School flea market shopping list

A school flea market needs more than tables for sellers. You also need a clear checkout setup, safe power for coffee machines and kettles, shelter if the weather changes, and a registration point for participants. This shopping list covers the equipment and serving items that are easy to overlook when several classes, families or volunteers are involved. Check quantities after registrations are confirmed, then shop and collect hired items before setup day.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 4
Tablesqty 24
Chairsqty 40
Foldable tablesqty 4
Clothes racksqty 6
Cratesqty 30
Storage boxesqty 12
Checkout tablesqty 2
Registration desk
Crowd control barriersqty 8

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Batteriesqty 24
Calculatorsqty 2
Payment terminal
Walkie-talkiesqty 4

Tableware

Mugsqty 50
Glassesqty 50
Platesqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50
Small bowlsqty 12
Bowlsqty 8

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving spoonsqty 6
Serving traysqty 6
Kitchen towelsqty 12

Decorations

Price tagsqty 300
Vendor numbersqty 40
Balloonsqty 100
Buntingqty 12
Postersqty 20
Directional signsqty 12
Markersqty 20
Adhesive tapeqty 10
Tableclothsqty 12

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 6
Outdoor lightsqty 4
Flashlightsqty 6
Spare batteriesqty 24

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 10
Broom setsqty 4
Dustpan and brushqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Cleaning clothsqty 30
Hand soap dispensersqty 4
Disinfecting gelqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweetener - 2 boxes
- Semi-skimmed milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Chocolate milk - 6 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 24 bottles
- Spa Rood - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Lemonade syrup - 3 bottles
- Sparkling water - 6 bottles
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Popcorn - 4 bags
- Cookies - 12 packs
- Syrup waffles - 8 packs
- Muffins - 60 pieces
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 6 packs
- Mandarins - 40 pieces
- Sandwiches - 80 pieces
- Pistolets - 40 pieces
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Aged cheese - 2 kilo
- Ham - 1,5 kilo
- Chicken breast slices - 1.5 kilos
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Chocolate spread - 3 jars
- Butter - 4 tubs
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Napkins - 1000 pieces
- Paper cups - 500 pieces
- Paper plates - 300 pieces
- Wooden stirrers - 500 pieces
- Wooden forks - 300 pieces
- Wooden knives - 300 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 3 rolls
- Cling film - 3 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Rubber gloves - 8 pairs
- Tissues - 12 packs

Tips

Plan one registration desk and at least one checkout table, then add another checkout point if the expected crowd will create a queue. Keep calculators, the payment terminal and cash supplies together rather than at separate stalls.
For every coffee machine or kettle, check the available sockets before buying or collecting extension cords and power strips. Test the full setup at least one day before the market, including batteries for any equipment that cannot rely on mains power.
Reserve party tents early if the market is outdoors, especially when sellers need cover for clothes racks, crates and storage boxes. Confirm the forecast 24 hours beforehand and decide which tables or goods must be moved under cover first.
Count serving items from the number of people expected to use refreshments, not from the number of stalls. Mugs, glasses, plates and cutlery are often forgotten because they are needed at the refreshment area rather than at the sales tables.
Keep display furniture separate from back-up storage: foldable tables and clothes racks are for selling, while crates and storage boxes keep stock off the ground and out of walkways. Bring crowd control barriers if the entrance, checkout or vehicle access needs a defined route.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a school flea market?: Plan sales tables or foldable tables, clothes racks, crates, storage boxes and a registration desk. Add checkout tables, a payment terminal, calculators, cash supplies, extension cords, power strips and weather cover where needed. For refreshments, include coffee machines or kettles, coolers, thermos flasks and serving items.
How many tables do I need for a school flea market?: Start with one sales table or display surface per seller who cannot bring their own furniture, then add separate tables for registration and checkout. Confirm the number after registrations close, ideally at least one week before the event, because late additions quickly affect the layout.
When should I buy supplies for a school flea market?: Buy disposable or everyday supplies after participant numbers are confirmed, usually 7 to 10 days before the market. Reserve tables, chairs, party tents and other hired equipment earlier, and check power connections at least 24 hours before setup.
What refreshments do I need for a school flea market?: For a small refreshment point, prepare coffee machines or kettles, coolers, thermos flasks, mugs, glasses, plates, cutlery, bowls and serving utensils. Base the quantities on the expected visitors and volunteers, then keep a reserve of about 10% for breakage, spills and extra demand.

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