What You Need for a Trunk Sale

A trunk sale needs more than cars and sellers. You need a clear setup for sales spaces, safe access to power, enough lighting, and a simple way to take payments. This shopping list covers the shared equipment people often arrange too late, from market tables and clothing racks to cable covers and coffee supplies. Use the quantities for your number of sellers and expected visitors, then add a small reserve for damaged, missing, or unexpectedly popular items.

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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
- Coffee - 6 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Chocolate milk - 12 liters
- Cola - 24 bottles
- Coke Zero - 24 bottles
- Sinas - 18 bottles
- Ice tea - 18 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 60 bottles
- Spa Red - 24 bottles
- Apple juice - 12 liters
- Orange juice - 12 liters
- Lemon juice - 2 bottles
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Savory nuts - 6 bags
- Snack mix - 6 bags
- Cookies - 10 packs
- Muesli bars - 6 boxes
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 6 packs
- Mini croissants - 60 pieces
- Mini rolls - 60 pcs
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Back ham - 2 kilos
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 6 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Napkins - 1000 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls

Tips

Plan one market table or equivalent display surface per selling spot, then keep a few spare tables available for registration, refreshments, or late changes. Sellers often arrive with more boxes than expected, so folding tables are easier to adjust than fixed furniture.
Allow at least one extension cord and one power strip for each powered service area, not each seller. Add cable mats wherever leads cross a walking route; loose cables become a problem as soon as cars, customers, and volunteers are moving at the same time.
Prepare two payment options for the sales team, such as payment terminals and charged mobile phones, and keep one power bank per active device. Charge everything before opening and test the connection at the actual selling area rather than at home.
For refreshments, count two hot drinks per expected visitor if coffee and tea are central to the setup, and provide extra reusable cups or coffee cups for busy periods. Arrange serving jugs, plates, cutlery, and serving platters before the day; these small items are easy to overlook when buying drinks and food.
Bring lighting even for a daytime sale: one LED lamp at registration and one at each darker access point is a practical starting point. Pack torches and spare batteries as well, because setup, loading, or cleanup often continues after daylight fades.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to bring to a trunk sale?: Bring display equipment, payment devices, power banks, signage, and any refreshments planned for visitors. For a shared setup, start with one table per selling location, one payment device per active sales point, and at least one spare device or power bank.
How many tables do I need for a trunk sale?: Use one market table or comparable display surface per seller or assigned sales location. Add 10 to 15 percent extra if space allows, because tables are often needed for registration, refreshments, or sellers who bring more goods than expected.
How much lighting is needed for a trunk sale?: Provide at least one LED lamp at registration and one for every poorly lit entrance or sales area. Pack torches as backup, especially when setup or cleanup may take place after sunset.
What power equipment should I buy for a trunk sale?: Allow one extension cord and one power strip for each powered service area, plus cable mats wherever people walk over leads. Test the outlets and equipment before opening, and keep one charged power bank for each payment terminal or mobile phone in use.

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