What you need for a flea market

A flea market needs more than tables for sellers. You also need a clear information point, working payment equipment, visible signs, lighting and a simple drinks and snack setup. This shopping list covers the practical supplies for stalls, registration, cash handling and refreshments. Check power access before buying or packing extension cords, power strips and lighting, and arrange waste pickup early so it is not left until the final week.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 30
Folding chairsqty 40
Information desk
Clothes racksqty 6
High tablesqty 4

Equipment

Cash register
Card machine
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Coolersqty 4
Kettlesqty 2
Coffee machinesqty 2
Flashlightsqty 4
Walkie-talkiesqty 4

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 6
LED lampsqty 8
Batteriesqty 24

Decorations

Directional signsqty 10
Table numbersqty 30
Buntingqty 8
Chalkboardsqty 6
Tapeqty 6
Cable tiesqty 100

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Reusable coffee cupsqty 100
Reusable platesqty 100
Reusable cutleryqty 100
Coffee potsqty 4
Teapotsqty 2
Serving plattersqty 8

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Serving spoonsqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4
Ice packsqty 12

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Litter pickersqty 2
Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning glovesqty 6
Hand soap dispensersqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea bags - 200 pieces
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 24 bottles
- Spa Rood - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Cinnamon cake - 6 packs
- Butter cake - 6 packs
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Savory nuts - 6 bags
- Popcorn - 6 bags
- Muesli bars - 60 pieces
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Mini cucumbers - 3 kilograms
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper table runners - 6 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 40 pieces
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 3 rolls
- Cling film - 3 rolls
- Bread bags - 100 pieces
- Coffee filters - 200 pieces
- Tealights - 50 pieces

Tips

Plan one information desk near the entrance and keep the participant list, table numbers and route signs there. Print these materials at least one day before the market so last-minute changes can still be made.
Check every seller’s payment setup before opening. Have a cash register and change ready, and test the card machine and available power outlets at least 24 hours in advance.
Match tables, clothing racks and chairs to the floor plan rather than estimating on the day. Bring cable ties and tape for securing signs, cords and bunting without blocking walkways.
Prepare one drinks station with coolers, coffee machines or kettles, coffee pots and teapots. Put reusable cups, coffee cups, plates and cutlery beside it so volunteers do not have to search during the first busy hour.
Do a lighting check after dark or in the dimmest part of the venue. Pack LED lights, lamps, batteries, extension cords and power strips, plus flashlights and walkie-talkies for setup and closing.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for a flea market?: Plan supplies for four areas: stalls, payments, signs and refreshments. The core setup includes tables, chairs, clothing racks, an information desk, a cash register, a card machine, signs, lighting and reusable serving items.
How many tables do I need for a flea market?: Start with one table per assigned seller space, then add tables for the information desk, refreshments and payment point. Confirm the final number after registrations are processed and the floor plan is complete.
When should I prepare the flea market shopping list?: Make the first check at least one week before the market, when the venue, registrations and floor plan are known. Buy or collect consumables and missing equipment no later than two days before opening.
How much change do I need for a flea market?: Prepare enough small notes and coins for the first two hours of trading, based on the number of sellers accepting cash. Separate the change float from takings and confirm who is responsible for the cash register before opening.

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