Free Market Shopping List

A free market needs more than tables for sellers. Prepare the practical equipment that keeps unloading, browsing, payments, and information running smoothly throughout the day. This list covers market furniture, signs, lighting, refreshments, cash handling, and basic safety supplies. Check quantities against the number of vendors and the size of your site, then buy or borrow anything with a long lead time at least one week before the market.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 4
Foldable tablesqty 40
Folding chairsqty 60
Beer table setsqty 8
Clothes racksqty 10
Storage cratesqty 50
Transport cartsqty 4
Tableclothsqty 40
Ground tarpsqty 20

Equipment

Coolersqty 6
Kettlesqty 3
Coffee machinesqty 3
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Handheld microphone
Megaphone
First aid kit
Flashlightsqty 4
Table scale
Cash boxesqty 2

Decorations

Route signsqty 8
Standing Place Signsqty 40
Information boardsqty 6
Directional signsqty 12
Buntingqty 10
Vestsqty 12
Chalkboardsqty 4
Chalk markersqty 12

Lighting

LED light stringsqty 6
LED lampsqty 8
Battery lanternsqty 6
Spare batteriesqty 24

Cleaning

Broom setsqty 3
Crane gamesqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Cleaning glovesqty 8
Waste binsqty 8
Hand sanitizer dispensersqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 80
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving traysqty 8

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving tongsqty 6
Serving jugsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Mints - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Coffee cream - 4 tubs
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Sparkling water - 6 bottles
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Croissants - 40 pieces
- Mini rolls - 60 pcs
- Butter - 4 packs
- Young cheese - 3 packs
- Ham - 3 packs
- Chicken Breast - 3 packs
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Jam - 3 jars
- Chocolate sprinkles - 2 packs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snack mix - 6 bags
- Salted peanuts - 4 bags
- Rice cakes - 6 packs
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Sirup waffles - 6 packs
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Bananas - 6 kilos
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 trays
- Napkins - 12 packs
- Paper straws - 2 boxes
- Disposable cups - 200 pieces
- Disposable plates - 150 pieces
- Wooden stirrers - 500 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Hand soap - 6 dispensers
- Hand gel - 6 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Sponges - 3 packs
- Microfiber cloths - 3 packs
- Paper towels - 6 packs
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Bandages - 2 boxes
- Disposable gloves - 2 boxes

Tips

Plan one vendor table or clearly marked standing place per confirmed seller, plus a few spare tables for the information point and refreshments. Confirm the final vendor count before hiring or borrowing furniture.
Bring at least one visible sign for each entrance, parking or loading area, main route, and vendor section. Prepare standing-place signs before setup so sellers do not have to search for their assigned space.
For drinks, allow two to three servings per person during the first hour, then adjust for the expected crowd and event length. Chill drinks before opening and use coolers if sellers or visitors cannot access a refrigerator.
Pack extension cords, power strips, and cable covers or secure fixings before bringing coffee machines, kettles, or LED lighting onto the site. Test every powered item at least one day in advance.
Keep the cash box, change, first aid kit, flashlights, and communication equipment at the information table. Put these items there before vendors arrive rather than leaving them in a vehicle or storage crate.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a free market?: Plan for vendor tables or standing places, chairs, signs, information boards, cash boxes, coolers, refreshments, lighting, extension cords, and a first aid kit. Add transport carts, storage crates, and ground tarps if vendors need help unloading or the surface may be wet.
How many tables do I need for a free market?: Start with one table or standing place per confirmed vendor, then add at least two extra tables for the information point, cash handling, or refreshments. Finalise the number after registrations close so you do not transport unnecessary furniture.
What should I buy for drinks at a free market?: Allow two to three drinks per visitor during the first hour, then estimate one to two additional drinks per person for each following hour. Bring coolers and chill the drinks before opening; coffee machines or kettles also require tested power access.
When should I prepare free market supplies?: Buy, borrow, or reserve furniture, signs, cash boxes, lighting, and electrical equipment at least one week before the event. Check the complete shopping list two to three days beforehand, and test powered equipment the day before setup.

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