If you’re comparing Marketspread, read this first.
Marketspread is a solid budget option for very small markets. Tentpole is what you choose when you want AI helping with vendor scoring, booth layouts, and the daily inbox — not just a cheap form builder. Honest comparison below.
Start a free trial Free, Core $39/mo, or Pro $69/mo · 7-day paid-plan trial.Where they’re actually the same
- Both are modern (not legacy) niche tools built for booth-based events.
- Both have vendor applications, booth maps, and basic invoicing.
- Both have published pricing — no quote calls.
Where Tentpole pulls ahead
| Tentpole | Marketspread | |
|---|---|---|
| AI vendor scoring | ✓ Built in | — |
| AI booth layout auto-assign | ✓ Built in | — |
| Reply drafts in your voice | ✓ Gold Button | — |
| Direct line to the founder | ✓ My cell | Email support |
| Pricing | Free / $39 / $69 monthly | ~$30/mo + 1% fees |
| Built for | Small-to-mid markets, festivals, pop-ups | Smaller markets, lighter use |
The honest trade-off
Marketspread is cheaper per month. Tentpole gives you more time back. If you run more than 4 events a year, the AI features alone usually pay for the difference within the first month. If you run 1 small monthly market and only want a paid Google Form, Marketspread’s $30/mo plan probably wins.
Switching from Marketspread to Tentpole
- Export your vendor list and event calendar from Marketspread (their CSV export works fine).
- Email moon@thetentpole.com — we’ll import everything and set up your first event for you, free of charge.
- Most organizers are running their next event on Tentpole within 48 hours.
FAQ
Is Tentpole really worth 5x the price of Marketspread?
If you’re a multi-event organizer who values your time, yes. If you’re running one small market a month and don’t want AI features, Marketspread is the better fit.
How do payments work compared to Marketspread?
Tentpole runs on Square — connect your own Square account and ticket sales + booth fees settle straight to you. In Payments settings, you choose whether the platform fee is added at checkout or absorbed inside your advertised price.
Does Tentpole have a mobile vendor app?
Vendors access Tentpole via the web (PWA-installable on iOS/Android). No App Store download required, but they can save to home screen.