Craft market shopping list: what to buy and bring

A craft market needs more than tables and a few decorations. You’ll need a clear setup for stallholders, reliable power and lighting, payment equipment, refreshments, signage and a way to keep supplies out of sight. This shopping list covers the items that are commonly forgotten until setup day, including cable management, cash handling, name badges and storage. Check every quantity against your floor plan, the number of exhibitors and whether the market is indoors or outdoors.

What to bring

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

Furniture

  • Party tentsqty 4
  • Market stallsqty 18
  • Tablesqty 8
  • Folding chairsqty 40
  • Bar stoolsqty 6
  • Checkout tablesqty 2
  • Clothes racksqty 6
  • Presentation cubesqty 12
  • Storage cratesqty 20

Decorations

  • Buntingqty 12
  • Tableclothsqty 12
  • Flower arrangementsqty 8
  • Chalkboardsqty 10
  • Name badge holdersqty 22
  • Adhesive stripsqty 4
  • Decorative basketsqty 10

Equipment

  • Payment terminalsqty 2
  • Tabletsqty 2
  • Extension cordsqty 8
  • Power stripsqty 8
  • Coolersqty 6
  • Kettlesqty 3
  • Coffee machinesqty 2
  • Handheld megaphone
  • Battery lampsqty 8
  • Rechargeable batteriesqty 16
  • Toolboxesqty 2
  • Cable reelsqty 4
  • Hand trucksqty 2

Lighting

  • String lightsqty 8
  • LED lampsqty 12
  • Cable traysqty 10

Tableware

  • Reusable glassesqty 120
  • Coffee cupsqty 80
  • Platesqty 100
  • Cutlery setsqty 100
  • Serving spoonsqty 8

Kitchen

  • Thermos flasksqty 6
  • Serving plattersqty 12
  • Serving tongsqty 8
  • Cutting boardsqty 4
  • Chef's knivesqty 4
  • Coolersqty 4
  • Water jugsqty 6
  • traysqty 8

Catering

  • Napkin holdersqty 8
  • Drink dispensersqty 4
  • Ice packsqty 24
  • Coffee filtersqty 100
  • Groceries
    • Coffee - 4 packs
    • Decaf coffee - 1 pack
    • Black tea - 2 boxes
    • Herbal tea - 1 box
    • Cocoa powder - 1 pack
    • Sugar - 2 kilos
    • Sweetener - 1 box
    • Semi-skimmed milk - 8 liters
    • Oat milk - 4 liters
    • Lemons - 2 kilos
    • Still mineral water - 12 bottles
    • Sparkling mineral water - 8 bottles
    • Cola - 8 bottles
    • Cola Zero - 6 bottles
    • Sinas - 6 bottles
    • Apple juice - 6 packs
    • Grape juice - 4 cartons
    • Beer - 6 crates
    • Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
    • White wine - 12 bottles
    • RosΓ© - 8 bottles
    • Red wine - 6 bottles
    • Ice cubes - 12 bags
    • Baguettes - 12 pieces
    • Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
    • Mini rolls - 120 pieces
    • Butter - 1 kilo
    • Cream cheese - 1 kilo
    • Young cheese - 2 kilos
    • Aged cheese - 1 kilo
    • Hummus - 1.5 kilos
    • Herb butter - 1 kilo
    • Cucumbers - 3 kilos
    • Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
    • Carrots - 3 kilos
    • Bell peppers - 2 kilos
    • Grapes - 4 kilos
    • Apples - 5 kilo
    • Pears - 4 kg
    • Bananas - 3 kilos
    • Paprika chips - 8 bags
    • Plain chips - 8 bags
    • Tortilla chips - 6 bags
    • Olives - 6 jars
    • Mixed nuts - 2 kilos
    • Raisins - 1 kilo
    • Cookies - 10 packs
    • Brownies - 80 pieces
    • Apple pie - 6 pieces
    • Gluten-free cookies - 3 packs
    • Vegan muffins - 30 pieces
    • Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
    • Ketchup - 2 bottles
    • Mustard - 2 jars
    • Chili sauce - 1 bottle
    • Olive oil - 1 bottle
    • Salt - 1 pack
    • Pepper - 1 jar
    • Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
    • Cling film - 2 rolls
    • Baking paper - 2 rolls
    • Paper towels - 8 rolls
    • Toilet paper - 24 rolls
    • Hand soap - 6 bottles
    • Hand sanitizer gel - 4 bottles
    • Dish soap - 3 bottles
    • Dishwasher tablets - 1 box
    • All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
    • Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
    • Sponges - 12 pieces
    • Cleaning cloths - 12 pieces
    • Trash bags - 80 pieces
    • Freezer bags - 2 boxes
    • Paper gift bags - 100 pieces
    • Napkins - 500 pieces
    • Straws - 200 pieces
    • Wooden stirrers - 300 pieces
    • Coffee creamer cups - 200 pieces
    • Teaspoons - 100 pieces

Cleaning

  • Waste binsqty 12
  • Broom setsqty 4
  • Mopsqty 4
  • Bucketsqty 4
  • Dustpan and brushqty 4
  • Cleaning glovesqty 8
  • Litter pickersqty 4

Tips

  • Plan one market stall or table setup per exhibitor, then add at least one separate checkout table and storage area so sales and spare stock do not block the aisles.
  • Allow one payment terminal or tablet for each busy sales point, plus a backup payment method. Arrange cash change before the market opens rather than sending someone to find it during the first rush.
  • For an outdoor market, match each party tent to its stall footprint and check the forecast the day before. Add battery lamps and rechargeable batteries if the market may run into low light or shaded areas.
  • Count extension cords, power strips and cable trays by powered area, not by stall. Keep cables away from walking routes and test every coffee machine, kettle, lamp and payment device before exhibitors arrive.
  • Buy or collect refreshments early enough to chill drinks before opening, and use reusable glasses where possible. Add tablecloths, chalkboards, name badge holders and adhesive strips to the packing list because these are easy to overlook during loading.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a craft market stall?
Plan a stall or table, a tablecloth, signage, a name badge holder and storage crates for each exhibitor. Add clothes racks or presentation cubes only where the products require them, and keep one clear walkway between stalls.
How many tables do I need for a craft market?
Start with one table or market stall per participating exhibitor, then add a separate checkout table and any tables needed for demonstrations or refreshments. Confirm the final count after drawing the floor plan, ideally at least 7 days before the market.
How much cash change should I prepare for a craft market?
Prepare small denominations for every cash register and set the amount according to the number of sellers accepting cash. Count and separate the change before opening, with one person responsible for checking each register.
What power and lighting do I need for a craft market?
List every powered item, including payment terminals, tablets, coffee machines, kettles and lamps, then provide suitable extension cords and power strips for each area. Test the setup at least 1 day in advance and bring battery lamps with rechargeable batteries as a backup.

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