future.
How quickly will vendors get back to me?
Most vendors respond within 24–48 hours. If you have a tight timeline, mention it in your event notes and vendors will prioritise accordingly.
What if I don't hear back from vendors?
If you haven't heard back within 48–72 hours, email us at hello@opencirclemarkets.com and we'll follow up on your behalf.
Do you handle contracts or payments?
No — The Circle is an introduction service. All booking agreements, contracts, and payments are handled directly between you and the vendor. We recommend getting any agreement in writing.
Can I request a specific vendor?
Yes. As you browse the directory, you can add vendors to your Event Brief. When you submit your enquiry, those vendors are flagged as your shortlist and contacted first.
What areas do you cover?
Our vendors are primarily based in and around Auckland. Some vendors may travel for the right event — mention your location in the enquiry and vendors will confirm availability.
How do I apply to become a vendor?
Click 'Join The Circle' and fill in the application form. We'll review your submission and get back to you within a few business days.
Ready to find your vendors?
Browse the directory and start building your Event Brief today.
Explore The Circle →