What you need for a craft market

A craft market needs more than tables for sellers. You also need shelter, reliable power, serving supplies and a way to handle payments without delays. Check quantities against the number of stalls, exhibitors and expected visitors before buying or collecting anything. Items such as extension cords, cable reels, change, cups and signage are easy to overlook and can be difficult to replace once the market is open.

What to bring

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

Furniture

  • Market stallsqty 20
  • Party tentsqty 4
  • Tablesqty 12
  • Chairsqty 40
  • Bar stoolsqty 6
  • Foldable tablesqty 4
  • Changing room screensqty 2

Tableware

  • Reusable cupsqty 250
  • Coffee cupsqty 100
  • Pastry platesqty 150
  • Cutlery setsqty 150
  • Serving traysqty 12
  • Milk jugsqty 4
  • Sugar bowlsqty 4

Equipment

  • Coffee machinesqty 3
  • Kettlesqty 2
  • Refrigeratorsqty 2
  • Coolersqty 4
  • Extension cordsqty 8
  • Power stripsqty 8
  • Cable reelsqty 4
  • Cash registersqty 2
  • Cash machinesqty 2
  • Walkie-talkiesqty 6
  • Megaphone

Kitchen

  • Water jugsqty 8
  • Cutting boardsqty 4
  • Chef's knivesqty 4
  • Bread knivesqty 2
  • Serving tongsqty 8
  • Scissorsqty 6
  • Serving traysqty 8

Decorations

  • Diaper clothsqty 20
  • Buntingqty 12
  • Balloonsqty 100
  • Booth numbersqty 20
  • Welcome sign
  • Info boardsqty 4
  • Directional signsqty 12
  • Notice boardsqty 4

Lighting

  • String lightsqty 8
  • LED lampsqty 12
  • Lanternsqty 8

Cleaning

  • Waste binsqty 12
  • Dustpan and brushqty 4
  • Bucketsqty 4
  • Mopsqty 4
  • Cleaning spongesqty 12
  • Disinfectant sprayqty 4
  • Hand soap dispensersqty 6
  • Paper towel dispensersqty 4
  • Toilet brushesqty 4
  • Work glovesqty 12
  • Litter pickersqty 4

Safety

  • Crowd control barriersqty 12
  • Traffic conesqty 16
  • First aid kitsqty 2
  • Fire extinguishersqty 2
  • Non-slip matsqty 8

Organization

  • Clipboardsqty 6
  • Pen setsqty 4
  • Name stickersqty 200
  • Wristbandsqty 250
  • Receiptsqty 4
  • Cash boxesqty 2
  • Change boxesqty 4
  • Ropeqty 4
  • Cable tiesqty 200
  • Duct tapeqty 6
  • Markersqty 12

Catering

  • Groceries
    • Coffee - 8 packs
    • Decaf coffee - 1 pack
    • Black tea - 4 boxes
    • Herbal tea - 2 boxes
    • Chocolate milk - 12 liters
    • Sugar sticks - 500 pieces
    • Sweeteners - 250 pieces
    • Semi-skimmed milk - 12 liters
    • Oat milk - 6 liters
    • Cola - 12 bottles
    • Cola Zero - 12 bottles
    • Orange soda - 8 bottles
    • Iced tea - 8 bottles
    • Sparkling mineral water - 8 bottles
    • Still mineral water - 12 bottles
    • Apple juice - 6 packs
    • Orange juice - 6 cartons
    • Lemons - 3 kilos
    • Fresh mint - 6 bunches
    • Paprika chips - 8 bags
    • Plain chips - 8 bags
    • Snacks - 6 bags
    • Savory nuts - 6 bags
    • Mini cream cheese - 8 boxes
    • Cucumber - 12 pieces
    • Cherry tomatoes - 4 kilos
    • Bell peppers - 3 kilos
    • Carrots - 3 kilos
    • Grapes - 5 kilos
    • Apples - 8 kilos
    • Bananas - 5 kilo
    • Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
    • White bread - 6 loaves
    • Mini pistolets - 100 pieces
    • Unsalted butter - 2 kilos
    • Young cheese - 3 kilos
    • Aged cheese - 2 kilo
    • Hummus - 12 tubs
    • Herb cream cheese - 12 tubs
    • Ham - 2 kilos
    • Turkey breast - 2 kilos
    • Peanut butter - 4 jars
    • Jam - 4 jars
    • Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
    • Ketchup - 2 bottles
    • Mustard - 2 jars
    • Pickles - 2 jars
    • Olives - 2 jars
    • Salt - 1 pack
    • Pepper - 1 can
    • Paprika powder - 1 can
    • Italian herbs - 1 canister
    • Garlic powder - 1 canister
    • Frozen mini frikandellen - 4 kilos
    • Vegetarian mini snacks - 3 kilos
    • Satay sauce - 3 liter
    • Pastries - 12 boxes
    • Apple pies - 6 pieces
    • Vegan muffins - 60 pcs
    • Gluten-free cookies - 6 packs
    • Butter cookies - 8 packs
    • Brownies - 6 boxes
    • Whipped cream - 12 cans
    • Ice cubes - 20 kilo
    • Paper napkins - 1000 pieces
    • Coffee filters - 2 packs
    • Stirrers - 500 pieces
    • Wooden satay skewers - 500 pieces
    • Baking paper - 2 rolls
    • Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
    • Cling film - 2 rolls
    • Paper snack trays - 500 pieces
    • Cardboard pastry boxes - 200 pieces
    • Trash bags - 100 pieces
    • Paper towels - 12 rolls
    • Toilet paper - 48 rolls
    • Dish soap - 4 bottles
    • Dishwasher tablets - 1 package
    • Cleaning wipes - 4 packs
    • Hand soap - 6 bottles
    • Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
    • Paper towels - 12 packs

Tips

  • Plan one market stall or clearly marked selling space for each participating artisan, then add enough tables and chairs for the agreed booth layout. Confirm the final participant list before collecting furniture.
  • Count power needs by equipment rather than by stall. Coffee machines, kettles and refrigerators may need separate connections, so arrange power strips, extension cords and cable reels before setup day.
  • For refreshments, count reusable cups, coffee cups, pastry plates and cutlery for peak use, then add a reserve of at least 10% for dropped or unwashed items. Prepare serving trays, tongs, milk jugs and sugar bowls together.
  • Prepare the cash register and change before the market opens. Keep several small denominations available and test cash machines or card equipment at least one day in advance if they are being used.
  • Do not leave practical access items until the morning itself. Collect water jugs, cutting and bread knives, coolers, walkie-talkies and any changing-room screens at least 24 hours before setup.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for a craft market?
Start with market stalls, tables, chairs or stools, and party tents where shelter is needed. Add power equipment, payment equipment, cups and serving supplies according to the number of exhibitors and visitors.
How many tables do I need for a craft market?
Allow at least one table arrangement for each artisan or stall included in the confirmed layout. Finalise the booth plan before ordering, then add one or two spare tables if space and transport allow.
How much change do I need for a craft market?
Prepare enough small notes and coins to handle the first two to three hours of sales without needing a cash run. The exact amount depends on seller prices, so ask participants for their common price points before preparing the cash register.
When should I prepare the craft market shopping list?
Check the list as soon as registrations and the booth layout are settled, ideally at least one week before the market. Collect or buy time-sensitive and shared equipment no later than 24 hours before setup.

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