What to Buy for a Makers Market

A Makers Market needs more than stalls and tables. You’ll need a clear registration point, safe power connections, lighting, payment equipment and serving supplies for coffee or refreshments. Plan quantities around the number of makers, visitors and serving hours, then confirm what suppliers provide before shopping. This list helps you cover the easily missed items, from booth number signs and extension cords to cash boxes and reusable cups.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 4
Market stallsqty 12
Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 24
Registration desk
Foldable tablesqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 80
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving plattersqty 8

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Payment terminalsqty 2
Cash boxesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Conesqty 20
Barrier tapeqty 2

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
LED lightsqty 8

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Tableclothsqty 14
Decorative plantsqty 8
Booth number signsqty 12

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3
Serving tongsqty 6
Serving jugsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Broom and dustpanqty 3
Mopsqty 2
Cleaning bucketsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Herbal tea with honey - 1 jar
- Mini currant buns - 60 pieces
- Butter cookies - 4 packs
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Snacks - 3 bags
- Mini pretzels - 3 bags
- Mixed nuts - 2 bags
- Raisins - 2 bags
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Olives - 4 jars
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Cleaning spray - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand gel - 4 bottles
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Dietary stickers - 1 pack
- Paper carrier bags - 100 pieces

Tips

Plan one booth number sign per maker, plus two or three spare signs. Prepare the full stall layout before setup so signs, tables and power points match the participant list.
For a coffee or refreshment station, allow one reusable cup per guest at a time, plus at least 10% extra. Add enough coffee cups, plates and cutlery sets for the busiest service period rather than the whole day at once.
Use one extension cord and one power strip for each planned power zone, with at least two spare extension cords on site. Check cable lengths before the day and keep walkways clear with cones or barrier tape.
Set up one registration desk with the updated participant list, booth numbers and a cash box or payment terminal. Bring small cash if some makers or visitors will pay in cash, and test every payment terminal before opening.
Prepare lighting before makers unload their booths, especially if setup starts early or the market runs late. Count string lights and LED lights by area, and keep spare batteries or approved replacements ready if needed.

Frequently asked questions

How many tables do I need for a Makers Market?: Plan at least one market stall or table space per maker, then add one registration desk and separate tables for refreshments. Confirm each maker’s space requirements at least 7 days before the market so the layout can be adjusted.
How many cups and plates do I need for a Makers Market?: For refreshments, start with one cup per expected guest during the busiest hour and add 10% extra. Match plates and cutlery sets to the number of servings you expect, then keep a reserve available for breakages and late replenishment.
How many extension cords are needed for a market?: Use one extension cord for each separate power connection and one power strip for each equipment cluster. Keep at least two spare extension cords available, and test the complete setup before makers arrive.
What should I bring for payments at a Makers Market?: Bring one tested payment terminal for each payment point, plus at least one cash box if cash will be accepted. Prepare the cash float and test connectivity on the day before the market, not during opening setup.

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