Market Stall Checklist
Use this checklist to plan your market stall. Tick off items as you acquire them, and use the notes space to record your own questions, suppliers, and costs.
Itinerant Traders
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Date:
Functional ceramics
Header product — groups varieties.
Mugs
Bowls
Plates
Side plates
Serving platters
Vases
Homewares
Header product — groups varieties.
Candle holders
Planters
Trinket dishes
Soap dishes
Oil burners
Decorative pieces
Header product — groups varieties.
Sculptural vases
Wall hangings
Decorative bowls
Sets
Header product — groups varieties.
Mug and saucer set
Breakfast set (bowl, plate, mug)
Planter set
Custom / commissioned pieces
Made to order — priced separately.
My notes:
Clay (stoneware, earthenware, porcelain)
By the bag — stoneware is the most versatile for functional work.
Glazes (commercial or house-mixed)
Must be food-safe and lead/cadmium free for functional pieces.
Underglazes
For surface decoration before glazing.
Slips
For decorating and joining.
Kiln wash
Prevents pieces sticking to kiln shelves.
Sandpaper / sanding pads
For finishing bases and rough spots.
Wax resist
For decorating — repels glaze.
Oxides and stains
For surface decoration and colour.
My notes:
Pottery wheel
For thrown work.
Kiln
The defining capital asset — electric or gas. Significant investment and running cost. Electric preferred for market operators.
Kiln shelves and posts
Hand building tools
Ribs, wire tools, loop tools, sponges.
Banding wheel
Clay extruder
Remove if not applicable.
Wedging table
Display stands and shelving
Trestle tables
Gazebo/marquee
Cash float/till
Padded transport boxes
Ceramics are fragile — invest in proper padded transport. Bubble wrap and tissue paper are not enough for a full stall load.
My notes:
Market stall setup / ceramics stall
My notes:
Bubble wrap
Tissue paper
Kraft paper bags
Boxes (various sizes)
Branded stickers / labels
Swing tags
Include clay body and glaze details — buyers appreciate knowing what they are buying.
My notes:
Australian Consumer Law compliance
Products must be safe and accurately described.
Food safety compliance for functional ceramics
Mugs, bowls, and plates must use food-safe glazes. Lead and cadmium free glazes are mandatory for all food contact surfaces. Check glaze certificates from supplier.
Public Liability Insurance
Product Liability Insurance
For food contact ceramics — covers harm caused by the product.
My notes:
Market stall fee
Fuel — travel
Kiln electricity / gas
Significant ongoing cost — factor into margin calculations for every piece.
My notes:
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