Free market shopping list

A free market needs more than tables and stalls. Plan supplies for sellers, volunteers, payments, directions, power and basic refreshments before setup day. The exact quantities depend on the number of stalls, but a simple ratio keeps the list manageable: one table, chair and stall number for each seller, plus shared equipment for the site team. Buy or collect non-perishable items early, then check power, lighting and cash-handling supplies at least one day before the market.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Market stallsqty 12
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 30
High tablesqty 4
Clothes racksqty 6
Storage cratesqty 20
Tableclothsqty 12

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Kettlesqty 3
Coffee machinesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Rechargeable work lightsqty 6
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Cash boxesqty 3
Receipt padsqty 6
Calculatorsqty 3
Cash walletsqty 6
First aid kitsqty 2
Flashlightsqty 6
Toolboxesqty 2
Hammerqty 2
Screwdriversqty 4
Pliersqty 4
Measuring tapesqty 3
Scissorsqty 6
Cable tiesqty 200
Duct tapeqty 6
Crowd control barriersqty 12
Traffic conesqty 20
Weight bagsqty 24

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
Battery lampsqty 8

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Directional signsqty 12
Information boardsqty 6
Stand number signsqty 30
Chalkboardsqty 6
Chalk markersqty 12

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving spoonsqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6
Chilled serving traysqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Reusable platesqty 100
Reusable cutleryqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 60
Milk jugsqty 6
Sugar bowlsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 12
Litter pickersqty 4
Broomsqty 4
Dustpan and brushqty 4
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Cleaning glovesqty 12
Hand soap dispensersqty 4
Disinfectantqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 8 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea assortment - 4 boxes
- Hot chocolate - 2 packs
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweetener - 2 boxes
- Semi-skimmed milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 6 liters
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Sandwiches - 180 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Bread rolls - 80 pieces
- Young cheese - 4 kilos
- Aged cheese - 3 kilos
- Ham - 3 kilos
- Chicken breast - 2 kilos
- Vegetarian burgers - 40 pieces
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Cream cheese - 10 tubs
- Peanut butter - 4 jars
- Jam - 4 jars
- Butter - 4 tubs
- Tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Bell peppers - 3 kilos
- Onions - 2 kilos
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Bananas - 6 kilos
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Tortilla chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 8 bags
- Cookies - 12 packs
- Muesli bars - 6 boxes
- Cupcakes - 100 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Napkins - 1000 pieces
- Paper straws - 300 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Garbage bags - 120 pieces
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Cleaning wipes - 4 packs
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 3 bottles
- Paper towels - 8 packs
- Bandages - 4 boxes
- Disposable gloves - 4 boxes
- Name stickers - 150 pieces
- Ballpoint pens - 30 pieces
- Printer paper - 2 packs
- Staples - 2 boxes
- Marker pens - 2 boxes

Tips

Plan one market stall, one table and one chair per seller, then add 10% spare capacity if space allows. A late cancellation is easier to handle when you have one or two unassigned tables available.
Prepare one stall-number sign and one information point for every entrance or main route. Pack chalk markers with the chalkboards; signs without something to write on are often forgotten.
For each cash point, provide one cash box, one receipt pad, one calculator and one cash wallet. Keep payment supplies separate from general setup materials and count them before doors open.
Allow at least one extension cord and one power strip for each powered work area, and test the route before opening. Add rechargeable work lights or battery lamps so setup can continue if a connection fails.
Set out one cooler and one kettle or coffee machine for each refreshment area, with serving tools such as cutting boards, bread knives and serving spoons. Buy drinks and perishable food last, ideally within 24 hours of opening.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a free market?: You need stalls or tables for sellers, chairs, signs, cash-handling supplies, storage crates, lighting and power equipment. Add refreshments and serving tools if food or drinks will be available. Plan the core furniture by seller count and keep shared equipment at the information or volunteer point.
How many tables do I need for a free market?: Start with one table per registered seller, then add around 10% spare capacity where possible. For 30 sellers, that means 33 tables. Check the site map before buying or collecting them, because walkways and entrances reduce usable space.
How early should I buy supplies for a free market?: Buy non-perishable items such as signs, tablecloths, storage crates and cash materials 1–2 weeks ahead. Confirm tables, tents, chairs and power equipment at least 3–5 days before the event. Purchase chilled food and drinks within 24 hours of opening.
How much cash equipment do I need for a free market?: Provide one cash box, receipt pad, calculator and cash wallet for each separate cash point. If sellers handle their own payments, they should bring their own cash equipment; otherwise, prepare one complete set per assigned volunteer cash desk.

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