Trunk Sale Checklist

A trunk sale needs more planning than a row of cars and a few tables. You need a confirmed site, permission, a traffic and parking plan, registered vendors, and clear stall assignments before the day itself. This checklist takes you from the first arrangements through vendor arrival, setup, sales, and refreshments. It also covers the details that are easy to leave too late, such as change, signs, lighting, power, and weather checks.

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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
Request required permission
Create traffic and parking plan
2 people
Invite vendors
2 people
Publish market online
Process registrations
2 people
Assign stalls
2 people
Confirm vendors
Send directions
Check the weather forecast
Do the shopping
2 people
Arrange cash and change
Check materials
2 people
Prepare sales and information point
2 people
Cordon off the area
3 people
Set up parking spaces
3 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Build party tents
4 people
Install lighting
2 people
Set up signage
2 people
Set up the coffee and tea station
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Check shelf life and safety

Event

Receive vendors
3 people
Assign stand locations
3 people
Guide parking for sales cars
3 people
Welcome visitors
2 people
Staff the information point
2 people
Staff the sales and refreshment stand
3 people
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
Refill drinks
Empty waste stations
2 people
Check the grounds and walkways
2 people
Check out vendors
2 people
Close sales
2 people

Aftercare

Secure cash register and proceeds
2 people
Turn off lighting and equipment
2 people
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
Take down tents and barrier materials
4 people
Collect and remove waste
3 people
Clean the grounds
3 people
Clean dishes and equipment
2 people
Return materials
2 people
Register lost and found items

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 20
Stoolsqty 6
Dressing tablesqty 2
High tablesqty 4

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Portable speaker

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 4
Work lightsqty 4
Spare batteriesqty 2

Communication

Walkie-talkiesqty 4
Registration formsqty 100
Pensqty 20
Clipboard foldersqty 6
Name stickersqty 100
Information boardsqty 8
Direction arrowsqty 20
Price tagsqty 200

Safety

Traffic conesqty 20
Crowd control barriersqty 10
Barrier tapeqty 4
First aid kit
Fire extinguisherqty 2

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Balloon archesqty 2

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 4
Serving traysqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 2
Knivesqty 4
Serving tongsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Reusable coffee cupsqty 100
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Sugar bowlsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Broom setsqty 3
Litter pickersqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Hand sanitizer holdersqty 4

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Confirm the date, location, and any required permission before inviting vendors. A clear site plan should show entrances, exits, parking spaces, stalls, and the sales or information point.
Set a registration deadline and assign every vendor a stall before sending directions. Share the arrival time, parking instructions, stand location, and what vendors need to bring at least 3–5 days in advance.
Plan traffic separately from visitor parking. Use cones, barriers, or barrier tape to keep cars and pedestrians apart, and put direction arrows up before the first vendor arrives.
Check power and lighting before setup day. Count extension cords, power strips, coffee machines, kettles, LED string lights, work lights, and spare batteries rather than discovering a shortage after dark.
Buy refreshments and arrange cash and change at least 1 day before the sale. Chill drinks, check shelf life and safety, and prepare price tags, registration forms, pens, name stickers, and information boards together so the sales point is ready to open.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organize a trunk sale?: Start 4–6 weeks ahead if vendors need to register. Confirm the date, location, permission, traffic plan, and vendor invitations first, then finalize stall assignments during the final week.
When should vendors receive their trunk sale directions?: Send directions and assigned stand locations 3–5 days before the event. Include the arrival time, entrance, parking route, stall number, and any unloading instructions.
How much change do I need for a trunk sale?: Prepare change for the first 2–3 hours of trading, with a mix of small notes and coins. Check your expected vendor and visitor numbers the day before and keep the cash at the sales or information point.
When should I check the weather for a trunk sale?: Check the forecast 48 hours before the sale and again on the morning itself. Use that check to confirm party tents, lighting, drink arrangements, and any changes to parking or stall setup.

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.