What you need for a hobby market

A hobby market needs more than tables and display space. You will need equipment for stalls, refreshments, payments, signs, power and keeping the site orderly. Plan quantities around the number of participants, stalls and expected visitors, then check whether suppliers include delivery, setup and collection. The items below cover the practical details people often arrange too late, especially extension cords, payment equipment, table signs and waste collection.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Market stallsqty 12
Party tentsqty 4
Tablesqty 18
Chairsqty 48
Foldable tablesqty 4
Clothes racksqty 4
Bollardsqty 12
Tablecloth setsqty 18

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 80
Drinking glassesqty 100
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving plattersqty 12

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Speakersqty 2
Handheld microphone
Cash register
Payment terminal

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Serving spoonsqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6
Storage binsqty 10

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Balloonsqty 100
Table signsqty 20
Price tagsqty 200
Adhesive tapeqty 6
Rope rollsqty 4

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
LED lampsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 4 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
- Apples - 5 kilo
- Bananas - 3 kilos
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Mini sausages - 5 packs
- Cheese cubes - 3 kilo
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Carrots - 2 kilos
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Rice cakes - 6 packs
- Cookies - 10 packs
- Brownies - 5 boxes
- Apple pie - 4 pieces
- Sandwiches - 100 pieces
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Back ham - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper cups - 300 pieces
- Paper plates - 200 pieces
- Stirrers - 300 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Trash bags - 4 rolls
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls

Tips

Plan one market stall or equivalent display area per participant, then keep a small reserve of tables or foldable tables for shared information, refreshments and last-minute changes.
Check power requirements at least one week before the market. Count coffee machines, kettles, speakers and payment equipment separately, and bring enough extension cords and power strips for safe connections.
Prepare payment equipment before opening day. Test the cash register and payment terminal, bring change if cash is accepted, and keep a written backup record of sales or payments.
Set up signs and table signs before participants arrive. Direction arrows, bollards and information boards should make the entrance, parking, toilets, refreshments and stall areas clear without staff having to explain every turn.
Buy or borrow serving supplies for the full service period, not just the first rush. Count cups, glasses, plates and cutlery per visitor, and keep thermos flasks, coolers and storage bins ready for refills and used items.

Frequently asked questions

How many tables do I need for a hobby market?: Start with at least one market stall or main table per participant. Add separate tables for registration, refreshments, payment and information, plus 10–15% extra if space allows for late changes or damaged furniture.
What should I buy for refreshments at a hobby market?: Allow roughly two drinks per visitor for a short market, with extra capacity for staff and participants. Prepare coffee cups, drinking glasses, plates, cutlery, serving platters, coffee machines or kettles, thermos flasks and coolers at least one day in advance.
How early should I arrange tents and market stalls?: Reserve party tents, market stalls and other large furniture at least two to four weeks before the market. Confirm delivery, collection and setup times no later than seven days beforehand.
What payment equipment do I need for a hobby market?: Use a cash register and payment terminal if payments are handled centrally, and test both at least 24 hours before opening. Keep a backup payment method, charging cables and a written record available in case the connection or terminal fails.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.