A Farmers Market Set Up
Are you a list maker? Making a laminated list would be agreat option. Are you a visual learner, then setting up and breaking down at
your house will help you.
HERE IS SOME BASICS NEEDED plus a few tips
1. Tables – we use 4’ tables that haveadjustable heights. Many use 6’ tables. For us, we don’t sit down much if at
all at market so the adjustable heights was a great option for us rather than leaning over a lot which is hard on the back.
2. Table cloths – this just depends on yourdesign. We like darker washable cloths since many markets our outdoors. We
bought them to cover the front to almost the ground so we can store our boxes and packing under the tables and they not be seen by customers.
3. Tent - We use a standard 10x10’white vendor tent. These are pretty standard and run around $200 and fit in all
the events we have participated in across the country. There are a variety of brands but we reallylike the tents that have walls and possible awnings. There are cheaper tents out there but we have found those are more susceptible to collapse with winds
and weather and do not have the side panels.
4. Tent walls – there are Velcro and strapsbut the important thing is they work with the type of tent you purchase. Although
we shared our panels with others using clamps when weather hits.
5. Weights – winds are unpredictable andcan be not only destructive but dangerous at a market. All markets require different weightsdepending on their location and experience. A weight on each leg will help in preventing tent take off. We have seen several tents fly when a vendor just used stakes.
6. Cash bag or box – always have plenty ofones and fives. Think about your sales prices. If a customer pays for a $20 how
much change will you need to give. Wealways have $100 for change made up almost all of $1’s and $5’s.
7. Credit card reader (if you acceptcredit cards) - we use square. We have tried others and found this to be the
easiest for our business. If you want to set up an account and want a referral here is our link you can use squareup.com/i/LPFARMERSM
8. Signage – depending on the set up ofthe market sometimes customers do not walk close to your booth. In order to let
them know what you have, a banner sign is an important asset to your business. Also think of signage for pricing and descriptions for your products. We also use an a-frame chalk board for items that may change. Make sure with your market manager you can have one of these outside your tent.
9. Shopping Bags - many times customers bring their own bags but having bags that work with your products is important for customers to comfortably
shop the market.
10. Displaysand ways to create different heights- we found having simple but different heights provides a pleasant experience for customers. You will need play with this with baskets, crates, boxes, shelves and more.
11. Businesscards and Swag - markets are a great way to network
12. Necessary paperwork - proof of liability insurance, certifications and licensing