What you need for a sale day

A sale day needs more than goods to sell. You also need a clear way to display, price, move and pay for them, plus basic supplies for drinks and food. This checklist covers the items that are easiest to overlook, from extension cords and cash change to price labels and hand trucks. Buy or collect everything at least one day before opening, then check the full list again when goods arrive.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 24
Folding chairsqty 40
Clothes racksqty 4
Dressing tablesqty 4
High tablesqty 4

Equipment

Coolersqty 3
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Cash registersqty 2
Calculatorsqty 2
Walkie-talkiesqty 4
Hand trucksqty 2
Toolboxesqty 2
Laddersqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving spoonsqty 6
Pouring jugsqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Serving plattersqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coolersqty 4

Decorations

Price labelsqty 500
Table numbersqty 30
Directional signsqty 12
Info boardsqty 4
Adhesive tapeqty 8
Rope rollsqty 3
Markersqty 12
A4 card holdersqty 20

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
Battery lanternsqty 6

Cleaning

Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Cleaning clothsqty 20
Hand broomsqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Beer - 3 crates
- Wine - 8 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 1 crate
- Baguettes - 30 pieces
- Pistolets - 40 pieces
- Currant buns - 20 pieces
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Back ham - 1 kilogram
- Chicken breast slices - 1 kilogram
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Butter - 4 packs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Tomato soup - 8 liters
- Soup vegetables - 2 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snack mix - 4 bags
- Sirup waffles - 6 packs
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Apples - 5 kilograms
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Lemons - 2 kilograms
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper bread bags - 200 pieces
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 3 bottles

Tips

Plan one table or rack section per vendor or product group, and keep at least one clear route for customers and hand trucks. Reserve extra tables for sorting goods and handling registrations rather than filling every space with stock.
Prepare price labels before goods arrive. Keep at least 10% extra labels and markers available, because prices and product groups often change during sorting.
Bring cash change for the first three hours of trading and separate it into small denominations before opening. Keep the cash register, calculator and written cash-handling rules together at the payment point.
Check the venue's power points before bringing coffee machines, kettles, coolers and extension cords. Use power strips only where the load is suitable, and keep cords away from customer walkways.
Collect fragile goods, serving items and tools in separate containers before loading the venue. Add a hand truck and toolbox to the load so setup does not depend on carrying heavy boxes by hand.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for a sale day?: Plan for display furniture, price labels, payment equipment, cash change, extension cords and basic serving supplies. Add hand trucks, toolboxes and ladders if goods or fixtures need moving, assembling or reaching.
How many price labels do I need for a sale day?: Prepare at least one label for every priced item or product group, plus around 10% extra. Print or write them before setup so vendors are not pricing goods while customers are arriving.
How much cash change should I bring to a sale day?: Prepare enough small notes and coins for the first three hours of sales, based on the expected number of cash purchases. Separate the change before opening and record the starting amount in the cash register rules.
When should I buy and check the sale day supplies?: Do the main shopping and equipment check at least one day before the sale. Recheck the list when goods arrive and again before opening, especially cash change, labels, power equipment and serving supplies.

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