Free market shopping list

A free market needs more than tables for sellers. You also need clear stall information, route signs, lighting, power, seating and a practical setup for drinks and food. This shopping list covers the equipment and supplies needed to prepare the site, run the stalls and keep visitors moving. Check quantities against the number of vendors, stalls and expected visitors before you buy or collect anything.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 12
Folding chairsqty 24
High tablesqty 4
Blanketsqty 12

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Rechargeable lampsqty 6
Cash boxqty 2
Calculatorsqty 2
Walletsqty 4

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
Battery lampsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 4
Serving traysqty 4
Scissorsqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Pliersqty 4

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Balloon archesqty 2
Table décorqty 8
Info boardsqty 3
Route arrowsqty 12
Price tagsqty 300
Markersqty 12
Tapeqty 6
Ropeqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Bucketsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Floor squeegeesqty 2
Spongesqty 6
Hand soap dispensersqty 4
Towel rollsqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemon - 2 kilos
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 24 bottles
- Spa Rood - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Mini sausages - 6 packs
- Cheese cubes - 3 kilo
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Apples - 5 kilo
- Cucumber - 3 kilos
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 packs
- Jam - 3 jars
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper plates - 200 pieces
- Wooden stirrers - 200 pieces
- Paper straws - 200 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs

Tips

Plan one table or sales booth per confirmed vendor, then keep a small number of spare price tags and markers for last-minute changes. Assign stalls before setup so signs and route arrows can be placed once.
For a market running into the evening, use rechargeable or battery lamps as well as string lights. Check every lamp and extension cord at least one day before the event, not when vendors are arriving.
Match seating to the programme rather than guessing. Folding chairs suit longer visits, while high tables work for quick stops; check tables, chairs and party tents together before transport.
Prepare refreshments with separate serving equipment: coffee machines or kettles, thermos flasks, cups, trays and reusable tableware. Fill coolers shortly before opening so drinks stay cold during the busiest period.
Bring more signs and labels than the confirmed stall count. Price tags, route arrows and an information board are easy to overlook, and replacing them after vendors arrive creates avoidable delays.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a free market?: Start with tables or sales booths for every confirmed vendor, plus chairs or high tables where visitors need to stop. Add party tents, price tags, markers, route arrows, an information board, lighting, power equipment and refreshments such as cups, coffee equipment and coolers.
How many tables do I need for a free market?: Use at least one table or sales booth for each confirmed vendor, then add spare capacity if sellers may bring extra goods. Confirm the final vendor list and stall assignments before buying or collecting tables.
When should I prepare the free market supplies?: Check the complete shopping list at least 7 days before the market and do the main shopping several days before setup. Test lighting, coffee machines, kettles, extension cords and power strips no later than 1 day beforehand.
What do people usually forget for a free market?: Small operating supplies are often missed: price tags, markers, route arrows, scissors, pliers, extension cords and power strips. Also check lamps, thermos flasks, serving trays and spare cups before vendors arrive, because replacing them during setup is difficult.

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