Interior market checklist: what to arrange and when

An interior market needs more than a row of stalls. You need a clear registration process, a workable booth layout, reliable payment equipment and practical information for participants and visitors. Start with the date, opening hours and participant terms, then move on to registrations, suppliers and the floor plan. In the final week, confirm deliveries, print signs, test card payments and send parking and route details. This checklist keeps the planning order clear and highlights details that are easy to leave too late.

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

Publish the date and opening hours
Send participant terms and conditions
Send invitations
2 people
Promote the market on social media
Process registrations
2 people
Create booth layout
2 people
Confirm participants
Collect dietary requirements
Book catering suppliers
Arrange waste collection
Send map to participants
Publish parking information
Assign volunteers
Confirm deliveries and times
Prepare name badges
Print price tags and signs
2 people
Make route and safety signs
2 people
Test the cash register and card payment equipment
2 people
Check stock and groceries
2 people
Do the shopping
2 people
Bring materials to the venue
3 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Prepare snacks
3 people
Call participants with updates
Open venue
2 people
Check toilets
2 people
Check power outlets and cable routes
2 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Set up booths and display furniture
4 people
Hang lighting
3 people
Tape down power cables securely
2 people
Set up the information desk
2 people
Set up catering point
3 people
Set up the cash register and card payment desk
2 people
Prepare name and prize tags
2 people
Receive participants
3 people
Check participants' stalls
3 people
Test the background music
2 people
Set up entrance and wayfinding signs
2 people
Carry out opening check
3 people

Event

Welcome visitors
3 people
Hand out the program and map
2 people
Staff the information desk
2 people
Guide the stalls
2 people
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
Serve snacks
2 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Empty trash bins
2 people
Check tables and walking routes
2 people
Clean the toilets in between
2 people
Adjust lighting
Inform last visitors
2 people
Close sales and entrance
2 people
Have participants unload
3 people
Securely store the cash takings
2 people

Aftercare

Close catering stock
2 people
Remove decorations
3 people
Dismantle lighting
3 people
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
Collect and sort waste
3 people
Wash dishes and glasses
3 people
Clean the venue
4 people
Return materials
3 people
Return borrowed materials
2 people
Store leftover stock
2 people
Register lost and found items

What to bring

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

Furniture

Market stallsqty 20
Foldable tablesqty 12
Bistro tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 60
Lounge armchairsqty 8
Lounge sofasqty 4
Side tablesqty 10
Clothes racksqty 6
Display standsqty 10
Storage boxesqty 12
Party tentsqty 4
Tableclothsqty 20

Equipment

Cash machinesqty 2
Cash boxesqty 2
Cash boxesqty 2
Portable speakersqty 2
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 8
Cable reelsqty 4
Cable matsqty 12
Laddersqty 2
Tool casesqty 2

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 10
LED spotlightsqty 8
Battery lanternsqty 6

Decorations

Welcome signsqty 2
Route signsqty 8
Directional signsqty 12
Notice boardsqty 6
Chalkboardsqty 8
Chalk markersqty 12
Plantsqty 20
Vasesqty 10
Artificial flowersqty 10
Clipboardsqty 20
Name card holdersqty 30

Tableware

Reusable coffee cupsqty 100
Reusable drinking glassesqty 120
Reusable platesqty 100
Reusable cutleryqty 120
Serving traysqty 12
Serving spoonsqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 3
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 8
Coolersqty 6
Food warmersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Serving bowlsqty 12
Kitchen tongsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 10
Cleaning bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 4
Microfiber clothsqty 20

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the booth layout before confirming every participant. Leave enough room for visitor flow, storage boxes, chairs and cable mats, and mark entrances, exits and routes on the plan.
Send the participant map and parking information at least 5–7 days before the market. Include delivery times, unloading instructions, booth locations and the deadline for dietary requirements.
Test the cash register, cash boxes and card payment equipment before bringing them to the venue. Do this no later than the day before, and pack extension cords, power strips and cable reels with the payment equipment.
Plan the final venue setup as a timed sequence: bring in furniture and materials first, install signs and lighting next, then chill drinks and prepare snacks. Keep ladders and tool cases available until the layout and signage are finished.
Confirm catering, waste collection and all deliveries during the final week. A last-minute confirmation should include the arrival time, contact person and exact drop-off point, not just a supplier name.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise an interior market?: Start planning at least 8–12 weeks before the market. Publish the date and opening hours early, then allow several weeks for registrations, participant confirmation, the booth layout and supplier bookings.
When should interior market participants receive the floor plan?: Send the map and booth allocation 5–7 days before opening. If the layout changes after that, call affected participants rather than relying only on a new email.
What should I test before an interior market opens?: Test the cash register and card payment equipment at least one day before the event. Also check power access, extension cords, lighting, the microphone and route signs before participants arrive.
How early should the venue be opened for setup?: Allow at least 3–4 hours for setup when you have multiple stalls, furniture, signage and catering deliveries. Open earlier if deliveries arrive separately or participants need time to unload and arrange their displays.

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.