What to buy for a craft materials market

A craft materials market needs more than tables and display space. You’ll need practical equipment for exhibitors, clear signs for visitors, safe power distribution, payment supplies and refreshments for the day. Check quantities against your exhibitor count before shopping, especially for stalls, chairs, extension cords and table coverings. Items such as cash change, adhesive strips and battery lighting are easy to overlook until setup has already started.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Market stallsqty 12
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 24
Bar stoolsqty 4
Tableclothsqty 12
Clothes racksqty 4
Folding chairsqty 12
Storage boxesqty 12
Clothes hangersqty 40

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Coolersqty 3
Hand trucksqty 2
Calculatorsqty 2
Payment terminalsqty 2
Measuring tapeqty 2
Scissorsqty 6
Duct tapeqty 4
Cable tiesqty 100
Hand trucksqty 2
Flashlightsqty 4
Spare batteriesqty 24

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 50
Platesqty 50
Platesqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50
Serving traysqty 6
Pouring jugsqty 4

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Balloonsqty 40
Flower arrangementsqty 6
Market flagsqty 6
Notice boardsqty 4
Adhesive stripsqty 2
Directional signsqty 12
Booth number cardsqty 20
Information boardsqty 6

Lighting

LED light stringsqty 6
LED lampsqty 8
Battery lanternsqty 6

Catering

Thermos flasksqty 4
Sugar bowlsqty 2
Milk jugsqty 2
Serving tongsqty 4
Coffee spoonsqty 30
Ice packsqty 12
Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea assortment - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Mints - 1 box
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Still mineral water - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Lemon juice - 2 bottles
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Stir sticks - 200 pieces
- Paper napkins - 500 pieces
- Butter - 500 grams
- Young cheese - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cucumber - 4 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 1 kilo
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Mini sandwiches - 120 pieces
- Currant buns - 40 pieces
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Snack mix - 3 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Mini muffins - 60 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 pack
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 12 pieces
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Paper towels - 8 packs

Cash register

Cash boxesqty 2
Change boxesqty 2
Price listsqty 20
Receiptsqty 500
Ballpoint pensqty 20
Calculator batteriesqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Rubber glovesqty 6
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Toilet brushesqty 2
Hand sanitizerqty 4

Tips

Plan one market stall or pitch setup per exhibitor, then add a small number of spare tables and chairs if your layout allows. Confirm the final exhibitor list before placing the order.
Allow at least one extension cord and one power strip for each powered area, and map outlets before bringing coffee machines, kettles or lighting. Keep cords away from walkways and tape down any crossing points.
For refreshments, count reusable cups, coffee cups, plates and cutlery for the expected visitors and volunteers, then add around 10% extra. Include serving trays and pouring jugs so drinks and snacks can be replenished quickly.
Prepare one visible sign set for the entrance, route points and each stand number. Pack adhesive strips with the signs; posters and notices are often printed on time but cannot be fixed up safely without them.
Bring payment terminals, calculators and arranged cash change together in one checkout kit. Test every terminal and prepare the change before opening, rather than during the first busy sales period.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a craft materials market?: Plan for market stalls, tables, chairs, tablecloths and any clothes racks needed by exhibitors. You’ll also need payment terminals, calculators, power equipment, signage, refreshments and lighting if the venue is dim.
How many tables do I need for a craft market?: Start with one table setup for each confirmed exhibitor, then compare that number with the pitch layout. Order or reserve extra tables only after checking the room dimensions and keeping clear visitor routes.
How many cups and plates should I buy for a craft market?: Count one cup or plate per planned serving and add about 10% extra for breakage, volunteers and unexpected visitors. For a busy market, check stock again at least 3 days before the event.
When should I check the shopping list for a craft market?: Do a first stock check 2 weeks before the market, when there is still time to replace missing equipment. Recheck quantities 2 to 3 days before setup and pack small items such as cash change, adhesive strips and batteries separately.

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