What to buy and bring for a free market
A free market needs more than tables and things to sell. Plan for the practical details that are easy to leave until setup day: stall numbers, registration materials, change, signs, power, weather cover and a clear waste area. This shopping list covers the equipment and consumables needed to set up stalls, run a sales point, serve drinks and keep the site safe and tidy. Check quantities against your vendor count before buying.
What to bring
Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.
Furniture
- Party tentsqty 2
- Foldable tablesqty 12
- Folding chairsqty 8
- Bollardsqty 12
- Barrier tapeqty 2
Equipment
- Coolersqty 3
- Coffee machinesqty 2
- Kettlesqty 2
- Extension cordsqty 3
- Power stripsqty 3
- Megaphone
Lighting
- Battery lampsqty 4
Communication
- Booth numbersqty 30
- Information boardsqty 6
- Directional signsqty 8
- Clipboardsqty 3
- Ballpoint pensqty 12
- Notepadsqty 3
Kitchen
- Thermos flasksqty 4
- Serving traysqty 3
- Pouring tongsqty 2
- Water jugsqty 3
Tableware
- Reusable mugsqty 60
- Reusable glassesqty 60
Cleaning
- Waste binsqty 6
- Broomsqty 3
- Dustpan and brushqty 3
- Bucketsqty 3
- Cleaning clothsqty 12
Safety
- First aid kit
- Flashlightsqty 3
Catering
- Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Mints - 1 box
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Sparkling water - 4 bottles
- Mineral water - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Lemonade syrup - 2 bottles
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Butter cookies - 6 packs
- Muffins - 60 pieces
- Currant buns - 40 pieces
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Snacks - 3 bags
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Stir sticks - 200 pieces
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper plates - 150 pieces
- Paper cups - 200 pieces
- Wooden spoons - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Hand sanitizer - 3 bottles
Tips
- Plan at least one table per vendor, then add a separate registration desk and sales point. Confirm the final vendor list before ordering furniture so you are not short on setup space.
- Allow two to three drinks per person during the first hour, plus extra water. Chill drinks in coolers before opening and prepare enough reusable mugs and glasses for one serving round at a time.
- Bring one stall number for every vendor, with a few spare numbers, and print directional signs and a site map before setup day. Keep clipboards, pens and notepads at the registration desk.
- Check every powered item together with the available supply at least one day beforehand. Pack extension cords, power strips, charged equipment and battery lamps so the market can still run if lighting or sockets are limited.
- Prepare a separate cleaning point with waste bins, brooms, a dustpan and brush, buckets and cleaning cloths. Put the first aid kit where organizers can reach it quickly, not inside a packed storage box.
Frequently asked questions
- What do I need for a free market?
- You need market furniture, including tents, folding tables and chairs, plus stall numbers, information and directional signs. Also prepare registration stationery, drink-serving equipment, power accessories, cleaning supplies, barriers and a first aid kit.
- How many tables do I need for a free market?
- Start with one table for each confirmed vendor, then add tables for registration and the sales point. Confirm the vendor list at least 3 to 7 days before the market so you can adjust the order.
- How much food and drink should I buy for a free market?
- For drinks, plan two to three servings per person for the first hour, then add a buffer for volunteers and vendors. Buy or prepare extra water and chill the drinks several hours before opening.
- When should I prepare signs and stall numbers?
- Print signs, maps and stall numbers at least 1 day before the market. Pack them by area or stall number so volunteers can place them quickly after the tents and tables are set up.
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