What to Buy for a School Market

A school market needs more than tables and products for each stall. You will also need serving ware, cooling equipment, power supplies, payment materials and clear signs. Plan quantities around the number of stalls, sellers and expected visitors, then add a small reserve for breakages and busy periods. Check power access and storage at least one week before shopping, because extension cords, coolers and payment equipment are easy to overlook.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Market stallsqty 18
Party tentsqty 4
Tablesqty 24
Foldable tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 80
Bar stoolsqty 8
Bollardsqty 12
Tablecloth coversqty 24

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Platesqty 180
Bowlsqty 80
Forksqty 180
Knivesqty 120
Spoonsqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 100
Serving spoonsqty 20

Equipment

Coolersqty 8
Coffee machinesqty 3
Kettlesqty 3
Extension cordsqty 10
Power stripsqty 8
Speakersqty 2
Microphonesqty 2
Payment terminalsqty 3
Cash registersqty 4
Power banksqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 6
Chef's knivesqty 6
Mixing bowlsqty 8
Measuring cupsqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 8
Serving plattersqty 20
Serving traysqty 10
Bread knivesqty 4

Decorations

Balloonsqty 300
Buntingqty 20
Table décorqty 24
Booth signsqty 24
Directional signsqty 12
Price sign holdersqty 40
Chalkboardsqty 12

Lighting

Light Stripsqty 8
LED lanternsqty 16
Spare batteriesqty 32

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 12
Waste binsqty 4
Broomsqty 6
Dustpansqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Cleaning glovesqty 12
Hand sanitizer pumpsqty 12
Toilet brushesqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 6 boxes
- Sugar - 3 packs
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Chocolate milk - 8 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Sandwiches - 180 pieces
- Bread rolls - 100 pieces
- Mini croissants - 100 pieces
- Currant buns - 80 pieces
- Butter - 4 packs
- Mild aged cheese - 5 kilos
- Ham - 3 kilos
- Chicken breast topping - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Cream cheese - 10 tubs
- Peanut butter - 4 jars
- Jam - 4 jars
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 5 kilos
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Bell peppers - 20 pieces
- Onions - 3 kilos
- Potatoes - 15 kilo
- Mayonnaise - 4 bottles
- Ketchup - 4 bottles
- Mustard - 3 jars
- Garlic sauce - 3 bottles
- Satay sauce - 3 jars
- Salt - 2 packs
- Pepper - 2 jars
- Paprika powder - 2 jars
- Curry powder - 1 jar
- Oil - 4 liters
- Pancake mix - 8 packs
- Eggs - 10 cartons
- Flour - 5 kilo
- Milk for batter - 10 liters
- Powdered sugar - 3 packs
- Syrup - 6 bottles
- Waffles - 120 pieces
- Cupcakes - 150 pieces
- Apple pie slices - 100 pieces
- Cookies - 12 packs
- Brownies - 100 pieces
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salted peanuts - 4 bags
- Popcorn kernels - 3 kilos
- Candy bags - 200 pieces
- Lollipops - 200 pieces
- Chocolate bars - 120 pieces
- Fruit gummies - 8 bags
- Apples - 100 pieces
- Bananas - 60 pieces
- Grapes - 8 kilos
- Oranges - 60 pieces
- Lemons - 20 pieces
- Napkins - 1000 pieces
- Paper straws - 500 pieces
- Baking paper - 4 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Trash bags - 10 rolls
- Large trash bags - 100 pieces
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 20 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 30 pieces
- Rubber gloves - 12 pairs
- Paper bags - 300 pieces
- Storage containers - 30 pieces

Tips

Allow at least one table or stall per participating class, plus one extra table for shared supplies, registration or payments. Cover outdoor tables with tablecloths and keep spare covers available in case of rain or spills.
For food and drinks, plan reusable cups, plates, bowls and cutlery for the expected number of servings, then add 10% extra. Keep serving spoons separate from eating utensils so food stalls do not run short.
Give every stall access to cooling space where needed. Check the day before that coolers are clean, filled with ice or cooling packs, and large enough for the food that must stay chilled.
Count the equipment that needs electricity before the market opens. Coffee machines, kettles, speakers and payment terminals may require separate extension cords or power strips; bring at least one spare cable and a charged power bank.
Prepare price lists, labels and signs before shopping day, and keep cash and change in a secure cash register. Print or pack enough copies for every stall, with a small reserve for damaged or missing signs.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a school market stall?: Each stall usually needs a table or market stall, a sign, price labels and a tablecloth. Food stalls may also need serving spoons, plates, cups, cutlery, cooling supplies and access to power. Pack these items at least one day before the market.
How many cups and plates do I need for a school market?: Start with one cup, plate or bowl per planned serving and add 10% extra. For example, 200 expected servings means preparing about 220 pieces of the relevant tableware. Keep separate coffee cups if hot drinks are served.
How much change should I prepare for a school market?: Prepare enough small notes and coins to cover the first two hours of sales, based on your expected cash payments. Sort the change into a cash register before the event and keep a separate reserve rather than leaving all cash at one stall.
When should I buy supplies for a school market?: Buy reusable equipment, tableware, signs and payment supplies at least one week beforehand. Buy perishable food and ice as late as practical, usually one day before or on the morning of the market, and check cooling equipment before sellers arrive.

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