What you need for a weekly market

A weekly market needs more than stalls and tables. Plan supplies for exhibitors, visitors, refreshments, power, lighting and waste collection before shopping day. Reusable cups, coffee equipment, coolers and serving items are easy to underestimate, especially when several stands open at once. Check the site first so you know how much extension cable, lighting and weather protection you actually need. This checklist gives you a practical starting point for buying or collecting the 44 items in the plan.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Market stallsqty 20
Party tentsqty 4
Tablesqty 12
Folding chairsqty 24
Beer tablesqty 6
Tent weightsqty 16
Crowd control barriersqty 12
Blanketsqty 12

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 4
Battery lampsqty 8
Handheld microphone
Megaphone
First aid kitsqty 2
Fire extinguishersqty 2
Walkie-talkiesqty 4

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
Work lightsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Coffee cupsqty 80
Small platesqty 80
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 6
Serving jugsqty 4
Serving traysqty 6
Pliersqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Knivesqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Bucketsqty 4
Broomsqty 4
Eye-catchersqty 2

Decorations

Market signsqty 8
Directional signsqty 10
Chalkboardsqty 12
Buntingqty 8
Clipboardsqty 4
Markersqty 12
Tapeqty 8

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 6 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemon - 2 kilos
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blue - 10 crates
- Spa Rood - 4 crates
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Alcohol-free beer - 4 crates
- Paper straws - 300 pieces
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Stirrers - 300 pieces
- Coffee biscuits - 8 packs
- Sirup waffles - 6 packs
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Snack mix - 4 bags
- Popcorn - 4 bags
- Apples - 6 kilos
- Bananas - 5 kilo
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Mini cucumbers - 3 kilos
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Crackers - 8 packs
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 kilo
- Pepper - 2 jars
- Ice cubes - 20 bags
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Cleaning cloths - 24 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Bandages - 2 boxes

Tips

Work out drink quantities by opening hour: allow roughly two to three drinks per person during the first hour, then one to two per person for each additional hour. Add extra water for exhibitors and volunteers.
Prepare coffee service for the busiest period, not the average crowd. Have at least one coffee machine or kettle per active serving point, plus enough thermos flasks and serving jugs to avoid queues.
Count seating and serving supplies separately. A practical starting point is one cup, plate and cutlery set per expected seated visitor, with at least 10% extra for replacements and busy periods.
Do not leave power and lighting until setup morning. Bring extension cords, power strips, battery lamps and work lights, then test every connection before exhibitors arrive.
Buy or collect waste bins and place them before opening. Position one near refreshments and one at each busy entrance or food area, then empty them before they overflow.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a weekly market?: Plan for market stalls, tables, chairs, tents, tent weights, barriers, lighting, power equipment, refreshments and waste bins. The plan includes 44 supply items, so check each item before shopping or collection.
How many cups and plates do I need for a market?: Start with one cup, plate and cutlery set per expected seated visitor, then add at least 10% spare. For 100 visitors, that means at least 110 of each item used throughout the day.
How much coffee should I buy for a weekly market?: Estimate around one coffee or tea serving per expected refreshment customer, then add 10% to 20% for refills and staff use. Prepare the first batch 30 to 45 minutes before opening so service can start immediately.
When should I check the market equipment and supplies?: Check the full list at least 3 to 5 days before the market, especially rented stalls, tents and power equipment. Do a final count and safety check on setup day before exhibitors and visitors arrive.

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