Vendor Setup Checklist: What to Pack, Prep, and Power Up Your Stall
There’s nothing worse than getting to the market and realizing you forgot something crucial — like your card reader, cash float, or even your stock list.
In this week’s Tactical Tips Tuesday post, we’re bringing you a vendor setup checklist designed to eliminate that panic. Whether you’re brand new to the market or just need a smoother setup routine, this checklist will help you pack smarter, prep faster, and start selling with confidence.
Table of Contents
Vendor Setup Checklist
1. Pre-Market Packing: Don’t Leave These Behind
Pre-Market Packing
Every smooth market day starts the night before — with packing. Yet it’s shocking how many vendors forget basic items that can make or break a sale.
Before you even think about transport, double-check this part of your vendor setup checklist:
- ✔ Product Inventory – neatly packed, priced, and protected
- ✔ Change Float – R100–R500 in coins and small notes
- ✔ Tablecloth or Mat – to cover plain tables and elevate your setup
- ✔ Weather Prep – umbrella, tarp, or table weights (wind is ruthless!)
- ✔ Basic Stationery – pens, price tags, tape, scissors
These aren’t extras — they’re your front line. Vendors who pack these without fail avoid costly delays, panicked buyers, and bad first impressions.
📊 According to Stats SA’s Q4 2023 report, informal employment still accounts for over 2.5 million jobs — many of which depend on reliable, market-ready setups.
🔗 View full report
🛠️ 2. Stall Setup Essentials: What Every Vendor Needs
Stall Setup Essentials
Your stall isn’t just where you sell — it’s your stage. And first impressions? They count more than you think. Here’s what every serious vendor setup checklist must include when it comes to layout:
- ✔ Display Risers or Crates – give height to your table for visibility
- ✔ Clear Signage – business name, prices, and mobile payment info
- ✔ Branding Touch – a consistent colour scheme, logo, or theme
- ✔ Hygiene Station – sanitiser, wipes, and bin bag (non-negotiable!)
- ✔ Chair & Comfort – bring your own seat, sunscreen, and water
Think like a shopper. What makes you stop at one stall over another? Usually it’s clarity, creativity, or a clean layout. Vendors who invest in this step tend to see more foot traffic — and more repeat buyers.
🔌 3. Power, Payments & Problems: Stay Market-Ready
Power, Payments & Problems
Even if your setup looks flawless, it can fall apart without one of these: power, payment options, or a backup plan. This part of your vendor setup checklist helps you stay in control when things go sideways.
Key items to prep:
- ✔ Power Bank or Battery Pack – especially for card readers or phones
- ✔ Cash + Card Options – include SnapScan/Zapper QR codes
- ✔ Extension Cord – if you’re near a powered zone, bring a long lead
- ✔ Weather Backup – extra plastic bags, clips, and waterproof tubs
- ✔ Fault Kit – duct tape, cable ties, safety pins, plasters
Markets are unpredictable. Vendors who prepare for power cuts, rain, or tech issues look professional — and keep selling while others pack up.
📋 4. Bonus Kit: CMH Setup Tools You Can Grab Today
Bonus Kit
Don’t reinvent the wheel — CMH has already built tools to fast-track your vendor journey. This part of your vendor setup checklist gives you direct access to free (or low-cost) setup helpers.
🔥 Top tools available now:
- ✅ CMH Setup Kit: From branded signs to laminated price sheets
- ✅ Free Packing List PDF: Download once, reuse every week
- ✅ WhatsApp Support Line: Ask setup questions, get real vendor answers
- ✅ Quick Links: To marketplace rules, vendor finance, and more
🔗 Need help getting any of these? 📲 Chat with the CMH team on WhatsApp
These tools are made by vendors, for vendors. And they’re your shortcut to looking pro — even if it’s your first market.
🧭 5. Final Step: Lock It, List It, Launch It
You’ve packed your gear, prepped your layout, powered your tools, and grabbed the CMH support kit. Now what?
Lock it: Create a master vendor setup checklist and laminate it. Keep one in your car and one at home.
List it: Check off items the night before — not the morning of.
Launch it: Show up early, set up with intention, and treat every stall like your brand’s shopfront.
At CMH, we’re here to make that setup smoother — with tools, chats, and tips like these every week.
👉 Need help finalizing your kit? 📲 Chat with CMH on WhatsApp
📩 Or explore more how-to blogs on communitymarkethub.com
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