How to organise a nut market from start to finish

A nut market needs more planning than arranging products on a few tables. Start with registrations and dietary requirements, then secure suppliers, set prices and prepare labelled sample portions. In the final week, check stock, packaging, payment equipment and deliveries. On the day, allow time for tents, tasting stands, coffee service and a volunteer briefing before visitors arrive. The plan below gives you a clear order so food safety, sales and practical setup do not get left until the last hour.

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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
Send invitations
2
Process registrations
3
Collect dietary requirements
4
Confirm nut suppliers
5
Set sales prices
2 people
6
Put together sample portions
2 people
7
Do the shopping
2 people
8
Check nut stock
2 people
9
Package nuts
3 people
10
Check allergen labels
2 people
11
Prepare cash register change
12
Check the weather forecast
13
Receive deliveries
2 people
14
Inspect the grounds
2 people
15
Build party tents
4 people
16
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
17
Connect lighting
2 people
18
Set up sales tables
4 people
19
Set up tasting stands
3 people
20
Hang price tags
2 people
21
Set up the coffee station
2 people
22
Test cash registers
2 people
23
Brief volunteers
2 people

Event

24
Welcome visitors
3 people
25
Sell nuts
6 people
26
Hand out tasting portions
3 people
27
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
28
Refill drinks
2 people
29
Restock supplies
2 people
30
Empty trash bins
2 people
31
Clean tables in between
2 people
32
Announce final sales

Aftercare

33
Close out the registers
2 people
34
Pack up unsold nuts
3 people
35
Wash dishes
2 people
36
Clear litter from the grounds
4 people
37
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
38
Take down party tents
4 people
39
Clean the venue
3 people
40
Inventory materials
2 people
41
Return rental items
2 people
42
Store leftover stock
2 people

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 4
Market tablesqty 12
Folding chairsqty 30
Cratesqty 20
Display racksqty 8
Tableclothsqty 12

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Tasting platesqty 300
Coffee cupsqty 60
Teaspoonsqty 60
Serving plattersqty 24
Serving tongsqty 16

Equipment

Cash registersqty 2
Card machinesqty 2
Digital scalesqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2

Kitchen

Measuring cupsqty 4
Glovesqty 10
Serving spoonsqty 8

Decorations

Price cardsqty 40
Allergen labelsqty 100
Directional signsqty 8
Name badgesqty 30

Lighting

String lightsqty 8
LED lampsqty 12

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Broom and dustpanqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Washing-up tubsqty 3

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Collect dietary requirements when people register, not at the entrance. Keep allergen labels visible at every tasting stand and check that the labels match the packaged nuts.
Confirm suppliers and delivery times several days before the market, then inspect each delivery on arrival. Check quantities and condition before you begin packaging or setting aside tasting portions.
Set prices before creating price cards and test the cash registers and card machines on the previous day. Prepare change in advance so the first sales do not stall while volunteers look for coins.
Plan the site setup in two stages: assemble the party tents and place tables and chairs first, then add sales tables, tasting stands, lighting and signs. Keep crates, scales and packaging together so stock can be moved without repeated trips.
Brief volunteers before opening on allergen questions, tasting portions, payment procedures and who handles restocking. Check the weather forecast the day before and again on the morning, especially if tents and outdoor lighting are being used.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a nut market?: Start registrations and supplier confirmations at least 3 to 4 weeks before the market. Finish prices, allergen information and stock planning during the final week, with a separate setup check the day before.
How do I handle allergens at a nut market?: Collect dietary requirements during registration and display an allergen label at every product and tasting station. Brief every volunteer before opening, and keep serving tools separate where products require it.
When should I set up the nut market?: Allow at least 3 hours before visitors arrive for tents, tables, lighting, sales points, tasting stands and coffee service. Test cash registers and card machines before opening, not during the first sales.
How much tasting stock should I prepare for a nut market?: Prepare sample portions only after registrations and expected attendance have been checked, then keep additional stock ready for restocking. Review quantities when deliveries arrive and weigh portions consistently with digital scales.

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.