What you need for a plant sale

A plant sale needs more than plants and a cash box. You will need trays and crates to move and display stock, clear labels and price signs, a reliable way to take card and cash payments, and equipment for setting up the site. Plan for weather, power access and a steady flow of buyers. This checklist also covers small items that are easy to overlook, such as change, waterproof markers, extension cords and drinkware for volunteers.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 12
Folding table for cash register
Transport cartsqty 2
Plant traysqty 30
Plastic cratesqty 20

Equipment

Payment terminal
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 2
Coffee maker
Kettle
Coolersqty 2

Tableware

Mugsqty 30
Glassesqty 30
Teaspoonsqty 30

Kitchen

Pitchersqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Scissorsqty 4
Utility knivesqty 2
Measuring tape
Cash drawer
Cash box
Counting machine

Decorations

Sales signsqty 6
Prize card holdersqty 40
Plant labelsqty 300
Waterproof markersqty 6
Directional signsqty 6

Lighting

LED lampsqty 4
Batteriesqty 16

Catering

Herb plantsqty 60
Summer bloomersqty 80
Perennial plantsqty 50
Vegetable plantsqty 40
Houseplantsqty 30
Plant traysqty 20
Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Still water - 6 bottles
- Sparkling water - 4 bottles
- Cola - 3 bottles
- Cola Zero - 3 bottles
- Sinas - 2 bottles
- Apple juice - 2 cartons
- Stirrers - 100 pieces
- Paper cups - 100 pieces
- Coffee spoons - 100 pieces
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Plastic carrier bags - 300 pieces
- Cardboard plant boxes - 100 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Hand soap - 2 dispensers
- Hand sanitizer - 2 bottles
- Duct tape - 3 rolls
- Cable ties - 200 pieces
- Waterproof labels - 4 sheets

Tips

Order plants early enough to inspect and price them before sale day. Allow at least one full day to check the delivery, remove damaged plants and attach labels or price tags.
Prepare one plant tray or crate for each group of stock you want to move together. Transport carts reduce lifting and help keep plants upright between delivery, storage and the sales tables.
Test the payment terminal, cash drawer, counting machine and power setup before opening. Bring extension cords and power strips, and check that the sales point is close enough to a safe power source.
Use waterproof markers and weather-resistant plant labels if the sale is outdoors. Pack extra sales signs and directional signs so buyers can still find the entrance and payment point if the layout changes.
Set aside refreshments for the sales team rather than relying on nearby shops. A coffee maker or kettle, pitchers, mugs, glasses and teaspoons should be ready before volunteers arrive, with coolers available for anything that must stay chilled.

Frequently asked questions

What supplies do I need for a plant sale?: Plan for plant trays, plastic crates, transport carts, tables, price labels, sales signs, a cash box or drawer, a payment terminal and change. For an outdoor sale, also include party tents, waterproof markers, extension cords and LED lamps.
How many tables do I need for a plant sale?: Use at least one table for the cash register and one table for each main plant section. Keep the payment table separate from the plants so buyers can queue without blocking browsing or access to the stock.
How much change should I prepare for a plant sale?: Prepare change before the doors open, using the smallest notes and coins that match your prices. The exact amount depends on expected cash sales, but a dedicated cash box with a counted starting float is easier to check than loose money.
When should I order plants for a plant sale?: Order as soon as the assortment and prices are agreed, leaving enough time for delivery and inspection. Aim to have the plants on site at least one day before the sale so they can be checked, priced and arranged without rushing.

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