What you need for a repair café

A repair café needs more than a few hand tools. Plan separate supplies for the reception desk, repair workstations, electrical testing, replacement materials, and refreshments. Check how many visitors and repair staff you expect before shopping, because the number of tables, chairs, power strips, and consumables depends on that count. Buy or gather small parts early: screws, fuses, plugs, solder, and cable ties are easy to overlook and difficult to replace once the session has started.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Work tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 24
Reception desk
Stoolsqty 8
Storage cabinetsqty 3

Equipment

Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 8
Desk lampsqty 8
Soldering ironsqty 4
Multimetersqty 4
Test lampsqty 4
Glue gunsqty 3
Coolersqty 2
Kettlesqty 2

Tools

Screwdriver setsqty 6
Pliersqty 12
Allen key setsqty 4
Wrench setsqty 3
Hammersqty 4
Hand sawsqty 2
Bench visesqty 3
Cross wrenchesqty 2

Repair materials

Screw setsqty 4
Nut and washer setsqty 4
Cable tiesqty 3
Electrical wireqty 3
Solderqty 4
Heat-shrink tubing setsqty 3
Universal fusesqty 3
Universal plugsqty 2
Fabric glueqty 4
Super glueqty 6
All-purpose glueqty 4

Safety

Safety gogglesqty 12
Work glovesqty 12
Fire extinguisher
Cable matsqty 8

Administration

Repair slipsqty 150
Clipboardsqty 6
Ballpoint pensqty 30
Markersqty 12
Name badgesqty 40
Paper signageqty 12

Tableware

Mugsqty 30
Glassesqty 30
Platesqty 30
Spoonsqty 30
Teaspoonsqty 30

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 2
Microfiber clothsqty 12
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Waste binsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea selection - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Coffee creamer - 2 tubs
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Spa Blauw - 6 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Paper napkins - 4 packs
- Butter - 500 grams
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Young cheese - 1 kilo
- Back ham - 500 grams
- Vegetarian spread - 4 tubs
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Currant buns - 40 pieces
- Mini cream buns - 40 pieces
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Stir sticks - 2 packs
- Paper cups - 100 pieces
- Paper Plates - 100 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Paper towels - 4 packs

Tips

Allow one work table for each repair area and add at least one spare table for intake, sorting, or parts. Provide a chair for every visitor who may wait, plus stools where repairs require seated work.
Plan one power strip and one extension cord for each workstation that uses electrical equipment. Keep cables away from walkways and test every soldering iron, desk lamp, and test lamp before opening.
Prepare repair consumables in clearly labelled boxes rather than one mixed container. Keep separate stock for screw sets, nuts and washers, cable ties, wire, solder, heat-shrink tubing, universal fuses, and universal plugs.
Count tools by repair area before shopping. A shared screwdriver set, pliers, Allen key set, wrench set, hammer, or multimeter can create a queue when several repairs arrive at once.
Shop for refreshments after confirming registrations and dietary requirements. Fill the coolers before visitors arrive, and allow enough kettles and cups for the first serving rather than waiting until the reception desk becomes busy.

Frequently asked questions

What tools do I need for a repair café?: Start with one tool set per active repair area where possible: screwdriver sets, pliers, Allen keys, wrenches, hammers, hand saws, bench vises, and cross wrenches. Add multimeters and test lamps for electrical checks, and keep at least one spare set available for busy periods.
How many workstations do I need for a repair café?: Use one workstation for each repair area or repair staff member working at the same time, then add one spare table for intake and sorting. For example, six active repair areas need at least seven tables when reception and parts handling are included.
What repair materials should I buy for a repair café?: Keep a basic stock of screw sets, nut and washer sets, cable ties, electrical wire, solder, heat-shrink tubing, universal fuses, and universal plugs. Check the inventory at least one week before the event so missing consumables can still be sourced.
When should I prepare the repair café shopping list?: Make the first list at least two weeks before the event, after checking the repair areas and expected registrations. Do the final stock check two or three days beforehand, then test batteries and electrical equipment before setup.

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