Trunk Sale Checklist: What to Arrange and When

A trunk sale needs more than a row of cars and a date. You have to secure the venue, check permits and insurance, register sellers, plan traffic and parking, and arrange toilets, waste collection and power. Start with the site and rules, then open registrations and assign selling spaces before preparing signs, equipment and volunteers. This checklist follows that order so late arrangements do not disrupt the event day.

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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

Reserve venue
Set the event date
Check permits
Arrange waste collection
Reserve power supply
Check toilets
Check insurance
Draw up sales terms
Create registration form
Create floor plan
Open registrations
Send invitations
2 people
Publish market online
Process registrations
2 people
Assign sales locations
2 people
Send confirmations
Collect dietary requirements
Recruit volunteers
2 people
Assign volunteers
Develop traffic route
2 people
Develop parking plan
2 people
Check power outlets
2 people
Monitor the weather forecast
Print participant list
Prepare route signs
2 people
Prepare sales numbers
2 people
Print price lists
Hang up promotion
2 people
Do the shopping
2 people
Collect materials
2 people
Withdraw cash
Prepare the cash register
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Set out snacks
2 people
Communicate the weather plan
Inspect venue
2 people

Event

Clear the site
4 people
Set up traffic signs
3 people
Mark parking spaces
3 people
Build party tents
4 people
Set up tables
4 people
Set up chairs
3 people
Connect lighting
2 people
Connect the sound system
2 people
Set up the information desk
2 people
Set up the catering stall
3 people
Place waste stations
2 people
Put up route signs
3 people
Receive participants
4 people
Assign selling spots
4 people
Hand out sales rules
2 people
Open the cash register
2 people
Welcome visitors
3 people
Arrange parking assistance
4 people
Serve catering
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Empty trash bins
2 people
Check toilets
2 people
Check the lighting
Check sales spots
2 people
Handle announcements
Inform last visitors
2 people
Close the cash register
2 people

Aftercare

Turn off lights
2 people
Turn off the sound system
2 people
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
Take down party tents
4 people
Collect waste
4 people
Clean the grounds
4 people
Remove traffic signs
3 people
Inventory materials
2 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Clean materials
3 people
Return borrowed items
2 people
Store leftovers
2 people
Dispose of waste
2 people
Remove promotional materials
2 people
Process sales data
Pay suppliers
Inform participants

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Market tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 16
Beer tablesqty 4
Folding benchesqty 4
Clothes racksqty 4
Tableclothsqty 8
Checkout tablesqty 2

Equipment

Coolersqty 6
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Hot drink urnsqty 4
Payment terminalsqty 2
Mobile phonesqty 2
Power banksqty 4
Speakersqty 2
Microphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 6
Cable matsqty 8
Cash boxesqty 2
Calculatorsqty 2
Traffic conesqty 30
Crowd control barriersqty 12
Barrier tapeqty 6
Cable tiesqty 200
Tent weightsqty 8
Toolboxesqty 2
Hammerqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 6
Flashlightsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 50
Platesqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving jugsqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving spoonsqty 6
Bottle openersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4

Decorations

Route signsqty 20
Information boardsqty 6
Sales numbersqty 120
Price tagsqty 300
Directional signsqty 12
Standing Table Signsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 12
Broom setsqty 3
Floor squeegeesqty 2
Bucketsqty 4
Cleaning clothsqty 20
Hand broomsqty 4
First aid kitsqty 2
Hand sanitizer holdersqty 6

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Confirm the venue, date, permits and insurance before opening seller registration. Include the selling conditions in the registration form so participants know the rules before they sign up.
Set a firm registration deadline at least 7 days before the trunk sale. Use the final list to assign selling locations, collect dietary requirements and send confirmations without last-minute changes.
Draw the traffic route and parking plan before creating the floor plan. Mark the entrance, exit, seller spaces, toilets, waste points and pedestrian routes so cars do not block access.
Check power outlets and reserve extra power at least 1 week ahead if coffee machines, kettles, lighting or payment terminals need electricity. Keep extension cords and power strips out of driving and walking lanes with cable mats.
Follow the weather forecast from 5 days before the sale and prepare a clear wet-weather setup. Count tents, tables, chairs, lights, drinks equipment and volunteers against the final number of registered sellers, not an early estimate.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I plan a trunk sale?: Begin venue, permit and insurance checks at least 6 to 8 weeks before the event. Open seller registration only after the site rules and selling conditions are confirmed.
When should trunk sale registrations close?: Close registrations 7 days before the sale whenever possible. That gives you time to process payments or details, assign locations, print the participant list and send confirmations.
How many volunteers do I need for a trunk sale?: Plan at least 1 volunteer for arrival and traffic control, 1 for registration or information, and 1 for facilities and waste for every 25 to 30 selling cars. Add more if the site has separate entrances or a long route.
What should I arrange the day before a trunk sale?: Prepare the participant list, route signs, floor-plan details and volunteer assignments the day before. Charge phones, payment terminals and power banks, and place lighting, cables and weather protection where they can be reached quickly.

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.