What You Need for a Free Market

A free market needs more than tables for sellers. You will need a clear information point, numbered stalls, payment equipment, signs, refreshments and a way to keep the site tidy. Plan supplies for both vendors and volunteers, especially if the market runs for several hours. This list covers the practical items to buy or bring, including reusable serving ware, coolers, lighting, cash handling and cleaning equipment.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 12
Folding chairsqty 16
Beer tablesqty 4
Party tentsqty 2
Folding table information desk
Folding table sales

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Wireless megaphone
Battery lampsqty 8
Card reader
Cash register
Cash box

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 120
Reusable platesqty 100
Reusable cutleryqty 100
Serving bowlsqty 8
Serving tongsqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Tableclothsqty 8
Sales stand signsqty 20
Route arrowsqty 12
Volunteer badgesqty 12
Name stickersqty 100

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Recycling binsqty 4
Broomsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Litter pickersqty 4
Cleaning glovesqty 8

Safety

First aid kit
Flashlightsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Sirup waffles - 6 packs
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Gluten-free cookies - 2 packs
- Vegan snack bars - 3 boxes
- Apples - 5 kilo
- Bananas - 3 kilos
- Vegetarian sandwiches - 40 pieces
- Vegan rolls - 15 pieces
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 tin
- Pepper - 1 can
- Stir sticks - 200 pieces
- Paper napkins - 500 pieces
- Parchment paper - 1 roll
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Cleaning wipes - 3 packs
- Trash bags - 4 rolls

Tips

Prepare one information desk with a folding table, vendor list, route arrows and a wireless megaphone. Put the desk where visitors can find it as soon as they arrive.
Bring one sales-stand sign and a table label for every stall, plus spare signs and name stickers for late changes. Numbering stalls before setup prevents sellers from taking the wrong space.
For drinks and snacks, provide coolers, reusable cups, plates, cutlery, serving bowls, tongs and thermos flasks. Chill drinks before opening; room-temperature drinks are easy to forget until the first visitors arrive.
Use both card and cash payment equipment: a card reader, cash register and cash box. Prepare change before sellers arrive and keep payment supplies at the information or sales desk rather than loose on a table.
Pack cleaning equipment before event day, including waste and recycling bins, brooms, a dustpan and brush, litter pickers and cleaning gloves. Place bins at the busiest points and check them at least once every hour.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to bring to a free market?: Bring tables, chairs or beer tables, signs, route arrows, payment equipment, coolers, reusable serving ware and cleaning supplies. Also pack lighting, volunteer badges and name stickers if setup or closing may continue after daylight.
How many tables do I need for a free market?: Plan at least one sales table for each registered seller or stall, then add one folding table for information and one for refreshments or supplies. Confirm the final number of sellers at least 3 days before the market.
How much change should I prepare for a free market?: Prepare a separate cash float for each cash-handling point and include several denominations rather than only large notes. Count and record the float before opening, ideally 1 to 2 hours before visitors arrive.
When should I buy supplies for a free market?: Buy reusable equipment and printed signs at least 1 week before the event. Purchase drinks, snacks and other perishable items 1 to 2 days beforehand, then chill the drinks before opening.

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