Our Top Favorite Market Essentials

Are you tired of scanning Pinterest for market booth ideas and coming up empty?

Been there, done that!😅

Today, I'm laying it alllll on the table and sharing every single thing we bring to markets (with links) so you can easily shop for what you need (insert allll the happy dances because your life is about to get so much easier).

I created this market guide because I couldn't find one like this when Chris and I started doing markets and pop-ups in and around the Nashville area. I felt overwhelmed because there was so much to buy and let's be honest, you're in this to make money, not spend it all on start up costs.

A few things before we jump in: if something isn't listed, it's because a) it's no longer sold, b) I don't recommend it for both inside and outside setups and c) we used it and no longer like it. I'm sure I missed a few links so if you don't see what you'd like, shoot me an email hello@yuccasociety.com.

Furniture and Decor

6ft Folding Table: Lowe's 

• Most markets have booth size restrictions of 8x8, so make sure to choose a table that fits within that space and still gives you room to sit! We love this table because when the tablecloth is over, we can store boxes underneath.

Folding Chair: Lowe's

• Speaking of sitting, this chair isn't cute but a chair is necessary for those long market days!

 Table Cover: Blanket Yucca Society

• We love using a blanket to cover our table! It's a great way to promote our shop and add some color!  Whatever you choose, make sure it's easily washable since it will get dirty. 

Tabletop Displays: Adjustable Stand Vertical Ledge 

• We recently added this vertical adjustable display to our table and it's so cute! Everything else we use I've picked up at Home Goods or Amazon. When you're searching for displays, look for things that will add height variety to your booth. A fully flat table feels cluttered and can be overwhelming to look at.

Pricing Materials: Magnetic Signs George & Willy and Stickers Amazon

• We use the kraft paper stickers on our product but just added the magnetic pricing signs, too. As a shopper, I often feel weird asking about the price of something when I'm at a booth. So, do your customers a courtesy and make sure your prices are easily visible. 

 QR Code Sign: Ikea Frame with Shutterfly print insert (design print in Canva)

• It's important your customers know where to find you later! A QR code is an easy way to drive traffic to your website, email list, or social media. 

 Apparel Hangers: Baby Amazon and Adult Ikea

• We love these because the color fits our brand! We recently purchased this hanger tote that makes them wayyy easier to transport!

 Dolly: Home Depot (similar to ours)

• A cart is so helpful for transporting goods. It is a lifesaver for your back!

 Tent Setup: Tent: Academy Sports and Outdoors Weights: Academy Sports and Outdoors (we recommend 4 sets)

• Most people go for white tents, but we liked this because it matched our brand best. We've had it for over 3 years and it's held up well.

For Checkout

Retail Bags: Bags Michaels, Stamp Paper Sushi, and Ink Paper Sushi

• We love the standard bags, but don't recommend the larger bags from Michaels. They've torn easily. This year, we up-leveled our bags with a custom logo stamp paired with the white ink and we LOVE it! I designed our logo in Canva.

 Business Cards: Moo

• We love the square design for our brand! We include our logo, a little bio, and QR codes to drive traffic to our IG and website.

 Card Readers: Shopify (similar to ours) and Square 

• We used the Square when we first started, but when we upgraded to Shopify, we moved there. I do not recommend using Venmo! Venmo now charges transaction fees. Whichever you use, make sure your reader is fully charged before a market!

What I Would Not Recommend

Jute Rug

• They are major dirt traps, a pain to clean, and hard to keep flat (aka a tripping nightmare). If you opt for a rug, choose one that's washable and lays naturally flat.

Ikea Shelves (Outdoor)

• Yes, they are sooo cute and offer great vertical space but they also take time to setup, don't easily store, and are not ideal for outdoor events. They'll easily topple over at the slightest hint of wind. Tables aren't as cute but they're ideal for outdoor events.

Backdrop Stand (Outdoor)

• Again, consider wind when planning your setup. Our lightweight stand doesn't do well outdoors, so we only use it for indoor markets. 

That's it!✌I hope this list helps you feel more prepared as you tackle setting up for your first (or next) market. I totally get how overwhelming this can feel! As you prep, take a note from my husband's grandma who passed last year "who are we racing"?. Life moves quickly, but it's full of space to grow so give yourself a bit more grace because yes, you'll have ugly booths, bad product display ideas, and markets that are a dud. Use those experiences to learn and get excited because next time, you'll show up even better than the last.