Bankruptcy sale checklist: what to arrange and when

A bankruptcy sale needs more than pricing items and opening the doors. You need a clear inventory, sale terms, labelled goods, payment arrangements, visitor information, and a safe layout. Start with the venue and the items, then move to pricing and promotion before preparing the sales area. This checklist follows that order, so you can spot details that are often left until the last day, such as testing the card reader, printing documents, and keeping walkways clear.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Check the sales location
2 people
Draw up sales terms
Take inventory of supplies
3 people
Categorize items
3 people
Set selling prices
2 people
Photograph items
2 people
Create a sales ad
Send invitations
Process registrations
Share parking information
Do the shopping
2 people
Print price labels
2 people
Prepare cash register rules
2 people
Arrange cash
Test card reader
Lay out sales documents
Clear the Venue
4 people
Set up tables and racks
4 people
Clear the walkways
2 people
Display items
5 people
Apply price labels
3 people
Mark entrance and exit
2 people
Set up the coffee station
2 people
Set up the cash register
2 people
Conduct a safety check
2 people
Give sales team briefing
4 people

Event

Welcome visitors
2 people
Answer questions about items
3 people
Manage the cash register and payments
2 people
Package purchases
2 people
Refill drinks
Mark sold items
2 people
Track remaining stock
Close the register
2 people

Aftercare

Sort remaining items
4 people
Store unsold items
3 people
Take down tables and racks
4 people
Clean the venue
3 people
Dispose of waste
2 people
Return materials
2 people

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
High tablesqty 2
Clothes racksqty 4
Storage cratesqty 20
Chairsqty 12
Party tent

Equipment

Payment terminal
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Laptop
Printer
Cash register
Roll containersqty 2

Office

Price labelsqty 500
Marker pensqty 12
Ballpoint pensqty 20
Notepadsqty 6
Receiptsqty 4
Envelopesqty 50
Printer paper
Tapeqty 6
Ropeqty 2
Scissorsqty 4
Clipboardsqty 4

Decorations

Directional signsqty 10
Entrance sign
Sales signqty 2

Lighting

LED lightsqty 8
Batteriesqty 24

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 30
Teaspoonsqty 30

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 3
Kettlesqty 2
Serving jugsqty 2
Serving traysqty 3

Packaging

Cardboard boxesqty 50
Paper carrier bagsqty 100
Bubble wrapqty 2
Wrapping paperqty 3

Security

Barrier tapeqty 4
Conesqty 8

Cleaning

Vacuum cleaner
Bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Broomqty 2

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Check the sales location before announcing the sale. Confirm access, available power, parking arrangements, lighting, and whether tables, racks, or a party tent will fit without blocking entrances.
Finish the inventory and pricing before photographing items or creating the sales ad. Group similar goods, record quantities, and leave enough time to print and attach price labels rather than writing them during setup.
Set up payment arrangements at least one day beforehand. Test the card reader, prepare the cash register and change, and keep receipts, envelopes, pens, and a notepad together at the sales desk.
Plan the room around movement, not just display space. Leave clear walkways, mark the entrance and exit, and use tables, clothes racks, storage crates, and signs so visitors can browse without moving stock.
Do the final safety check before opening, not while customers arrive. Secure extension cords and rope, check LED lights and batteries, remove trip hazards, and make sure the coffee station does not interfere with payments or exits.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I plan a bankruptcy sale?: Start at least 7 days before the sale if you have a large inventory. Use the first 2 to 3 days for the venue, inventory, categories, prices, and photos, then reserve the final 1 to 2 days for advertising, printing, shopping, and setup.
How do I price items for a bankruptcy sale?: Price items after you have completed the inventory and grouped comparable goods. Prepare price labels at least 1 day before opening, and decide in advance whether prices are fixed or whether you will accept offers.
What payment setup do I need for a bankruptcy sale?: Prepare the cash register, change, receipts, envelopes, and a tested payment terminal before opening day. Test card payments at least 24 hours in advance and keep a backup pen-and-paper record for every sale.
How should I arrange the venue for a bankruptcy sale?: Set out tables and racks so customers can move through the space without crossing the payment area. Finish the layout at least 1 hour before opening, then check entrances, exits, signs, lighting, cords, and walkways.

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