Trunk Sale Checklist

A trunk sale needs more than sellers and cars in a field. You need a clear site layout, measured selling spaces, confirmed registrations, visitor routing and a parking plan before the day begins. This checklist also covers the details that are often left too late: price tags, change, traffic signs, power, lighting, drinks and participant reminders. Work through the plan in order so every seller knows where to go and visitors can move around safely.

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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

Check the venue and grounds
2 people
Check permit and conditions
Define the market concept and rules
2 people
Measure sales spaces
2 people
Draw the site layout
2 people
Set sale prices
2 people
Create registration form
Send invitations
2 people
Announce market online
Process registrations
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Assign sales locations
2 people
Confirm participants
2 people
Set the route for visitors
2 people
Develop parking plan
2 people
Prepare traffic signs
2 people
Assign volunteers
2 people
Create the participants' contact list
Print floor plan
Prepare price tags
2 people
Do the shopping
2 people
Arrange cash change
Chill drinks
2 people
Collect materials
3 people
Remind participants
Check the grounds for obstacles
3 people
Open the entrance gates
2 people
Close off the traffic route
4 people
Set up parking guidance
3 people
Set up stalls and booths
4 people
Set up tables
4 people
Build party tents
6 people
Set up the information desk
2 people
Number the sales stands
2 people
Put up directional signs
3 people
Place waste stations
2 people
Set up the catering counter
3 people
Prepare coffee and tea
2 people
Prepare snacks
3 people
Test sound equipment
2 people
Hang up price lists
2 people

Event

Receive participants
4 people
Direct participants to their seats
4 people
Park cars safely
4 people
Have the sales tables set up
3 people
Staff the info desk
2 people
Open catering desk
3 people
Welcome visitors
3 people
Direct parking
3 people
Guide visitor flow
2 people
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
Serve snacks
2 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Empty trash bins
2 people
Keep the grounds clean
2 people
Check stock
Keep the traffic route clear
2 people
Register lost and found items
Inform last visitors
2 people
Announce end of sales
Let participants drive off
4 people

Aftercare

Close catering
3 people
Close the cash register and change
2 people
Take down tables
4 people
Take down party tents
6 people
Remove plates and ribbons
3 people
Collect waste
4 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Clean catering supplies
2 people
Sweep the grounds
3 people
Remove traffic materials
3 people
Hand over the venue
2 people
Clear away leftover stock
2 people
Inventory materials
2 people
Return borrowed items
2 people
Handle lost and found
Inform participants of the wrap-up

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 12
Information desk
Catering tableqty 2
Clothes racksqty 4
Folding stoolsqty 6
Storage boxesqty 8

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Bluetooth speaker
Microphone
Rechargeable work lightsqty 4

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
Battery lanternsqty 6
Spare batteriesqty 24
Light standsqty 2

Signage

Directional signsqty 12
Parking signsqty 8
Seat numbersqty 80
Info boardsqty 4
Price signsqty 4
Barrier tapeqty 6
Traffic conesqty 20
Conesqty 30

Safety

First aid kit
Fire extinguishersqty 2
Safety vestsqty 12
Flashlightsqty 4
Work glovesqty 12
Heavy-duty guy ropesqty 12

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 60
Platesqty 80
Teaspoonsqty 60
Serving spoonsqty 6
Scissorsqty 8

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 4
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving traysqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Measuring cupsqty 2
Ice packsqty 20

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Tableclothsqty 8
Balloon bundlesqty 6
Adhesive stripsqty 4

Office

Clipboardsqty 6
Printer paperqty 250
Waterproof markersqty 12
Ballpoint pensqty 20
Rolls of tapeqty 6
Staplersqty 2
Staple boxesqty 4
Cash boxesqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 10
Litter pickersqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Bucketsqty 4

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Measure each selling space before opening registrations, then use those measurements to draw the layout and assign locations. Allow room for cars, tables, clothes racks and visitors rather than fitting sellers in later.
Set a registration deadline and confirm every participant after processing the forms. Send the final location, arrival instructions and rules early enough for sellers to prepare their stock and prices.
Plan traffic and parking before announcing the sale. Prepare directional and parking signs, cones and barrier tape, and decide who will place them before visitors arrive.
Prepare change and price tags at least one day ahead. Sellers should have clearly marked prices, while the organisers should keep a small cash float and a secure place for money at the information desk.
Check power, shelter and lighting as one setup task. Test extension cords, power strips, coffee machines and kettles, and keep rechargeable lights and spare batteries ready if the sale continues into low light.

Frequently asked questions

How early should I start organising a trunk sale?: Start at least 6 to 8 weeks before the sale. Use the first weeks for the venue, rules, permits and site measurements, then allow time for registrations, location assignments and reminders.
When should trunk sale registrations close?: Close registrations 7 to 10 days before the event. That gives you time to process the list, assign spaces, confirm participants and print the final floor plan.
How many volunteers do I need for a trunk sale?: Plan at least one volunteer for arrivals and the information desk, one for parking and traffic, and one for general support for every 25 to 30 sellers. Add coverage if the site has separate entrances or several parking areas.
What should I prepare the day before a trunk sale?: Prepare price tags, signs, cash change, participant contact details and the layout the day before. Chill drinks, charge lights, test powered equipment and pack materials so setup is limited to placing and checking them.

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Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.