Flea Market and Craft Show Vendor Packing Checklist (You’re Going to Want This!)

Post Date: Apr 19, 2024

If you're planning to sell at an outdoor flea market in the near future, you'll want to be as prepared as possible. Sometimes you can get by on improvising, but it's best to plan ahead on what you'll need.

Especially if you're a first time flea market vendor!

Take the time to stay organized and have a packing checklist of what to bring on hand. It’ll help you feel less stressed and more prepared for the show.

What to Bring and What Not to Bring

Don’t over-do it on the supplies, one type of tape is enough, and don’t bring your whole refrigerator. Less is more and figuring out what to take and what to leave is key.

Do jot down notes from each show to help you hone in on the most important supplies you need to help make each show as rhythmic and routine as possible.  

Flea Market Vendor Packing List for Outdoor Markets

I’ve compiled a sample flea market vendor packing list to prepare you to set up at an outdoor market. You may also download a printable PDF packing list.

Take it with you, jot down your own notes, and stay organized!

Display / Set Up Items

  • Product (bring more than you think you'll sell)
  • Tent or Canopy
  • Canopy Weights
  • Ropes / Bungee Cord
  • Tables
  • Tablecloths
  • Clamps
  • Display Racks
  • Lights
  • Display Accessories / Decor
  • Extension Cord / Power Strip
  • Signs
  • Totes for Extra Product

Point of Sale Items

  • Cash Box
  • Lots of Change
  • Credit Card Reader
  • Phone or Tablet
  • Chargers for Devices
  • Calculator
  • Bags for Purchases
  • Tissue Paper or Bubble Wrap for Purchases
  • Notebook
  • Pens / Pencils
  • Price Tags
  • Sold Stickers

Promotional Items

  • Business Cards / Flyers
  • List of Upcoming Shows
  • Clipboard for Email Signups

In Case of Weather Items

  • Tarp or Plastic Sheets
  • Umbrella
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat

Personal Items

  • Box of Kleenex
  • Extra Clothes
  • Comfortable Shoes
  • Snacks / Drinks
  • Small Cooler
  • Re-fillable Water Bottle
  • Ibuprofen
  • Mosquito Repellent

Overnight Items

Shipshewana Flea Market has showers located near Gate 21 north of the Auction Building and are available for vendor use on all scheduled Market days including set up dates.

Things you may wish to bring when staying overnight include:

  • Basic Toiletries
  • Lightweight Pajamas
  • Change of Clothes

Miscellaneous Items

  • Scissors
  • Scotch Tape
  • Measuring Tape
  • Folder
  • Trash Can / Trash Bags
  • Cleaning Supplies
  • Paper Towels
  • Small Tool Box

THE most important thing...

Don't forget your SMILE! Shoppers want to shop from happy people!

And remember, one of your greatest sources of information is networking with other vendors, grabbing advice from a neighbor and seeing what works best for them -- try it for yourself and see if it works for you! 

Looking for even more helpful hints? Check out our "Make Money at Flea Markets" E-Book

Download Make Money Selling at Flea Markets E-Book

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