What you need for a Repair Café

A Repair Café needs more than tables and hand tools. You need safe power distribution, task-specific equipment, visitor registration materials and a clear way to sort spare parts. Plan refreshments for volunteers and visitors, and keep protective equipment at every workstation. Use this shopping list alongside your repair inventory so you buy consumables and replacement parts for the repairs people have already registered.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Work tablesqty 6
Foldable tablesqty 4
Chairsqty 30
Stoolsqty 10
Coat racksqty 2

Equipment

Tool casesqty 6
Multimetersqty 4
Soldering stationsqty 3
Sewing machinesqty 2
Glue gunsqty 3
Work lightsqty 6
Vacuum cleaner
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 8
Cable reelsqty 2
Label printer
Laptop
Printer
Cash register

Tableware

Reusable mugsqty 50
Glassesqty 50
Platesqty 40
Spoonsqty 50
Thermos flasksqty 4
Water jugsqty 4

Safety

Safety gogglesqty 12
Work glovesqty 12
Work jacketsqty 8
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2
Serving spoonsqty 2

Decorations

Information boardsqty 8
Directional signsqty 6
Name badgesqty 30
Markersqty 12
Clipboardsqty 10

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Cleaning bucketqty 2
Mopqty 2
Broomqty 2
Towelsqty 8

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Mints - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Spa Blauw - 6 bottles
- Sparkling water - 4 bottles
- Stirrers - 100 pieces
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 packs
- Young cheese - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Strawberry jam - 2 jars
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Multigrain bread - 4 loaves
- Currant buns - 30 pieces
- Mini muffins - 40 pieces
- Butter cookies - 4 packs
- Paprika chips - 3 bags
- Plain chips - 3 bags
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 20 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 2 packs
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 10 pieces
- Hand soap - 2 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 3 bottles
- Solder - 5 rolls
- Heat shrink tubing - 3 assortments boxes
- Electric wire - 3 rolls
- Cable ties - 2 bags
- All-purpose glue - 6 tubes
- Super glue - 6 tubes
- Fabric glue - 4 tubes
- Sewing thread - 3 sets
- Needles - 2 sets
- Buttons - 3 bags
- Sandpaper - 3 packs
- Electrical tape - 8 rolls
- Duct tape - 4 rolls
- Cable ties - 3 bags
- Penetrating oil - 3 spray cans
- Contact cleaner - 3 spray cans
- Pencil erasers - 6 pieces
- Permanent markers - 2 sets
- Labels - 4 sheets
- Paper registration forms - 100 pieces
- Copy paper - 1 pack

Tips

Allow one workstation per active repair specialist, plus one reception table. Set up separate areas for soldering, sewing and general repairs so tools and safety equipment do not get mixed up.
Check extension cords, power strips and cable reels at least one day before the event. Keep powered cables away from walkways and use a safe connection for every workstation rather than daisy-chaining strips.
Provide safety goggles and work gloves at each relevant station, not only at the reception desk. Put the first aid kit and fire extinguisher where volunteers can reach them within 30 seconds.
Prepare registration supplies before doors open: print the forms, test the label printer and printer, and make enough name badges for every volunteer plus at least 10% extra visitors.
For a three-hour session, plan roughly 2 cups of coffee or tea per volunteer and visitor, with water available throughout. Fill the thermos flasks shortly before opening so drinks stay hot during the busiest first hour.

Frequently asked questions

What tools do I need for a Repair Café?: Start with tool cases, multimeters, work lights and the specialist equipment your repair inventory requires. For this plan, that includes soldering stations, sewing machines, glue guns and a vacuum cleaner; check the inventory at least 3 days before shopping.
How many tables do I need for a Repair Café?: Plan one work table for each repair station, one reception table and at least one extra table for sorting spare parts or waiting items. Confirm the final number after assigning repair staff, no later than 2 days before the event.
What safety equipment is needed for a Repair Café?: Provide safety goggles, work gloves and work jackets for repair volunteers, plus one first aid kit and one fire extinguisher in an accessible location. Check all safety equipment on the morning of the event, before setting up powered tools.
How much coffee and tea should I buy for a Repair Café?: Budget about 2 cups per person for a three-hour session, then add 10% for unexpected visitors. Keep water jugs available as well, and buy or prepare the drinks no more than 2 hours before opening.

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