What you need for a fossil market

A fossil market needs more than tables for sellers. You will need secure display space, good lighting, labels, payment equipment and a way to package purchases without damaging them. Refreshments also require cups, plates and serving equipment, while cables and power strips should be arranged before exhibitors arrive. Use this list to shop and prepare the practical supplies that are easy to overlook when the focus is on registrations and stall layout.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 24
Chairsqty 30
Foldable tablesqty 4
Cash desk table
High tablesqty 4
Table skirtsqty 24
Display casesqty 8
Storage cratesqty 20

Equipment

Cash drawer
Payment terminalqty 2
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 8
Electronic scalesqty 4
Magnifying glassesqty 24
Magnifying glassesqty 12
Label printer
Laptop
Printer
Hand tally countersqty 2
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Cash counting traysqty 2
Paper cutter
Staplersqty 4

Lighting

LED lampsqty 12
Desk lampsqty 12
Light Stripsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving traysqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coolersqty 4
Ice cube traysqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Scissorsqty 6
Pliersqty 6
Serving plattersqty 12
Dishpanqty 2

Decorations

Entrance signsqty 4
Route signsqty 12
Table numbersqty 24
Name badgesqty 40
Chalkboardsqty 6
Arrow stickersqty 30
Table décorqty 12
Price holdersqty 100
Fossil labelsqty 300
Lamination sleevesqty 100

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Vacuum cleaner
Microfiber clothsqty 20
Waste binsqty 8
Toilet brushesqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee beans - 4 packs
- Tea bags - 200 pieces
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 3 kilos
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Lemonade syrup - 2 bottles
- Mineral water for coffee - 8 bottles
- Coffee creamers - 300 pieces
- Stirrers - 300 pieces
- Paper napkins - 500 pieces
- Cheese mini sandwiches - 80 pieces
- Mini sandwiches with chicken breast - 60 pieces
- Hummus mini sandwiches - 60 pieces
- Mini sandwiches with egg salad - 40 pieces
- Currant buns - 40 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 tubs
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Egg salad - 4 tubs
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Cookies - 10 packs
- Gluten-free cookies - 3 packs
- Vegan cookies - 3 packs
- Apples - 5 kilo
- Bananas - 4 kilos
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Lemons - 2 kilos
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Coffee filters - 200 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Paper towels - 12 packs
- General waste bags - 50 pieces
- Paper trash bags - 25 pieces
- Plastic Trash Bags - 25 Pieces
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Bandages - 2 boxes
- Nitrile gloves - 2 boxes
- Paper tape - 12 rolls
- Clear plastic bags - 500 pieces
- Bubble wrap - 2 rolls
- Wrapping paper - 5 rolls
- Cardboard boxes - 100 pieces
- Bubble envelopes - 100 pieces

Tips

Plan at least one display surface per exhibitor, then add a few foldable tables for registration, refreshments and overflow stock. Keep the cash desk on its own table so payments do not get mixed up with fossil displays.
Pack lighting for every display area: LED lights, desk lamps or light strips, plus extension cords and power strips. Test the complete setup before opening, especially if several exhibitors share one circuit.
Prepare labels before the market starts. Print fossil labels and price lists in advance, and bring a laptop, printer and label printer if prices or specimen details may change on the day.
Bring payment supplies for both cash and card sales: a cash drawer, a prepared cash float and a tested payment terminal. Keep packaging materials beside the sales area so fossils can be wrapped immediately after purchase.
For refreshments, count reusable cups, coffee cups, plates and cutlery for the expected attendance, then add a small reserve. Coffee machines, kettles, thermos flasks and coolers should be ready before doors open, not during the first rush.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to buy for a fossil market?: Plan for display furniture, display cases, lighting, labels, packaging materials and payment equipment. You will also need refreshments and serving supplies, including cups, plates, cutlery, coffee equipment and coolers.
How many tables do I need for a fossil market?: Start with one display surface per exhibitor and add separate tables for registration, the cash desk and refreshments. Keep at least 2 to 3 spare tables available if the venue allows, because late layout changes are common.
How much lighting is needed for fossil displays?: Provide a light source for each display area or table, using LED lights, desk lamps or light strips. Test the setup at least 1 day before the market and bring extension cords and power strips for every section that needs power.
When should I prepare fossil labels and payment equipment?: Print labels and price lists at least 1 day before the event, then pack spares for on-site changes. Test the payment terminal and prepare the cash float before exhibitors arrive, ideally during venue setup.

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