What to buy and bring for a flea market

A flea market needs more than tables and items for sale. You will need a clear way to display prices, collect payments, keep vendors comfortable, and serve drinks without blocking the sales area. This shopping list covers the equipment and supplies for stalls, refreshments, lighting, signage, and the cash desk. Check quantities against your number of vendors and visitors at least one week before the market, then test powered equipment before loading it.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Market stallsqty 12
Tablesqty 16
Chairsqty 24
Party tentsqty 4
Tableclothsqty 16
Folding table for cash register
Stoolsqty 4

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 3
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Cash boxesqty 2
Card payment terminalsqty 2

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 4
Battery lanternsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 120
Mugsqty 40
Platesqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 40
Serving traysqty 4

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 4
Serving jugsqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 2
Kitchen knivesqty 2
Pliersqty 4
Measuring cupsqty 2

Decorations

Welcome signsqty 2
Price sign holdersqty 24
Directional signsqty 8
Chalkboardsqty 6
Chalk markersqty 12
Buntingqty 8
Table décorqty 12

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Hand broomsqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Iced tea - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 6 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Snack mix - 3 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Stroopwafels - 4 packs
- Mini muffins - 4 boxes
- Apples - 5 kilo
- Bananas - 3 kilos
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Lemons - 1 kilo
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Mustard - 1 bottle
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Matches - 2 boxes

Other

Price stickersqty 1000
Markersqty 12
Clipboardsqty 4
Pensqty 24
Notepadsqty 6
Measuring tapeqty 2
Scissorsqty 6
Tapeqty 8
Ropeqty 4
Cable tiesqty 100
Herringqty 40
Rubber malletqty 2
Cash box
Receipt bookletsqty 4
Walletsqty 2
Calculatorsqty 2

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Reflective vestsqty 8

Tips

Allow one table or market stall per vendor, plus at least one extra table for the cash desk and refreshments. Confirm the final stall count before hiring or borrowing furniture.
Prepare one price sign holder or visible price card for each selling table, and bring spare cards and markers. Vendors often change prices during setup, so do not leave pricing materials until opening time.
For a four-hour market, plan roughly two reusable cups or mugs per expected drinker and enough coffee, tea, milk, and sugar for the first two hours before the doors open. Keep hot drinks in thermos flasks or serving jugs.
Bring one cash box and one card payment terminal for each payment point, with a separate folding table for the register. Exchange cash before opening and keep small notes and coins available for change.
Count extension cords, power strips, LED lamps, and battery lanterns before transport. Test coffee machines and kettles the day before, and use battery lighting where cables cannot be kept safely out of walking routes.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to bring to a flea market?: Bring stalls or tables, chairs, tablecloths, price signs, cash boxes, payment equipment, and signage. Add coffee and drink equipment, reusable cups or mugs, lighting, extension cords, and weather protection if the market is outdoors.
How many tables do I need for a flea market?: Plan at least one table or stall per vendor, then add one table for the cash register and one for refreshments if those are separate stations. Confirm the number after registrations close, and keep one spare table available for last-minute changes.
How much change should I prepare for a flea market?: Prepare change for at least the first two hours, with a mix of small notes and coins suited to your expected prices. Use one cash box per payment point and keep reserve cash separate from the working float.
When should I check the flea market shopping list?: Check the list at least seven days before the market, when there is still time to borrow or buy missing equipment. Test coffee machines, kettles, card terminals, lights, and extension cords no later than the day before setup.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.