What to Buy for a Charity Market

A charity market needs more than tables and donated goods. You will need equipment for stalls, a separate checkout area, reliable power, payment supplies, signs, lighting and refreshments for visitors and volunteers. Use one checkout table for every 4–6 busy stalls, and plan at least one waste bin per main market area. Buy or collect non-food supplies first; drinks, ice and fresh refreshments can wait until the day before.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 4
Market stallsqty 10
Foldable tablesqty 12
Folding chairsqty 40
High tablesqty 4
Clothes racksqty 4
Storage binsqty 12
Tableclothsqty 12
Checkout tablesqty 2
Waste binsqty 8

Equipment

Card machinesqty 2
Sound system
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Rechargeable lampsqty 8
Coolersqty 4
Folding signqty 2
Laptopsqty 2
Calculatorsqty 3

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 80
Tea glassesqty 40
Platesqty 100
Forksqty 100
Spoonsqty 100
Knivesqty 60
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Ice packsqty 16
Water jugsqty 6

Decorations

Promotional signsqty 8
Booth numbersqty 12
Price holdersqty 40
Buntingqty 10
Bannersqty 4
Chalkboardsqty 6
Table décorqty 12
Pensqty 30
Notepadsqty 12
Adhesive tapeqty 8
Rope rollsqty 4

Catering

Receipt bookletsqty 6
Cash boxesqty 3
Donation boxesqty 6
Attendance boxesqty 12
Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea bags - 200 pieces
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemon tea - 2 boxes
- Mineral water - 10 crates
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Lemonade syrup - 4 bottles
- Apples - 8 kilograms
- Bananas - 6 kilograms
- Grapes - 5 kilograms
- Mini rolls - 200 pieces
- Currant buns - 80 pieces
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Ham - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Cucumber - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 5 kilograms
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Butter - 2 kilograms
- Jam - 6 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Snacks - 8 bags
- Popcorn - 6 bags
- Cookies - 12 packs
- Brownies - 100 pieces
- Apple pie - 8 pieces
- Vegan muffins - 40 pieces
- Gluten-free cookies - 6 packs
- Nut-free snacks - 8 packs
- Napkins - 600 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Baking paper - 4 rolls
- Stirrers - 500 pieces
- Paper straws - 300 pieces
- Sugar sachets - 500 pieces
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Organic waste bags - 20 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 3 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Rubber cleaning cloths - 12 pieces
- Disposable gloves - 200 pieces
- Labels - 500 pieces
- Paper bags - 300 pieces
- Receipt rolls - 6 rolls
- Pen sets - 10 sets
- Cash coins - 150 euros
- Cash bills - 250 euros

Cleaning

Broomqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning glovesqty 8
Microfiber clothsqty 20
Hand soap dispensersqty 4
Hand sanitizer holdersqty 6
Toilet brushesqty 2

Tips

Plan one market stall or table for each participating charity, plus one spare table for registration, information or overflow. Keep at least one folding chair at every staffed booth.
Set up a separate checkout point with a checkout table, card machine, calculator and cash float. Test every card machine and donation method at least 48 hours before opening.
For a four-hour market, allow roughly 1 litre of water or soft drinks per volunteer and 2–3 drinks per visitor if refreshments are being served. Keep coolers and ice ready for chilled drinks.
Bring one extension cord and one power strip for each powered area, then add two rechargeable lamps per checkout or information point. Check cable lengths before the setup day.
Prepare price tags, signs and stall numbers before shopping day. Pack reusable cups, coffee cups, tea glasses, plates, cutlery, serving platters and tongs according to the number of refreshments planned, with at least 10% extra.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a charity market?: Most markets need stalls or tables, chairs, tablecloths, storage bins, signs, waste bins and a checkout area. Add card machines, extension cords, power strips, rechargeable lamps and a sound system if the venue and programme require them.
How many tables do I need for a charity market?: Start with one table or stall per charity or activity, then add 10–15% spare capacity. Keep one additional table for checkout, registration or information so sales do not block the exhibition area.
How much change should I prepare for a charity market?: Prepare enough small notes and coins to make change for the first 20–30 cash purchases at each checkout. Finalise the cash amount 1–2 days before the market, after confirming whether most visitors will pay by card.
When should I buy supplies for a charity market?: Buy reusable equipment, serving items, signs and stationery at least one week ahead. Buy drinks, ice and other perishable refreshments 1–2 days before the market, then check the complete shopping list the day before setup.

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