What to Buy for a Candle Sale

A candle sale needs more than candles and a table. You’ll need packaging for purchases and gifts, clear pricing, a reliable checkout setup, and enough equipment to keep stock organised throughout the sale. Plan separate supplies for display, payment, packing and outdoor shelter so nothing has to be sourced at the last minute. This checklist covers the practical items to buy or bring, from carrier bags and wrapping materials to cash-handling equipment and lighting.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 16
Tableclothsqty 8

Sales materials

Checkout tablesqty 2
Storage cratesqty 12
Paper carrier bagsqty 300
Gift bagsqty 100
Wrapping paper rollsqty 6
Gift ribbon rollsqty 4
Price sign holdersqty 20
Price listsqty 12
Clipboardsqty 4
Pensqty 20
Markersqty 12
Rolls of tapeqty 6
Scissorsqty 4
Receipt padqty 4
Cash boxesqty 2
Cash counting traysqty 2
Card machinesqty 2
Calculatorsqty 2
Candle assortmentqty 500

Decorations

Promotional postersqty 20
Directional signsqty 8
Bannersqty 2
Table decorationsqty 8

Lighting

LED light stringsqty 6
Battery lampsqty 4

Equipment

Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 40
Platesqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 40

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 3
Serving plattersqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Broom setsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2

Safety

Fire extinguishersqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cocoa powder - 1 pack
- Spa Blauw - 6 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Lemon syrup - 2 bottles
- Stir sticks - 200 pieces
- Paper napkins - 500 pieces
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Unsalted butter - 2 packs
- Cake - 6 pieces
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Sirup waffles - 6 packs
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Salty sticks - 4 bags
- Mixed sweets - 4 bags
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 20 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfecting wipes - 3 packs
- Sponges - 2 packs
- Rubber gloves - 4 pairs

Tips

Bring at least one paper carrier bag per expected customer, plus 10–15% extra for split purchases or damaged bags. Keep gift bags separate so they are easy to offer at checkout.
Allow one price list for each sales table, with at least two spare copies at the checkout. Put prices in holders rather than relying on handwritten labels that can move or become hard to read.
Plan one pen and one clipboard for each person recording sales, plus two spare pens. Keep markers, tape and scissors at the packing area for quick label changes and wrapping repairs.
For cash sales, prepare a cash box and counting tray for each active checkout point. Order small notes and coins at least 2–3 working days before the sale so the team can give change from opening time.
If the sale is outdoors, test every LED light string, battery lamp and extension cord before setup. Bring enough lighting for each table and keep extension cords away from customer walkways.

Frequently asked questions

What supplies do I need for a candle sale?: You need candles, tables, tablecloths, storage crates, price lists, signs, bags, gift packaging, checkout supplies and lighting. Plan packaging for every expected purchase, then add 10–15% spare capacity.
How many bags should I buy for a candle sale?: Start with one paper carrier bag per expected customer and add 10–15% extra. Buy gift bags separately if customers can request presents to be wrapped.
How much cash do I need for a candle sale?: Prepare enough small notes and coins to give change for the first 10–15 cash purchases. Order or collect the cash 2–3 working days before the event and divide it between active cash boxes.
What should I bring for an outdoor candle sale?: Bring party tents, tables, chairs, tablecloths, storage crates, signs, tape, lighting and extension cords, as well as the candles and checkout materials. Test battery lamps and LED strings at least 1 day beforehand.

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