Sales day checklist: what to arrange and when

A sales day runs smoothly when the offer, stock and checkout are ready before visitors arrive. Start by publishing the date and programme, sending invitations and processing registrations. In the final week, confirm dietary requirements, catering, furniture, payment options and sale labels. On the day itself, allow time to clean the venue, arrange the sales floor, test payment equipment and brief the sales team before opening.

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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

Publish the date and program
Send invitations
2 people
Put together the sales offer
2 people
Check stock
2 people
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Reserve tables and chairs
Order catering
Check payment options
Hang up promotion
2 people
Prepare price tags
2 people
Label sale stock
3 people
Collect the cash drawer change
Do the shopping
2 people
Set up sales stock
3 people
Clean the venue
2 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Set up presentation furniture
3 people
Set up the checkout point
2 people
Test payment equipment
2 people
Hang decorations
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Set up the coffee station
2 people
Prepare snacks
3 people
Give sales team briefing

Event

Open the doors
2 people
Welcome visitors
2 people
Provide sales advice
4 people
Operating the cash register
2 people
Pack purchases
2 people
Refill drinks
Serve snacks
2 people
Restock sales tables
2 people
Empty waste bins periodically
Pay for the final purchases
2 people
See visitors out
2 people

Aftercare

Close the register
2 people
Count sales stock
2 people
Package sales stock
3 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Dismantle furniture
4 people
Store equipment safely
2 people
Thoroughly clean the venue
3 people
Dispose of waste
2 people
Return materials
2 people
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

Build the sales offer before checking stock so you know what needs pricing, labelling or reordering. Finish price tags and sale-stock labels at least one day before the event.
Test every payment terminal, barcode scanner, laptop and cash drawer before doors open. Keep a working cash drawer with change ready at least 30 minutes before the first sale.
Set up the checkout point where visitors can reach it without blocking the entrance or presentation area. Leave space for a short queue and keep power strips and extension cords secured.
Chill drinks and prepare the coffee station during the final setup rather than several hours early. Prepare snacks and cold dishes close to serving time, and keep serving equipment together.
Brief the sales team for 15 minutes before opening. Cover prices, payment steps, stock location, dietary information and who handles questions or checkout problems.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I plan a sales day?: Publish the date and programme at least 4 weeks ahead, then send invitations and process registrations as they come in. Confirm catering, furniture and payment needs 7 days before the event.
When should I check stock for a sales day?: Check stock after putting together the sales offer and repeat the check 3 to 5 days before the event. This leaves time to label sale stock, prepare price tags and resolve missing items.
How early should I set up a sales day venue?: Allow 3 to 4 hours for cleaning, tables, chairs, presentation furniture, sales stock, decorations and the checkout point. Test payment equipment and brief the team at least 30 minutes before opening.
How much catering do I need for a sales day?: For a sales day lasting 3 to 4 hours, plan roughly 2 to 3 drinks per person and 2 to 4 snack portions per person, depending on whether a meal is served. Confirm final numbers from registrations and dietary requirements 3 to 5 days beforehand.

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.