Farmers' market shopping list

Use this shopping list to prepare a farmers' market without last-minute runs for basic equipment. It covers the practical items vendors and visitors rely on, from market stalls and folding tables to coolers, serving ware and payment equipment. Plan quantities around your number of exhibitors, food vendors and expected visitors. Check the weather, power access and food service needs before buying or collecting anything.

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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 8
Folding chairsqty 60
Bar stoolsqty 8
Checkout tablesqty 2
Crowd control barriersqty 12

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 300
Coffee cupsqty 150
Platesqty 150
Platesqty 200
Cutlery setsqty 200
Serving plattersqty 24
Serving spoonsqty 24
Water carafesqty 12

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 3
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 8
Extension cordsqty 8
Cable reelsqty 4
Cash machinesqty 2
Walkie-talkiesqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 8
Chef's knivesqty 6
Pliersqty 8
Measuring cupsqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 8
Ice packsqty 30

Decorations

Buntingqty 12
Hay balesqty 20
Chalkboardsqty 20
Price holdersqty 40
Tablecloth coversqty 20

Lighting

LED light stringsqty 10
LED lampsqty 12
Outdoor lightsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 12
Broom setsqty 4
Mop setsqty 3
Hand soap dispensersqty 6
Sanitizer pumpsqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 6 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Hot chocolate - 2 packs
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Semi-skimmed milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Whipped cream - 12 cans
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Still water - 24 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Orange juice - 8 packs
- Lemonade syrup - 4 bottles
- Lemons - 3 kilos
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Unsalted butter - 2 kilos
- Jam - 6 jars
- Honey - 6 jars
- Peanut butter - 4 jars
- Chocolate sprinkles - 4 packs
- Cinnamon - 2 jars
- Cookies - 12 packs
- Apple pie - 8 pieces
- Raisin buns - 100 pieces
- Mini rolls - 150 pieces
- Young cheese - 4 kilos
- Aged cheese - 4 kilos
- Cream cheese - 2 kilo
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Cucumbers - 5 kilos
- Cherry tomatoes - 5 kilo
- Carrots - 5 kilos
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Apples - 10 kilos
- Pears - 8 kilo
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 3 jars
- Olive oil - 2 liters
- Balsamic vinegar - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 kilo
- Pepper - 4 mills
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Baking paper - 4 rolls
- Napkins - 1000 pieces
- Paper straws - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Cleaning cloths - 24 pieces
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles

Tips

Allow one market stall or clearly defined selling space per exhibitor, then add at least one extra table for shared information, registrations or overflow. Confirm the booth layout before collecting furniture.
For food and drink service, count reusable cups, coffee cups, plates and cutlery by expected servings rather than attendees. A useful starting point is two servings per visitor for a short market, plus 10% extra.
Keep perishable goods in coolers with ice packs from setup until sale. Prepare the coolers before the setup team arrives so chilled stock is not left at room temperature during unloading.
Map power outlets before bringing coffee machines and kettles. Use cable reels and extension cords long enough to keep cables away from walkways, and test each appliance before opening.
Do not leave payment and crowd-control equipment until the morning itself. Check cash machines, prepare the register float, and place barriers and route signs before visitors arrive.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a farmers' market?: You typically need market stalls, folding tables, chairs or stools, serving ware, coolers, payment equipment and basic kitchen tools. Add tents, barriers, power equipment and signs according to the site and weather.
How many tables do I need for a farmers' market?: Plan at least one selling table or stall per exhibitor, then add one or two shared tables for registration, information and checkout. Confirm the final number after registrations close, ideally 3 to 7 days before the market.
How much tableware should I buy for a farmers' market?: Estimate two cups, plates or cutlery sets per expected visitor for a short market and add 10% spare capacity. Increase the number if visitors are likely to stay for food or coffee rather than shop and leave.
How early should I prepare a farmers' market shopping list?: Finalize the list at least 1 week before the market, once exhibitors and suppliers are confirmed. Recheck quantities, chilled storage, power leads and payment equipment 1 to 2 days before setup.

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