Artists' market shopping list

Use this list to prepare the physical setup for an artists' market, from stall furniture and power supplies to drinks, signage and lighting. The right quantities depend on the number of artists and the venue, so match every table, outlet and sign to your floor plan. Arrange hired equipment before the final week, especially market stalls, tents and transport carts. Buy consumables and check batteries, cables and payment equipment during the last few days.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Market stallsqty 30
Party tentsqty 4
Tablesqty 12
Chairsqty 40
Beer tablesqty 6
Foldable tablesqty 4
Clothes racksqty 6
Bollardsqty 12
Transport cartsqty 4

Equipment

Extension cordsqty 12
Power stripsqty 12
Cable reelsqty 4
Cordless drill driversqty 2
Toolboxesqty 2
Coolersqty 6
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Cash registersqty 2
Card machinesqty 2

Lighting

String lightsqty 8
LED work lightsqty 6
Battery lanternsqty 8

Decorations

Buntingqty 10
Diaper clothsqty 30
Information boardsqty 6
Booth numbersqty 30
Wayfinding signsqty 8
Post holdersqty 10

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 180
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving plattersqty 12
Pouring jugsqty 8

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Serving tongsqty 8
Cooling matsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 12
Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Cleaning cartsqty 2
Toilet brushesqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 6 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Still mineral water - 12 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 8 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Beer - 6 crates
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- Coffee creamer - 4 packs
- Stirrers - 300 pieces
- Brown sugar - 2 kilos
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Croissants - 80 pieces
- Mini rolls - 120 pieces
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Brie - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Turkey breast - 2 kilos
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Cucumbers - 2 kilos
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Paprika chips - 10 bags
- Plain chips - 10 bags
- Salted crackers - 8 packs
- Syrup waffles - 8 packs
- Napkins - 600 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Dishwasher tablets - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer gel - 4 bottles
- Aluminum foil - 3 rolls
- Cling film - 3 rolls
- Bread bags - 200 pieces

Tips

Count one market stall or clearly defined booth space per participating artist, then add at least one spare table for information, registration or overflow. Confirm the final artist count before ordering furniture.
Plan one power route for each area that needs electricity, such as coffee service, card machines and lighting. Take extension cords, power strips and cable reels, and keep cables away from walkways with a clear cable-management plan.
For drinks, calculate two cups per visitor for a short market visit, then add 10% extra. Separate coffee cups and reusable cups before opening so the catering or refreshment point does not run out during the busiest hour.
Prepare one booth number and one wayfinding sign for every numbered stall or key visitor route. Pack spare labels, post holders and information boards; missing signs are difficult to replace once artists are unloading.
Schedule setup early enough to build stalls, place tables and distribute power before artists arrive. Keep transport carts and tools available through the unloading period, rather than packing them away immediately.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for an artists' market?: Prepare stall furniture, tables, chairs, power equipment, lighting, signs, payment equipment and cups. For each artist, allow one booth space, one booth number and enough table or display furniture for the layout you confirmed.
How many tables do I need for an artists' market?: Start with at least one table or assigned display surface per artist, then add tables for information, refreshments and payment points. Add one or two spare tables if the venue has room, because late layout changes and extra stock are common.
How much lighting is needed for an artists' market?: Provide lighting for every stall area and each entrance, payment point and walkway that is not already well lit. Check the venue at the expected opening time at least one day before the market and keep battery lanterns or LED work lights as backup.
When should I arrange equipment for an artists' market?: Confirm hired furniture, tents and electrical equipment at least two weeks before the market. Do the shopping and test card machines, coffee machines, kettles and lighting during the final three to five days, then pack replacements and spare batteries.

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