What you need for a craft market

A craft market needs more than tables for sellers. You also need shelter, weights, clear stall numbers, serving equipment, drinks and a reliable way to power coffee machines and sound equipment. Plan quantities around the number of stalls, volunteers and expected visitors, then check what stallholders are bringing before you shop. The items below cover the shared equipment and supplies that are easiest to overlook or arrange too late.

What to bring

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

Furniture

  • Party tentsqty 6
  • Market stallsqty 18
  • Foldable tablesqty 12
  • Beer tablesqty 6
  • Folding chairsqty 80
  • Bar stoolsqty 8
  • Tableclothsqty 24
  • Stall weightsqty 36
  • Storage binsqty 12

Tableware

  • Reusable cupsqty 250
  • Coffee cupsqty 100
  • Platesqty 100
  • Platesqty 150
  • Pastry forksqty 150
  • Teaspoonsqty 100
  • Serving traysqty 12

Kitchen

  • Coffee machinesqty 3
  • Kettlesqty 3
  • Thermos flasksqty 8
  • Cutting boardsqty 4
  • Chef's knivesqty 4
  • Serving tongsqty 8
  • Serving spoonsqty 6
  • Coolersqty 6
  • Ice cube traysqty 8

Equipment

  • Extension cordsqty 10
  • Power stripsqty 8
  • Cable reelsqty 4
  • Speakersqty 2
  • Microphone
  • Conesqty 20
  • Barrier tapeqty 4
  • Flashlightsqty 6
  • Tool casesqty 2
  • Laddersqty 2

Lighting

  • LED light stringsqty 8
  • LED lampsqty 12
  • Battery lanternsqty 6

Decorations

  • Buntingqty 12
  • Flower boxesqty 10
  • Chalkboardsqty 8
  • Table decorationsqty 12
  • Booth numbersqty 18
  • Name badgesqty 60
  • Directional signsqty 12

Cleaning

  • Waste binsqty 12
  • Mop setsqty 3
  • Dustpan and brushqty 4
  • Hand broomsqty 4
  • Cleaning sprayqty 4
  • Dish brushesqty 4
  • Reusable clothsqty 20

Catering

  • Groceries
    • Coffee - 6 packs
    • Decaf coffee - 1 pack
    • Tea bags - 250 pieces
    • Sugar - 2 kilograms
    • Sweetener - 1 box
    • Semi-skimmed milk - 12 liters
    • Oat milk - 6 liters
    • Lemon juice - 2 bottles
    • Cola - 12 bottles
    • Cola Zero - 12 bottles
    • Orange soda - 8 bottles
    • Bitter lemon - 6 bottles
    • Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
    • Spa Rood - 6 bottles
    • Apple juice - 6 packs
    • Orange juice - 6 cartons
    • Still water - 4 bottles
    • Ice cubes - 20 kilograms
    • Mini rolls - 120 pieces
    • Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
    • Butter - 2 kilograms
    • Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
    • Aged cheese - 2 kilogram
    • Herb cheese - 1 kilogram
    • Hummus - 1 kilogram
    • Cream cheese - 1 kilogram
    • Ham - 2 kilograms
    • Chicken breast slices - 2 kilograms
    • Cucumbers - 12 pieces
    • Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
    • Bell peppers - 2 kilograms
    • Arugula - 6 bags
    • Grapes - 5 kilograms
    • Apples - 6 kilogram
    • Bananas - 4 kilogram
    • Mini muffins - 100 pieces
    • Apple pie - 6 pieces
    • Cookies - 8 packs
    • Paprika chips - 6 bags
    • Plain chips - 6 bags
    • Snacks - 4 bags
    • Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
    • Ketchup - 2 bottles
    • Mustard - 2 bottles
    • Olive oil - 1 bottle
    • Pepper - 1 jar
    • Salt - 1 pack
    • Paprika powder - 1 jar
    • Garlic powder - 1 jar
    • Napkins - 1000 pieces
    • Stirrers - 500 pieces
    • Wooden skewers - 500 pieces
    • Cling film - 2 rolls
    • Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
    • Baking paper - 2 rolls
    • Plastic gloves - 4 boxes
    • Hand soap - 6 dispensers
    • Hand gel - 6 bottles
    • Dish soap - 4 bottles
    • All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
    • Paper towels - 12 rolls
    • Toilet paper - 48 rolls
    • Trash bags - 100 pieces
    • Freezer bags - 2 boxes
    • Aluminum trays - 100 pieces
    • Storage containers - 30 pieces
    • Bottle openers - 4 pcs
    • Coffee filters - 200 pieces
    • Tea filters - 100 pieces
    • Herbal tea - 4 boxes
    • Ginger tea - 2 boxes
    • Chocolate milk - 4 cartons
    • Lemonade syrup - 4 bottles
    • Straws - 300 pieces
    • Sugar cubes - 2 boxes

Tips

  • Count one market stall per confirmed stallholder, then add at least one extra folding table for registration, information or overflow. Confirm the final stall count before ordering furniture.
  • Give every outdoor tent and stall its own set of stall weights; never rely on the structure alone. Check the forecast and inspect the grounds before setup day.
  • For a drinks or coffee point, allow two reusable cups per expected visitor if washing facilities are limited. Add coffee cups, teaspoons, serving trays and thermos flasks before the market opens.
  • Check the power plan at least one week ahead. Match coffee machines, kettles and speakers to the available supply, and bring cable reels, extension cords and power strips so cables can be routed safely.
  • Buy or collect signage, stall numbers and name badges several days before the market. Pack them in labelled storage bins so volunteers can find them during setup instead of searching through boxes.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a craft market?
Plan for one market stall per confirmed seller, plus folding tables and chairs for shared areas. You may also need party tents, stall weights, tablecloths, storage bins, signage, serving equipment and safe power supplies.
How many tables do I need for a craft market?
Start with one stall or table position for each confirmed stallholder, then add one or two shared tables for registration, information or refreshments. Confirm the layout before buying or hiring furniture.
How much coffee and how many cups should I buy for a craft market?
Use the expected visitor count and opening hours to estimate coffee, tea and chilled drinks. As a practical starting point, allow two reusable cups per visitor when cups cannot be washed during the day, then add coffee cups, teaspoons and thermos flasks for the hot-drinks station.
When should I buy supplies for a craft market?
Finish the shopping list and check stock at least one week before the market. Buy drinks and other perishables close enough to the event to keep them fresh, and chill drinks on the day before or the morning of the market.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

Organize for free and invite your contacts!