Essential Market Supplies, A Complete Vendor Guide

Whether you are a first‑time vendor or a seasoned pro, having the right supplies can make or break your market day. This guide covers the essentials, from pre‑event prep to weather planning, plus veteran tips that save time and headache.

Before You Go

Preparation starts well before you pull into the lot.

• Market rules and requirements: read your vendor packet for booth size, arrival time, load‑in route, parking, and any limits on displays, signage, or packaging
• Inventory plan: bring enough to last the full event, with extra of your best sellers and seasonal items
• Pricing and labels: pre‑price at home so setup is fast, include tax info if required in your area
• Packing list: keep a reusable list in Notes or Notion, print a copy for the tub lid
• Transport: rolling bins or a foldable wagon keeps trips from the car to a minimum
• Admin kit: clipboard, pens, tape, scissors, zip ties, safety pins, extra business cards, small tool kit, first aid, hand sanitizer

Display Essentials

Your booth is your storefront for the day. Make it inviting, clear, and on brand.

• Canopy: sturdy and clean, with approved weights on every leg
• Tables and covers: wrinkle‑free cloths or fitted spandex covers for a polished look
• Signage: banner with business name, logo, short value statement, add a QR code to your site
• Shelving or risers: elevate products to eye level, keep pathways open and safe
• Lighting: battery or rechargeable lights help in early mornings or shade
• Branding touches: consistent colors, simple props, clean price signage
• Comfort: anti‑fatigue mat, compact stool, water bottle, sunscreen

Payment Processing

Make paying simple, fast, and reliable.

• Cash box: keep ones and fives, coin roll if needed, track starting cash
• Card reader: Square, PayPal Zettle, or your preferred POS, test the reader and app the night before
• Contactless payments: enable tap‑to‑pay if your phone supports it, display QR codes for Venmo, Cash App, or PayPal
• Connectivity: phone fully charged, portable battery, consider a small hotspot if cell service is weak
• Receipts: digital is fine, offer paper only if asked, capture emails when appropriate for follow‑up marketing
• Backup plan: if the app fails, use manual entry or a simple order pad, then run cards when service returns

Weather Contingencies

Markets run in many conditions. Protect people, products, and gear.

• Required weights: at least the market minimum on each leg, never rely on stakes only
• Sidewalls: block sun, rain, or cold wind, leave openings for airflow and visibility
• Tarps and clear bins: cover inventory fast during a shower, keep spares under the table
• Clips and cords: spring clamps, bungees, and zip ties secure cloths and signs
• Heat and cold: battery fans, cooling towels, hand warmers, small safe heater where allowed
• Personal comfort: layers, hat, rain jacket, dry socks, extra towel, trash bags for wet items

Pro Tips from Experienced Vendors

• Arrive early: extra time lowers stress and lets you fine tune layout before crowds arrive
• Greet every visitor: short and friendly, ask one simple question about what they are looking for
• Group products: create bundles or tiered pricing, show a good, better, best path
• Track sales: note top sellers, time of sale, and common questions, improve next time based on data
• Keep the booth tidy: restock in small bursts, wipe surfaces, remove empty packaging
• Network: trade cards with nearby vendors, share intel on good events, cross‑refer customers
• End‑of‑day plan: decide in advance on any closing bundles, or hold price if inventory sells regularly
• Post‑event follow‑up: thank‑you post on social, tag the market, schedule your next date as a comment with a link