What you need for a craft market

A craft market needs more than tables for the makers. Plan for covered stalls, clear wayfinding, safe power, payment handling and a simple refreshment setup for visitors and volunteers. Check how many exhibitors and guests you expect before buying or borrowing equipment. The list below covers the physical supplies to arrange, while the tips highlight items that are often forgotten or left until the final day.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 6
Market stallsqty 24
Market tablesqty 24
Foldable tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 80
Booth panelsqty 24
Bar stoolsqty 6
Tableclothsqty 32
Storage cratesqty 30

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 3
Kettlesqty 3
Coolersqty 6
Card machine
Cash boxesqty 2
Power stripsqty 8
Extension cordsqty 8
Cable matsqty 10
Megaphone
Clipboardsqty 6
Ballpoint pensqty 30
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Flashlightsqty 4
Measuring tapeqty 2
Cordless drill driversqty 2
Toolboxesqty 2
Cable tiesqty 200
Duct tapeqty 6

Lighting

String lightsqty 12
LED lampsqty 8
Standing lampsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 300
Coffee cupsqty 120
Small platesqty 120
Platesqty 150
Cake platesqty 150
Cutlery setsqty 150
Serving traysqty 12

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 8
Water jugsqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Serving tongsqty 8
Storage binsqty 20
Ice packsqty 24

Decorations

Buntingqty 12
Balloon bundlesqty 8
Table decorationsqty 24
Chalkboardsqty 12
Directional signsqty 16
Stand number signsqty 24
Info boardsqty 6

Cleaning

Broom setsqty 3
Trash binsqty 12
Bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Cleaning glovesqty 12
Hand soap dispensersqty 6
Hand sanitizer pumpsqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee beans - 4 kilograms
- Tea bags - 400 pieces
- Rooibos tea - 2 boxes
- Earl Grey tea - 2 dozen
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 3 kilograms
- Sweetener - 2 boxes
- Semi-skimmed milk - 16 liters
- Oat milk - 8 liters
- Whipped cream - 12 aerosol cans
- Cocoa powder - 2 kilograms
- Spa Blue - 12 boxes
- Spa Rood - 6 boxes
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Lemons - 3 kilogram
- Fresh mint - 10 bunches
- Cookies - 12 packs
- Stroopwafels - 10 packs
- Mini muffins - 250 pieces
- Apple pies - 12 pieces
- Gluten-free cake - 4 pieces
- Vegan brownies - 6 boxes
- Currant buns - 8 bags
- Multigrain bread - 8 loaves
- White rolls - 100 pieces
- Wholegrain rolls - 100 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 kilograms
- Margarine - 2 kilograms
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Brie - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 2 kilograms
- Herb cream cheese - 2 kilogram
- Cucumbers - 5 kilogram
- Tomatoes - 5 kilograms
- Peppers - 3 kilograms
- Lettuce - 12 heads
- Grapes - 6 kilograms
- Apples - 8 kilograms
- Bananas - 6 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snack mix - 6 bags
- Mayonnaise - 4 bottles
- Ketchup - 4 bottles
- Mustard - 3 bottles
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Balsamic vinegar - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 kilogram
- Black pepper - 500 grams
- Paper napkins - 1000 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Trash bags - 150 pieces
- Compostable snack boxes - 500 pieces
- Wooden stirrers - 500 pieces
- Paper straws - 300 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 20 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 20 pieces
- Hand soap - 12 bottles
- Sanitizer gel - 12 bottles
- Bandages - 4 boxes
- Sterile gauze pads - 4 boxes
- Disposable gloves - 200 pieces
- Change coins - 1 set
- Cash register rolls - 6 rolls
- Name tag stickers - 200 pieces
- A4 printer paper - 2 packs
- Printer ink - 1 set
- Putty - 6 packs
- Tape - 12 rolls

Tips

Allow one market stall or table setup per exhibitor, plus at least one spare table for registration, refreshments or storage. Keep storage crates nearby so boxes and packaging do not end up under walkways.
Plan power by location, not just by total number of devices. Count coffee machines, kettles, card machines and lights, then add extension cords, power strips and cable mats so every cable crossing is protected.
Prepare payment supplies at least 2 days before the market. Test the card machine, stock each cash box with change, and keep a printed cash register procedure with the person responsible for payments.
Provide one reusable cup or coffee cup per expected drink service, then add roughly 10% extra for breakages, misplaced cups and busy periods. Keep plates, cake plates, cutlery and serving trays together instead of distributing them across different boxes.
Check lighting before the venue opens, especially if setup or closing takes place in low light. Bring enough LED lamps or standing lamps for each work area, and use string lights only where they can be secured safely.

Frequently asked questions

What supplies do I need for a craft market?: You need stall furniture, tables, chairs, tablecloths, booth panels, storage crates, payment equipment, power supplies, lighting and serving items. Plan quantities from the number of exhibitors and expected visitors, then add about 10% spare tableware and consumables.
How many tables do I need for a craft market?: Start with one stall or table setup per exhibitor and add at least one registration or information table. Keep one or two extra foldable tables available if space allows, because they are often needed for refreshments, storage or last-minute layout changes.
How much change should I prepare for a craft market?: Prepare change for every cash box at least 1 day before opening. The exact amount depends on vendor prices, but use several denominations rather than only large notes and keep a separate reserve for the busiest first hours.
When should I buy supplies for a craft market?: Confirm furniture, tents, power equipment and payment supplies at least 2 weeks ahead. Buy disposable or serving items 3 to 5 days before the market, then check the full setup and test electrical equipment the day before.

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