Flea market shopping list

A flea market needs more than tables and items for sale. You also need a reliable way to take payments, mark prices, guide visitors and keep the site safe and tidy. Plan one cash box or card machine for each payment point, plus lighting and power equipment before setup day. This checklist covers the practical supplies behind the stalls, refreshments, registration desk and visitor flow, so you can buy or collect everything before the market opens.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Market stallsqty 12
Tablesqty 12
Chairsqty 30
Clothes racksqty 6
High tablesqty 4
Beer table setsqty 4
Waste binsqty 8

Equipment

Cash boxesqty 2
Card machinesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Rechargeable lampsqty 8
Walkie-talkiesqty 4
Calculatorsqty 2
Flip chartsqty 6
Conesqty 12
Barrier tapeqty 3
Measuring tapeqty 2
Hammerqty 2
Screwdriversqty 2
Cable tiesqty 100

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 60
Glassesqty 60
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Thermos flasksqty 4
Serving traysqty 4

Kitchen

Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Ice cube traysqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 2
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving tongsqty 4

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Directional signsqty 10
Price tagsqty 300
Tableclothsqty 12
Tapeqty 8
Markersqty 12

Cleaning

Broom setsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea bags - 200 pieces
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 8 liters
- Coffee cream - 4 packets
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Muesli bars - 4 boxes
- Apples - 5 kilo
- Bananas - 3 kilos
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Sandwich rolls - 60 pieces
- Herb butter - 4 tubs
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper cups - 300 pieces
- Paper plates - 200 pieces
- Wooden stirrers - 300 pieces
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Change - 300 euro

Tips

Prepare one cash box, calculator and card machine for each active payment point, and arrange the cash float at least one day before the market. Keep a separate cash box for registration or stall fees if those are collected on site.
Allow one price label for every group of items that needs a different price, then pack spare labels and pens with the cash-register supplies. Sellers often arrive with unmarked boxes, so keep a small labeling station ready at the registration desk.
Count tables, chairs and clothing racks against the confirmed number of sellers at least 48 hours before the market. Add high tables or beer table sets only where the market map shows a specific use; otherwise they can block walking space.
Test every extension cord, power strip, rechargeable lamp and kettle before loading them. Keep cables away from entrances and walkways, and use cable ties and barrier tape during setup rather than trying to fix loose cables after visitors arrive.
Provide waste bins and a clearly marked refreshment point with cups, glasses, plates, cutlery, thermos flasks, serving trays and coolers. Put cones and information signs at the entrance before the first sellers arrive, so visitors can find registration and the sales area immediately.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a flea market stall?: For each stall, plan a market stall or table, price labels and enough display space for the seller’s goods. Add a chair where sellers will remain at the table, and a clothes rack if clothing is part of the sale.
How many tables do I need for a flea market?: Start with one table or market stall per registered seller, then check the market map for shared or extra tables. Confirm the final count at least 48 hours before the event so missing furniture can still be collected.
How much cash do I need for a flea market float?: Prepare a mixed cash float with enough small notes and coins for the expected number of sellers and low-value purchases. Count and record the float before opening, and keep it in a cash box at each payment point.
What should I bring for flea market refreshments?: For a basic refreshment point, bring cups, glasses, plates, cutlery sets, thermos flasks, serving trays, kettles and coolers. Check the expected attendance 24 hours beforehand and add enough consumables for the full opening period, with a small reserve.

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