Straight from the Ed:
Vendor status is simple, they just need to be a legit business and offer UNYSOC peeps a good discount versus the public.
Here's what I ask all applicants:
Name:
Company:
URL:
Description of product or services offered:
Type of discount:
Thank you, drive through.

While not an 'official' rule, it greatly increases your chances of being 'official' if you have one or more unysoc'rs that have used your services.