Craft Market Vendor Checklist & Prepare for Your Pop-up Event

Stepping into your first craft market can feel overwhelming—What do I bring? What if my setup falls apart? How do I make sales? I had all these questions too, and after several successful markets, I’ve put together this guide to help you confidently prepare for your first pop-up market.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links—at no extra cost to you. In order to provide you with an unbiased review, all products are ones that I personally purchased and love, unless otherwise stated.

Must-haves:

Sturdy tables

This is not something you want to skimp on! Tables hold the merchandise that you've spent your precious time and money on. The last thing you want to see is your hard work sliding off tables and on to the floor because you tried to save a couple bucks. Spend the extra $20 and get the tables that will give you peace of mind. I recommend the Lifetime brand, especially the commercial edition.
Shop Lifetime Commercial 6' Fold-in-Half Table, 2-pack

High quality canopy

The one I use is from Crown Shades. It comes with weight bags that you can fill with rocks, sand, etc. It's easier to set up with 2 people, but if needed I can put it up and take it down by myself. This YouTube video by another creator shows her able to set it up by herself. It's what won me over and made me decide to try it! 

Another brand I considered was the Eurmax commercial tents. When I roamed markets for research, these tents looked the most sturdy. However, they're also more pricey! I opted for a more affordable brand and I'm glad I did. With the savings I was able to invest in an extra table, shelves, and more decor. The tent's job is to keep you and your inventory protected from the elements. Past that, it's not really noticeable so go with the most affordable option that can weather the elements in your area.
Shop Crown Shades 10x10 Pop Up Canopy

Canopy weights

Some canopies, like the Crown Shades one I recommend, come with weights or you can buy them separately. A cost-effective option is to use plastic water gallon jugs tied together with some bungee cord to secure to your canopy. It just may not look as aesthetic.

Storage bins

If you can't tell by now, a lot of the must-have section are tools that give you peace of mind that your products are safe. I use 2 of the Greenmade storage bins from Costco because they've kept my things dry and have held up well despite throwing them around. The ones from Home Depot look similar, but aren't as sturdy.
Shop Greenmade 27 Gallon Storage Bin, 4-pack

Credit Card Processor

You can use Zelle or Venmo, but most customers will want to pay with card. Square actually offers a completely free Point-of-Sale app that allows you to accept tap-to-pay from your customers. You can download it from the App Store or Google Play Store. If you've got the funds to spare, you can purchase a Square Reader. You can use my referral code to get $20 off!
Get $20 off your Square Reader

Shopping Bags

Your customers need something to carry their new goodies away! I buy mine from Amazon by a brand called BagDream. They come in several different sizes, have a nice finish to them, and are durable enough to hold my candles, which are pretty heavy.
Shop BagDream Shopping Bags

Chairs

Some people stand most of the time (like me), but a chair is still incredibly helpful for that 5 min break or to sit and each some lunch. These don't need to be super nice, just comfy enough for a little break here and there.

Water!!

For my first market, I was so glad I did not underestimate my water needs. I brought 3 full bottles of water and went through all of them over a 5 hour period. I was nervous, talking a lot, and therefore sipping lots and lots of water. I like to use an insulated water bottle to keep drinks cold during the summer and warm during the winter. Plus they come in so many attractive colors and sizes!
Shop IRON °FLASK Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle

Should-haves:

Payment alternatives

Your primary payment method can and will go down at some point. These Point-of-Sale systems just aren't super reliable yet, especially the ones offered at entry-level price points. Have backups like Zelle, Venmo, and cash ready. Surprisingly, about 20-30% of my transactions at markets are cash. I recommend carrying about $20-50 in cash in 1s and 5s on you in a zippered pouch or zippered pockets.

A friend

Especially if this is your first market, I highly recommend you bring a friend. Besides the obvious of being a helping hand for set up and tear down, they can watch your booth while you take a much-needed bathroom break or talk to a second customer if you're preoccupied with another. Also, I wouldn't overlook the emotional support. It's likely a stressful day and having someone to cheer you on can really help you stay calm and put your best foot forward.

Tablecloths

While not necessary, I'd say this is near the top of the list. Bare tables just aren't a vibe and a nice linen or tablecloth can really do wonders to dress up your setup. I use faux linen ones that came in an affordable 2-pack and match my brand's soft aesthetic.
Shop Fitable Faux Linen Beige Tablecloths 2 Pack

Business cards

Even in today's digital age, business cards are still in. I get asked for a card multiple times at each of my markets and I make sure to include one with every purchase. I have a QR code as well as my contact info on there. It's a good way to showcase your branding as well. Bonus if you can make them extra functional. I've heard some people leave blank spaces to write down custom orders or leave notes for customers. I get mine from Vistaprint and I'm happy with their quality. They also have sales sometimes on their business cards and other various products.
Shop Business Cards and other printable products

Price sheet and/or price cards/stickers

You can opt to not have these and have your customers ask you instead, but I highly recommend you have these. I believe it's best to be transparent about your pricing and base it off the time and cost of materials you put into it (but that's a whole 'nother blog post!). Also, if you have multiple customers come to your booth and you're engaging with one already, you risk those customers leaving if if you're too busy to answer their question about prices.

Snacks!

If you're lucky enough to have food vendors at the event you can always buy from them, but it's better to have some snacks on hand or pack your meals. You never know how busy your booth will get and you'll need that energy to stay fueled up! Your favorite snack is always a great mood booster.

Nice-to-haves:

Banner

This isn't necessary, but it can really elevate the look of your booth and make it look put together. I get mine from Vistaprint for a very affordable price. Make sure you add grommet holes if you plan on hanging them!
Shop Banners, Signs, and other printable products

Shelves

Customers are more likely to look at your products and therefore increase likelihood of buying from you if your items are on display at eye-level. No one wants to be hunched over to look at what you've got! I thrifted mine from various places, but I've seen several other vendors use crates to create an attractive display. You can paint them to match your branding or cover them with a cloth. They also double as a way to carry your items to the market!
Shop Wooden Crates for display stands

Table risers

Adding on to the above, to get your products more at eye-level you can use furniture or table risers. I haven't purchased these yet, but they're next on my list. You could also probably get them 3D printed if you have a savvy friend who can do that for you.
Shop Table / Furniture Risers

Extra pens, pencils, tape, supplies, etc.

As much as you think you can prepare, there's bound to be a couple hiccups, especially at your first market. Pack some extra supplies like masking tape, pens, and markers for last minute edits and fixes.

Grocery bag or something to hold trash

Surprisingly at these events, there's not a lot of places to throw away your trash! You'll be at your booth the majority of time time and you gotta snack, which means you'll probably have some trash. Bring a little baggy or container to store your trash. The last thing you want is some leaky trash liquid spilling all over your stuff as you're moving around or packing up. Yuck.

Bonus Tips:

• I highly recommend you practice your setup beforehand. Try opening your canopy to see if you can do it yourself or if you need a friend. Lay out your tables just how you like it. 
  
• After you've practiced your setup and have it just how you like it, snap a photo so it's easy to replicate and share with any helpers on the day of the event.
• After you're all set up, say hello to your booth neighbors! I always greet my neighbors and wish them luck for the day. I'll also give them a hand if I'm done setting up early, especially if they're alone. The good karma will start off the market with positive vibes.
• Consider a strategy to grow your email list or social media following. You could do a giveaway for folks who sign up for your newsletter or offer 10% off their purchase if they follow you on social media. That way, you may get some repeat customers! 

Bonus pic of The Darlin' Garden mama (my mom) and I vending at a recent market!

Lastly, you got this! It takes a lot of courage and grit to put yourself out there, design a vendor booth, and get accepted to a market. It was one of the hardest, but also one of the most fulfilling things I've done since starting my business. Now, I'm hooked on them! Nothing beats interacting with customers and hearing their feedback on your creations. Your work deserves to be seen by those who want it.

I would love to see how your setup looks so please share it with me! Also, let me know if you have any questions or if I missed anything. If this guide was helpful, leave a comment below to let me know. Thank you for making it to the end!