Clothing market checklist

A clothing market needs more than donated clothes and a few tables. You need a clear collection window, agreed sales terms, a pricing system, sorted stock and a layout that lets people browse and try items easily. This checklist takes you from confirming the venue to setting up racks, fitting rooms and the cash desk. It also covers details that are often left until the last day, such as change, size labels, drop-off times and payment equipment.

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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

Confirm date and location
2 people
Set sales terms
2 people
Draft a collection call
2 people
Send invitations
2 people
Post promotion online
2 people
Process registrations
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Assign volunteers
2 people
Communicate drop-off times
Reserve clothing racks
Reserve cash register
Receive donated clothing
3 people
Sort clothing
4 people
Check clothing
4 people
Set clothing prizes
3 people
Apply price stickers
4 people
Sort clothes by size
4 people
Collect change
Do the shopping
2 people
Pack clothing
3 people
Check the venue
2 people
Set up tables and racks
4 people
Set up clothing racks
3 people
Set up fitting rooms
2 people
Lay out clothing
6 people
Place price and route signs
2 people
Set up the cash register
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Prepare coffee and tea
2 people
Carry out opening check
3 people

Event

Welcome visitors
3 people
Advise on clothing
4 people
Staff the cash register
2 people
Check fitting rooms
2 people
Hang the clothes back up
2 people
Refill drinks
Refill snacks
Wrap up sales
2 people
Set aside unsold clothing
3 people

Aftercare

Pack clothes and supplies
5 people
Secure the cash register and money
2 people
Take down tables and racks
4 people
Clean the venue
4 people
Collect waste
2 people
Store remaining supplies
2 people
Return clothing
2 people
Donate good clothes
2 people
Return borrowed materials
2 people
Deposit sales revenue
2 people

What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 8
Clothes racksqty 10
Folding chairsqty 12
Changing room screensqty 4
Mirrorsqty 4
Clothes hangersqty 300
Storage cratesqty 20
Clothing binsqty 8

Equipment

Cash register
Payment terminal
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Table lampsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 40
Teaspoonsqty 40

Kitchen

Coffee makerqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Serving plattersqty 6
Serving traysqty 4
Coolersqty 4

Decorations

Information boardsqty 6
Price signsqty 20
Directional signsqty 8
Tableclothsqty 8
Size labelsqty 20
Clothing category cardsqty 12

Cleaning

Vacuum cleaner
Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the collection deadline before promoting the market. Give donors a specific drop-off window and allow at least 2–3 days before the event to sort, check and price every item.
Create one pricing method and apply it consistently. Prepare price stickers, category cards and size labels before stock arrives; otherwise volunteers will spend setup time making decisions.
Plan the room around customer flow: place racks by clothing type or size, keep fitting rooms together, and leave a clear route to the cash register. Keep at least one table free for items waiting to be sorted.
Check payment and power arrangements at least 48 hours beforehand. Test the cash register and payment terminal, count enough change, and check that extension cords and power strips reach the setup without creating trip hazards.
Use storage crates or clothing bins for backstock and returns. Label them by size or category so volunteers can refill racks quickly instead of searching through unsorted bags during the market.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a clothing market?: Start 4–6 weeks before the market if you need donations, volunteers and promotion. Confirm the date and venue first, then set collection and drop-off times before sending invitations.
How much clothing should I collect for a clothing market?: Aim for enough checked and priced stock to fill the planned racks without blocking walkways. Sort donations as they arrive and reject damaged or unsuitable items, rather than waiting until the day before.
When should I sort and price donated clothes?: Sort clothing within 24–48 hours of each drop-off and finish pricing at least 1 day before opening. This leaves time to group items by size, apply stickers and spot missing or damaged pieces.
How many volunteers do I need for a clothing market?: Plan for at least 1 volunteer handling payments, 1 helping customers and fitting rooms, and 2 people for setup and restocking. Add extra help during the busiest collection and opening periods.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.