What you need for a charity market

A charity market needs more than donated goods and a few tables. You will need equipment for stalls, serving drinks, taking payments, displaying prices and keeping the venue safe and usable. Check quantities against your number of vendors and expected visitors before shopping. Buy or borrow reusable items where possible, and arrange bulky equipment at least one week before the market.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 12
Chairsqty 40
Clothes racksqty 4
Foldable stallsqty 8
Tableclothsqty 12
Plastic containersqty 20
Bollardsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable mugsqty 100
Reusable glassesqty 100
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving traysqty 8

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 4
Cash boxesqty 3
Calculatorsqty 3

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Balloonsqty 100
Table décorqty 12
Price tagsqty 30
Donation boxesqty 3
Chalkboardsqty 6

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Scissorsqty 6
Pliersqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6
Food containersqty 12

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Broom setsqty 2
Dustpansqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Spa Blue - 48 bottles
- Spa Rood - 24 small bottles
- Lemonade syrup - 2 bottles
- Ice cubes - 10 kilos
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Aged cheese - 1 kilo
- Ham - 1 kilo
- Chicken breast topping - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 1 kilo
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- White sandwich loaves - 8 loaves
- Wholemeal sandwich bread - 8 loaves
- Bread rolls - 100 pieces
- Croissants - 50 pieces
- Currant buns - 40 pieces
- Apple pie - 6 pies
- Cake - 8 cakes
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Salted peanuts - 4 bags
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Bananas - 5 kilo
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Soup - 12 liters
- Soup sticks - 6 packs
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 pack
- Cinnamon - 1 jar
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper cups - 100 pieces
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Cleaning gloves - 3 pairs
- Nitrile gloves - 4 boxes

Tips

Plan one table or stall area per vendor, then add at least 10% spare table space for sorting donations, price tags and unsold goods. Clothing racks should be assigned before vendors arrive so the setup does not become a bottleneck.
For refreshments, allow two reusable mugs or glasses per expected visitor if you cannot wash them during the event. Bring serving trays, plates and cutlery sets in separate containers so volunteers can restock quickly.
Prepare one cash box and calculator for each payment point, plus a separate donation box. Keep petty cash ready before doors open; counting and recording it during the first busy hour is easily forgotten.
Use one price-tag supply for every stall and place an allergen chart where food is sold. Finish pricing and allergen information before goods are moved into the venue, rather than trying to label items during setup.
Check power needs at least 48 hours ahead. Count coffee machines, kettles, LED lamps and string lights, then match them with enough extension cords and power strips without overloading a single socket.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to buy for a charity market?: Prepare tables, chairs, stalls or clothing racks, tablecloths, price tags, cash boxes, calculators, donation boxes and reusable serving ware. Add coolers, coffee machines or kettles if drinks will be served, plus lighting and extension cords for areas without good venue lighting.
How many tables do I need for a charity market?: Start with one table or stall space per registered vendor, then add at least 10% spare capacity for sorting and overflow goods. For example, 20 vendors need 22 table spaces or an equivalent mix of tables and foldable stalls.
How much cash should I prepare for a charity market?: Prepare enough small notes and coins to give change for the first 2 hours, based on your prices and expected sales. Use one cash box per payment point and keep donation money in a separate donation box so the totals remain clear.
When should I arrange equipment for a charity market?: Confirm bulky items, power access and any required permission at least 1 week before the event. Complete the final equipment check 48 hours beforehand, including tables, stalls, coolers, cash boxes, lighting and extension cords.

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