Household market checklist

A household market needs more than confirmed sellers and a row of tables. You need a clear sales setup, a workable booth layout, reliable power and a way to handle payments when several vendors are selling at once. Start by fixing the date, reserving the space and opening registrations, then move on to vendor details, signage, equipment and refreshments. Use this checklist to keep setup day practical and prevent small jobs—such as price tags, route signs or chilled drinks—from being left until the doors open.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Confirm date and times
Reserve market space
Draw up sales terms
Open the vendor list
Send invitations
2 people
Announce market online
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Confirm vendors
Create the booth layout
2 people
Schedule volunteers
Set the cash and payment method
Carry out a site visit
2 people
Check power outlets
Check the shopping list
Prepare price tags
2 people
Prepare route signs
Check cash register
Create table numbers
Do the shopping
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Set up non-perishable supplies
2 people
Open venue
2 people
Connect lighting and power
2 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Lay out stall plan
3 people
Build party tents
4 people
Put up route signs
2 people
Hang decorations
2 people
Receive vendors
3 people
Divide the sales tables
3 people
Set up coffee station
2 people
Set out snacks
2 people
Set up the register and change
2 people
Brief the runner and volunteers
2 people

Event

Open access
2 people
Welcome visitors
2 people
Assist vendors
2 people
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
Serve snacks
2 people
Refill drinks
Empty trash bins
Check toilets
Keep the sales area tidy
2 people
Inform last visitors
2 people

Aftercare

Have vendors pack up
4 people
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
Take down party tents
4 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Close the register
2 people
Remove decorations
2 people
Collect waste
3 people
Clean the venue
3 people
Return materials
2 people
Return borrowed items
2 people
Clear away leftover stock
2 people

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 12
Chairsqty 40
Party tentsqty 2
Clothes racksqty 4
Folding benchesqty 4
Stall tableclothsqty 12
Table clampsqty 24
Storage cratesqty 12

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 50
Glassesqty 60
Platesqty 50
Knivesqty 50
Forksqty 50
Teaspoonsqty 50
Serving spoonsqty 6

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 3
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Card machinesqty 2
Calculatorsqty 2

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving plattersqty 6
Pliersqty 4
Pouring jugsqty 4
Washing-up bowlsqty 3

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Balloonsqty 100
Table signsqty 14
Chalkboardsqty 4
Notice boardsqty 2
Wayfinding signsqty 8
Market postersqty 12

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 4
LED lampsqty 6

Cleaning

Broomsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 12
Hand soap dispensersqty 4

Catering

Coffeeqty 2
Teaqty 2
Sugar sticksqty 100
Milkqty 6
Groceries
Water jugsqty 6
Sugar bowlsqty 3
Milk jugsqty 4
Serving plattersqty 8
Coolersqty 3

Tips

Confirm the market space and opening hours before inviting vendors. Use a site visit to check access, power outlets and where tables, clothes racks, tents and storage crates can go.
Set a firm registration deadline and confirm each vendor afterwards. Collect dietary requirements at the same time, rather than trying to find out on market day.
Decide how sales will be handled before setup. Test the card machines, check the cash register, prepare calculators and keep a separate float if vendors are taking payments themselves.
Create the booth layout and table numbers before arriving. Mark routes and stall positions clearly so volunteers can direct vendors without moving tables and chairs repeatedly.
Buy non-perishable supplies first and leave chilled drinks until close to opening time. Check that you have enough cups, glasses, plates, cutlery and serving equipment for the expected attendance.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a household market?: Set the date and reserve the market space at least 6–8 weeks ahead. Open vendor registrations soon afterwards, with a closing date around 2–3 weeks before the market so you can confirm sellers and finalise the layout.
How many tables do I need for a household market?: Plan the number of tables from the confirmed vendor list and the agreed booth layout, rather than guessing from attendance. Allow at least one clearly defined stall space per vendor, plus room for walkways, payment points and refreshments.
When should I prepare price tags and route signs?: Prepare and check price tags, table numbers and route signs during the final week. Put them into labelled boxes before setup day so volunteers can place them immediately instead of making signs while vendors arrive.
What equipment should I check before a household market?: Check power outlets, extension cords, power strips, lighting, coffee machines, kettles, coolers and card machines during the site visit. Test powered equipment at least one day before opening and bring working alternatives for anything essential.

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.