What you need for a free market

A free market needs more than donated goods and a few tables. Plan the physical setup, refreshments, payment points, power and visitor guidance before shopping day. For a small market, allow one table or rack per vendor, two reusable cups per visitor, and extra lighting if people may stay after dark. Use this list alongside your vendor confirmations and site layout so you do not discover missing extension cords, cash boxes or signs during setup.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Market tablesqty 24
Foldable tablesqty 4
Folding chairsqty 30
Blanketsqty 24
Clothes racksqty 6
High tablesqty 4

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 4
Rechargeable lampsqty 8
Handheld microphone
Cash boxesqty 8
Calculatorsqty 2
Wallet traysqty 8

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
Battery lanternsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Reusable platesqty 150
Reusable cutleryqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 100
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 6

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knivesqty 3
Small bowlsqty 12
Measuring cupsqty 2
Ice packsqty 20
Bottle openersqty 4
Stoolsqty 3

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Directional signsqty 12
Information boardsqty 4
Tableclothsqty 6
Allergen cardsqty 20

Safety

Crowd control barriersqty 8
Rolls of barrier tapeqty 4
First aid kits
Fire extinguishersqty 2
Non-slip matsqty 6

Cleaning

Broom setsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning glovesqty 6
Microfiber clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Coffee creamer - 6 bottles
- Semi-skimmed milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Alcohol-free beer - 48 bottles
- Beer - 96 bottles
- White wine - 8 bottles
- Rosé - 6 bottles
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Butter - 4 packs
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Cooked ham - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salted sticks - 6 bags
- Snack nuts - 6 bags
- Rice cakes - 6 packs
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Apples - 8 kilograms
- Bananas - 5 kilograms
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Lemons - 2 kilograms
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Napkins - 1000 pieces
- Wooden stirrers - 500 pieces
- Paper straws - 300 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Pedal bin liners - 60 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs
- Hand soap - 6 dispensers
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls

Tips

Allow one market table, folding table or clothes rack for each vendor, plus 10–15% spare surface or hanging space for late additions. Confirm the final vendor count before buying or borrowing furniture.
For refreshments, plan two drinks per visitor for the first hour, then one additional drink per person for each following hour. Add ice packs and coolers, and chill drinks at least 4 hours before opening.
Provide one reusable cup, plate and set of cutlery per expected visitor, plus 20% extra for replacements and second servings. Keep serving platters, tongs and small bowls separate from the vendor tables.
Count power points before bringing coffee machines, kettles, lamps and a microphone. Use extension cords and power strips only after checking their combined load, and test every powered item on the morning of the market.
Prepare directional signs and the printed floor plan at least 1 day ahead. Pack rechargeable lamps or battery lanterns as backup, because outdoor areas can become difficult to navigate before the market officially ends.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for a free market?: Plan furniture for every vendor, refreshments, reusable tableware, coolers, serving equipment, cash boxes, signs and lighting. Confirm the vendor list and site layout at least 7 days before shopping so you can calculate quantities instead of guessing.
How many drinks do I need for a free market?: Allow two drinks per person for the first hour and one more per person for every additional hour. For 50 visitors staying for 3 hours, that is about 200 drinks, with extra cold storage and ice packs.
How many tables do I need for a free market?: Start with one market table, folding table or clothes rack per vendor, then add 10–15% spare capacity. Finalise the vendor list at least 3 days before setup so tables, chairs and tents can be matched to the actual number of stalls.
When should I prepare the free market supplies?: Buy or gather non-perishable supplies at least 1 week ahead, then check the complete shopping list 2 days before the event. Chill drinks 4 hours before opening, test power and lighting on the day, and print signs at least 1 day ahead.

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