How to organise a computer market

A computer market needs more planning than rows of tables and sellers. Start by fixing the date, opening hours and venue, then build the floor plan around seller tables, power access and safe visitor routes. Seller registration, advertising and payment arrangements should be in place before you buy supplies. In the final week, confirm every seller, test the equipment and print the information people will need on the day.

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The plan, step by step

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

Preparations

1
Set date and opening hours
2 people
2
Reserve venue
3
Create a market map
2 people
4
Draft vendor terms
2 people
5
Publish registration form
6
Send invitations
2 people
7
Post the ad online
8
Hang posters
2 people
9
Process registrations
10
Confirm vendors
11
Assign table numbers
12
Collect dietary requirements
13
Assess power requirements
14
Assign volunteers
2 people
15
Confirm supplier agreements
16
Determine the admission payment method
2 people
17
Order cash change
18
Print vendor list
19
Print Signage
20
Publish visitor information
21
Check the shopping list
22
Do the shopping
2 people
23
Gather equipment and materials
2 people
24
Check test equipment
2 people
25
Check the cash register and payment methods
2 people
26
Chill drinks
2 people
27
Set out non-perishable snacks
28
Prepare the coffee and tea station
29
Plan transport to the venue
2 people

Event

30
Open venue
2 people
31
Clear the loading and unloading area
3 people
32
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
33
Mark vendor spots
2 people
34
Set up power points
3 people
35
Set up test stations
3 people
36
Set up the entrance desk
2 people
37
Set up catering table
2 people
38
Set up signage
2 people
39
Place waste bins
40
Receive vendors
3 people
41
Guide vendors to tables
2 people
42
Connect products for test stations
2 people
43
Make coffee and tea
44
Staff the entrance desk
2 people
45
Welcome visitors
2 people
46
Hand out the program and map
2 people
47
Guide test stations
2 people
48
Serve catering
2 people
49
Refill drinks
50
Refill coffee and tea
51
Check tables and aisles
2 people
52
Empty trash bins
53
Check toilets
54
Inform vendors about closing
55
Close the entrance desk
2 people
56
Check out vendors
2 people
57
Shut down test stations
2 people

Aftercare

58
Take down tables and chairs
4 people
59
Remove power cables
2 people
60
Pack leftover catering
2 people
61
Collect and remove waste
3 people
62
Clean the venue
3 people
63
Secure lost property
64
Reload materials
3 people
65
Lock up the venue
2 people
66
Clean reusable materials
2 people
67
Return equipment
2 people
68
Return borrowed materials
2 people
69
Store leftover stock
2 people

What to bring

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

Furniture

Market stallsqty 24
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 36
Entrance desk
Bar stoolsqty 4
Folding tableqty 2

Equipment

Laptops for test stationsqty 3
Screensqty 3
Keyboardsqty 3
Miceqty 3
Network switch
Wi-Fi router
Label printer
Cash register
Payment terminal
Coolersqty 3
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Power stripsqty 12
Extension cordsqty 12
HDMI cablesqty 6
DisplayPort cablesqty 4
USB cablesqty 10
Ethernet cablesqty 8
Cable reelsqty 3
USB sticksqty 6
Power strip coversqty 6
Battery chargersqty 6
Multimetersqty 2
Screwdriver setsqty 3
Compressed air cansqty 6
Computer cable tester
Handheld scannersqty 2
Desk lampsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable mugsqty 60
Reusable glassesqty 80
Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable cutleryqty 80

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 4
Serving traysqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 2
Knivesqty 4

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 10
Directional signsqty 12
Table numbersqty 24
Vendor signsqty 24
Prize card holdersqty 80
Market banner
Tape dispensersqty 4
Cable markersqty 2

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 4
Work lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Vacuum cleaner
Broom setsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Waste binsqty 8

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Create the floor plan before assigning tables. Leave clear routes between stalls, place the entrance desk where visitors can see it, and check that extension cords and cable reels will not cross walking areas.
Set a registration deadline at least 10 to 14 days before the market. Use the registrations to confirm seller numbers, table assignments, dietary requirements and each seller’s power needs.
Test every test station before opening: connect the laptops, screens, keyboards, mice and network equipment, then check HDMI, DisplayPort, USB and Ethernet cables rather than discovering a faulty connection during the market.
Decide how entry will be paid at least one week in advance. Check the cash register and payment terminal, and order enough change before the event instead of relying on last-minute cash withdrawals.
Prepare visitor and seller information three to five days before opening. Print the seller list, table numbers and signs, and publish arrival, payment and practical details online so the entrance desk is not answering the same questions all morning.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a computer market?: Start at least 8 to 12 weeks ahead. Reserve the venue first, then allow 4 to 6 weeks for seller registration, invitations and advertising, with the final 7 days reserved for confirmations and equipment checks.
How many tables do I need for a computer market?: Base the number on confirmed sellers, allowing one market stall or table per seller unless your seller terms say otherwise. Keep at least 1.2 metres for main visitor routes and add 10% spare table capacity if the venue allows it.
When should I check power requirements for a computer market?: Ask sellers for their power needs when they register and complete the assessment at least 2 weeks before the event. Check the venue’s available circuits, then label power strips, extension cords and cable runs before setup day.
What equipment should I test before a computer market?: Test the laptops, screens, keyboards, mice, network switch, Wi-Fi router and payment equipment 1 to 2 days before opening. Also check cables, chargers, power strips and adapters, and keep screwdrivers, USB sticks and a multimeter available for small fixes.

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.