Top 10 Market Must-Haves (Updated 2025)
Just starting out and need some tips and tricks for your next in-person market? Check out my favorite supply list of items to bring to your next event. Hope these items help you at your next market! Some products contain my affiliate links.
1. An easy to assemble tent - the Crown Shades Canopy 10x10 Pop Up Canopy: This tent is by far, the easier to set up and take down with their patented one-push center lock technology. I've been able to set up and break down this tent on my own. I love that the bag for transport has wheels and the canopy also includes a vent at the top for hot days - which you can't find in other brands. The tent overall is lighter and more compact making it so easy to travel with plus the travel bag has wheels making it a win-win! Grab yours here.
2. The Gorilla Cart or other type of hand wagon: This oversized utility cart is foldable and collapsible making it easy to pack and carry with you for events or take a trip to the beach! I've used this specific cart to haul tables, large plastic bins of inventory, groceries, and more. It can carry up to 150 lbs of your gear to and from your events with ease. Don't get caught without at least one cart to help you haul your load. I always receive compliments on how large the cart is - and how small it is once it's collapsed.
Save your back and grab the Gorilla Cart here.
3. Canopy Weights: You can't pitch a tent without a proper set of weights! Tent weight's are often required by market organizers and are important so you don't have a tent flying away. These weights are filled with cement -- skipping the hassle of filling them with water or sand. I love the height of these weights compared to the lower, stackable weights. Grab the weights I use here.
4. Hulken Bags: In addition to my Gorilla Cart, I use Hulken Bags to haul my inventory! After years of vendors events, having all your items on wheels is the way to go. Hulken carries 3 different sizes in a variety of dazzling colors and I actually own one in every size. When not in use, you can fold them flat for easy storage. I brought my smallest Hulken on a family vacation and it fit as a carry-on in the above head storage. I brought my Hulken to the pool without having to worry about carrying all my family's items for the day. The Hulken kept everything contained and received a ton of compliments every where we went. I LOVE my Hulken bags and you can shop for your fave color here.
5. Signage: I use a table runner branded with my logo at all my events. I also have a hanging banner however, the table runner can be used for all events indoor and outdoor, that don't require a tent and can be used on a variety of sized tables. You can design your own table runner using websites like VistaPrint or NextDay Display. Your booth wouldn't be complete without pricing signs. Having visible pricing makes it easy on customers. Read this clever article on how to create unique ways to display prices.
6. Villey Tall Director's Chair: Save your back on those long market days with this tall folding chair. This chair will have you sitting pretty behind your booth display. It's tall enough so you can see easily interact with customers without having to stand all day. It also has a collapsible table and side pockets to keep items close. I get so many compliments on this chair!
Grab yours here: https://amzn.to/44MOAXU
7. Vertical display stands: If you've visited me at any of my markets, you'd notice my vertical display stands. Utilizing a vertical set up adds visual interest to your display and brings your products to eye-level with your customers. Products placed at eye-level or slightly lower tend to get noticed or sell more. Vertical Ledge builds beautiful displays that are easy to set-up and break down. Our vertical displays elevate the perceived value of our product, creating a premium presentation that encourages customers to explore our all our offerings.
8. E-mail newsletter sign up: Have a way to collect e-mails from those who visit your booth. You can leverage a mini giveaway or give a free item in exchange for an e-mail. I also find that some are happy to join your newsletter to support your small business. E-mail marketing is a great way to stay in touch with your audience, allows for targeted messaging and sales, and increases brand awareness. I use Flodesk to send my newsletters and find it's easy to use and I love their stunning e-mail templates.
9. Portable battery charger: I always keep a portable power bank with me at all my events. This one from Amazon has several built-in cords so I don't have to remember which cord to bring. This one is handy to charge my cell phone and other devices on market day.
10. POS System or card reader device: This one is obvious! Just remember to keep your card reader charged and ready to go. I have a Shopify website and started using their Tap and Chip reader but have now upgraded to their POS GO device which utilizes barcode scanning. I love using the Shopify POS because it integrates with my website and easily tracks inventory for me. I also keep my QR codes for Venmo or PayPal handy in case internet service is down.
EXTRA 11. Comfort items: Market days can be long and it's important for you to take care of yourself. I am usually solo on market days and need to remember to pack a couple sandwiches and snacks for the day. Waiting in line at a food booth is not optimal unless you have a helper that can watch over your booth. Also, I always bring water! Some events provide water, however, I find that they can run out so I always bring my own - and extra - just in case. For hotter days, I do pack a battery-operated fan. Plan ahead, check the weather, and make a list of items you think you may need to keep you calm and collected at your next event.
*COMING SOON: We will have a new guide to help you navigate the world of vendor markets and pop-up events. We are compiling all our wisdom in one handy spot and we hope you're ready for it! Can't wait to share all that we've learned these past few years at markets.
