What you need for a free market

A free market needs more than tables for sellers. You also need a clear sales point, stall numbers, refreshments, power, signs and a way to leave the grounds clean. Use this shopping list alongside your participant count and venue layout. For drinks and snacks, calculate quantities from the expected visitors rather than buying at the last minute. Check borrowed or rented items several days ahead, especially tents, tables, chairs, coffee equipment and extension cords.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 12
Folding chairsqty 24
Tableclothsqty 12

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Cash registersqty 2
Cash boxesqty 2
Walkie-talkiesqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 40
Platesqty 40
Cake platesqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50

Kitchen

Coffee potsqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 3
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 2
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Water jugsqty 4
Ice packsqty 12
Handwash sinksqty 2
Towelsqty 12

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Balloonsqty 100
Table signsqty 12
Seat numbersqty 40
Chalkboardsqty 6
Chalk markersqty 12

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
LED lampsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 3
Hand broomsqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Lemonade syrup - 2 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Snack nuts - 3 bags
- Snacks - 3 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Stroopwafels - 4 packs
- Apples - 5 kilograms
- Bananas - 3 kilograms
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Crackers - 6 packs
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Herb butter - 4 tubs
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Ham - 1 kilogram
- Chicken breast slices - 1 kilogram
- Egg salad - 4 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Cleaning spray - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Tea towels - 12 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Plastic containers - 20 pieces

Tips

Plan one table sign or stall number for every participating seller, plus a few spare signs for changes on the day. Keep name tags ready before participants arrive.
For the refreshment point, allow about two to three drinks per visitor during the first hour, then add coffee, tea and snacks based on the expected stay. Chill drinks at least 4 hours beforehand.
Check the power plan at least 3 days in advance. Coffee machines, kettles, lights and other equipment may need separate extension cords or power strips to avoid overloading one outlet.
Bring at least one waste bin near the sales point and another where visitors eat or drink. Put broom sets, mops and buckets somewhere accessible before opening, not after the first spill.
Reserve party tents, foldable tables and folding chairs at least 1 to 2 weeks ahead if they are not already available. Check the packed equipment the day before, including tablecloths, lighting and serving supplies.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for a free market?: Plan supplies for the stalls, refreshments, signs, lighting and cleanup. The core list usually includes tables, tents, tablecloths, stall signs, reusable cups, plates, cutlery, coffee equipment, coolers, waste bins and cleaning tools.
How many drinks do I need for a free market?: Allow about two to three drinks per visitor for the first hour, then adjust for the expected duration. Add extra water and chilled drinks if the market is outdoors or visitors are likely to stay longer.
When should I reserve tables and tents for a free market?: Reserve them 1 to 2 weeks before the market if you need to borrow or rent them. Confirm the quantity and delivery or collection time at least 3 days before setup.
How much coffee equipment do I need for a free market?: Match the number of coffee machines, kettles and thermos flasks to your expected queue and available power. Check the setup the day before and make sure you have enough coffee cups, serving spoons and extension cords.

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