How to organise a sales day without last-minute chaos

A successful sales day depends on getting the order right: publish the date and programme first, then build the offer, confirm stock and process registrations. In the final week, organise catering, furniture, payment options, labels and promotional materials. On the day itself, set up the sales floor before preparing refreshments, and test every payment terminal before visitors arrive. This approach keeps stock easy to browse and prevents avoidable queues at the checkout.

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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

1
Publish the date and program
2
Send invitations
2 people
3
Put together the sales offer
2 people
4
Check stock
2 people
5
Process registrations
6
Collect dietary requirements
7
Reserve tables and chairs
8
Order catering
9
Check payment options
10
Hang up promotion
2 people
11
Prepare price tags
2 people
12
Label sale stock
3 people
13
Collect the cash drawer change
14
Do the shopping
2 people
15
Set up sales stock
3 people
16
Clean the venue
2 people
17
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
18
Set up presentation furniture
3 people
19
Set up the checkout point
2 people
20
Test payment equipment
2 people
21
Hang decorations
2 people
22
Chill drinks
2 people
23
Set up the coffee station
2 people
24
Prepare snacks
3 people
25
Give sales team briefing

Event

26
Open the doors
2 people
27
Welcome visitors
2 people
28
Provide sales advice
4 people
29
Operating the cash register
2 people
30
Pack purchases
2 people
31
Refill drinks
32
Serve snacks
2 people
33
Restock sales tables
2 people
34
Empty waste bins periodically
35
Pay for the final purchases
2 people
36
See visitors out
2 people

Aftercare

37
Close the register
2 people
38
Count sales stock
2 people
39
Package sales stock
3 people
40
Wash dishes
2 people
41
Dismantle furniture
4 people
42
Store equipment safely
2 people
43
Thoroughly clean the venue
3 people
44
Dispose of waste
2 people
45
Return materials
2 people
46
Store remaining catering

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 40
Presentation tablesqty 6
Cash desk table
Storage cabinetsqty 2
Clothes racksqty 4
Display standsqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 40
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving plattersqty 8

Equipment

Payment terminalsqty 2
Cash drawer
Laptop
Label printer
Barcode scanner
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 3
Power stripsqty 6
Extension cordsqty 6
Handheld microphone
Portable speaker

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knivesqty 3
Pliersqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cold dishesqty 4

Decorations

Party flagsqty 6
Tableclothsqty 10
Directional signsqty 12
Poster holdersqty 8

Lighting

LED lightsqty 6
String lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Broom setsqty 2

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Publish the date and programme before sending invitations, so guests know the opening hours, sales format and what to expect. Allow at least two weeks for registrations and follow up with anyone who has not replied.
Check stock before finalising the sales offer. Label sale stock and prepare price tags at least one day ahead; doing this during setup makes misplaced items and unclear prices much more likely.
Set up the room in zones: tables and presentation furniture for browsing, storage cabinets or racks for back stock, and a separate cash desk table for checkout. Leave a clear route between the sales floor and payment point.
Test payment terminals, the laptop, barcode scanner and cash drawer before doors open. Count the change in the cash drawer at the start, and keep extension cords and power strips away from customer walkways.
Brief the sales team for 15 minutes before opening. Cover prices, stock locations, payment options, dietary requirements and who handles questions, then chill drinks and finish the coffee station after the sales floor is ready.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I plan a sales day?: Start at least four weeks before the event. Publish the date and programme first, send invitations next, and aim to have stock, catering, furniture and payment arrangements confirmed one week before opening.
When should I prepare price tags for a sales day?: Prepare and attach price tags at least one day before the sales day. Include labels for every sale item or group, then keep a short list of prices at the checkout for quick checks.
How much catering do I need for a sales day?: For a four-hour sales day, plan one serving per registered guest plus about 10% extra. Confirm dietary requirements when processing registrations and order the catering no later than five days before the event.
How early should the sales team arrive?: Ask the team to arrive 60 to 90 minutes before opening. Use the first hour for furniture, stock, checkout and refreshments, then hold a 15-minute briefing before visitors enter.

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.