What you need for a free market

A free market needs more than tables for sellers. You will need weather cover, clear stall markers, power and lighting, storage for personal items, and a simple refreshment setup for visitors and volunteers. Plan seating and serving equipment separately from the sales area so queues do not block the stalls. This checklist covers the equipment and consumables to buy, borrow or collect before opening day.

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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 20
High tablesqty 4
Blanketsqty 12
Clothes racksqty 6
Storage boxesqty 10

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Handheld megaphone

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 4

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Directional signsqty 8
Info boardsqty 3
PIN numbersqty 60
Chalkboardsqty 6
Chalk markersqty 12

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Reusable platesqty 100
Reusable cutleryqty 100
Serving plattersqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee potsqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Scissorsqty 6
Pliersqty 4
Ice packsqty 12

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 3
Disinfectantqty 2
First aid kit

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 3 bags
- Salted peanuts - 3 bags
- Popcorn - 3 bags
- Mini pretzels - 3 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Stroopwafels - 4 packs
- Currant buns - 30 pieces
- White rolls - 30 pieces
- Whole wheat rolls - 20 pieces
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Ham - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Butter - 2 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer gel - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Tea towels - 12 pieces
- Coffee filters - 100 pieces
- Wooden stirrers - 300 pieces
- Herb cheese - 4 tubs
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Apples - 30 pieces

Tips

Plan one foldable table for each sales stall, then add at least one extra table for registration, information or refreshments. Reserve party tents early if sellers and stock need protection from rain.
Allow one folding chair for each volunteer on duty, plus a few extra seats for people who need to rest. Clothes racks, storage boxes and blankets are useful when sellers bring clothing or small household goods.
Check the venue’s power supply at least one week before the market. Bring extension cords and power strips only where they are safe to use, and keep LED lamps available for covered or poorly lit areas.
For a coffee station, prepare one coffee machine or kettle for every busy serving point, with coffee pots or thermos flasks for keeping drinks available between batches. Use reusable cups, plates and cutlery to avoid running out during the busiest hour.
Prepare directional signs, information boards and stall-number markers before setup day. Pack chalkboards and chalk markers with scissors, so signs can be adjusted on site instead of being handwritten at the last minute.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a free market stall?: Start with one table per stall, a chair for the seller, and a clear number or location sign. Add a party tent, clothes rack, storage box or blanket when the goods require weather protection, hanging space or ground-level display.
How many tables do I need for a free market?: Count one foldable table for every registered sales stall, then add at least two more for registration, information or refreshments. Confirm the final number after registrations close so the layout still leaves clear walkways.
What should I buy for refreshments at a free market?: Provide a coffee machine or kettle for each serving point, plus coffee pots or thermos flasks, reusable cups, plates, cutlery and serving platters. Check expected attendance at least 3 days beforehand and increase the serving stock if volunteers and visitors will be present for several hours.
When should I prepare signs and lighting for a free market?: Prepare stall numbers, directional signs and information boards at least 2 days before the event. Test extension cords, power strips and LED lamps at least 1 day before opening, rather than discovering a power or lighting problem during setup.

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