Shoe Repair Day Checklist

A shoe repair day needs more than a few tables and a box of tools. You need to match registrations with repair capacity, prepare work orders and labels, and make sure every workstation has safe access to power and lighting. Start by confirming the venue and technicians, then publish the repair terms before registrations open. On the day, keep reception separate from the repair area so shoes, paperwork and visitors do not get mixed up.

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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

Confirm date and location
Arrange repair technicians
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
Confirm registrations
Publish repair terms
Distribute repair capacity
2 people
Reserve work tables
Check the shopping list
Buy repair materials
2 people
Do the shopping
2 people
Check tools
2 people
Print the registration list
Prepare repair labels
2 people
Prepare work orders
Chill drinks
Bring materials to the venue
3 people
Clean work area
2 people
Set up tables and chairs
3 people
Set up workstations
3 people
Lay out tools
2 people
Sort repair materials
2 people
Set up registration desk
2 people
Go over the safety instructions
5 people

Event

Handle reception and registration
2 people
Collect and label shoes
2 people
Assess repairs
2 people
Register repairs
Pre-treat shoes
3 people
Repair soles and heels
4 people
Repair seams and stitching
2 people
Treat leather and suede
2 people
Monitor drying time
Check repaired shoes
2 people
Pack shoes
2 people
Send ready notifications
Refill drinks
Serve coffee and tea
Clean work tables between uses
2 people
Clear away tools during breaks
Hand out final shoes
2 people
Set aside leftover work
2 people

Aftercare

Store shoes and work orders securely
2 people
Clear the workspace
3 people
Sort and remove waste
2 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Clean the venue
3 people
Finish outstanding repairs
3 people
Send pickup arrangements
Return borrowed items
2 people
Store leftover materials
2 people
Follow up on uncollected shoes

What to bring

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

Furniture

Work tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 12
Registration desk
Clothes racksqty 2
Storage cratesqty 12

Lighting

Work lightsqty 6

Equipment

Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 6
Hair dryerqty 3

Tools

Shoemakers' hammersqty 4
Pliersqty 8
Awlsqty 4
Shoemaker's knivesqty 4
Sanding blocksqty 6
Sewing kitqty 3
Measuring tapesqty 4
Cutting matsqty 4
Clampsqty 8
Spare scissorsqty 4

Safety

Safety gogglesqty 8
Work glovesqty 12
Dust masksqty 20
Extraction fansqty 2

Tableware

Mugsqty 30
Glassesqty 30
Thermos flasksqty 3

Catering

Water jugsqty 3
Groceries

Decorations

Information boardsqty 6
Directional signsqty 8
Tableclothsqty 6

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 20
Hand broomsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Waste binsqty 4

Tips

Set the repair capacity before sending invitations. Confirm how many technicians are available and assign each registration a realistic repair slot, rather than accepting unlimited drop-offs.
Publish the repair terms before people register. State which repairs are accepted, how shoes are labelled, when work orders are completed and what happens if a repair cannot be finished.
Prepare labels, work orders and the printed registration list at least one day ahead. A handwritten label made at reception is easy to lose once several pairs are on the work tables.
Set up each workstation with its tools, cutting mat, work light, extension cord and power strip before visitors arrive. Keep cables away from walkways and leave room for storage crates under or beside the tables.
Put safety instructions at the work area and go through them before repairs begin. Provide safety goggles, work gloves and dust masks, and check that extraction fans are positioned before sanding or cutting starts.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a shoe repair day?: Confirm the date, location and repair technicians at least 4 to 6 weeks ahead. Open registrations only after the repair terms and available capacity are agreed.
How many workstations do I need for a shoe repair day?: Plan one workstation per technician working at the same time, plus one separate registration desk. Add at least 1 spare table if materials, finished shoes or work orders would otherwise crowd the repair benches.
What should I prepare the day before a shoe repair day?: Print the registration list, prepare repair labels and work orders, check every tool, and chill the drinks the day before. Bring materials to the venue early enough on the event day to clean and set up the work area before reception opens.
How should I organise registrations for a shoe repair event?: Record each visitor, the number of pairs and the requested repair, then distribute the available repair capacity before confirming registrations. Prepare one label and one work order per repair so each pair can be tracked from reception to collection.

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