What you need for a trunk sale

A trunk sale needs more than tables and cars: sellers also need clearly marked stalls, payment equipment, refreshments and a safe way to move around the site. This shopping list covers the practical items to bring or buy, from clothing racks and storage crates to cash boxes, card machines and reusable cups. Check power, weather and lighting before the event rather than discovering gaps during setup. Plan serving supplies for the full opening period, not just the first hour.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 10
Folding chairsqty 24
High tablesqty 4
Beer tablesqty 4
Bar stoolsqty 8
Clothes racksqty 4
Storage cratesqty 12
Conesqty 20
Crowd barriersqty 12

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 4
Card machinesqty 2
Cash boxesqty 2
Flashlightsqty 6
Cable reelsqty 3
Handheld megaphonesqty 2
Walkie-talkiesqty 6

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
LED lampsqty 8
Battery lanternsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable mugsqty 100
Reusable glassesqty 100
Reusable platesqty 80
Reusable cutleryqty 100

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 6
Water jugsqty 4
Serving traysqty 6
Scissorsqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Knivesqty 6
Pliersqty 6
Measuring cupsqty 2
Thermometerqty 2
Ice packsqty 24
Bottle openersqty 4
Napkin boxesqty 4

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Balloon archesqty 2
Tableclothsqty 10
Directional signsqty 12
Information boardsqty 6
Stand number signsqty 60
Pavement signsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 12
Broom setsqty 4
Litter pickersqty 4
Bucketsqty 6
Mopsqty 4
Cleaning clothsqty 20
Toilet brushesqty 2

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Safety vestsqty 12
Work glovesqty 12
Pocket knifeqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 6 boxes
- Sugar - 3 kilograms
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemon - 2 kilogram
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blue - 10 crates
- Spa Rood - 4 crates
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Alcohol-free beer - 4 crates
- Beer - 8 crates
- White wine - 12 bottles
- Rosé - 8 bottles
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- Bitter lemon - 4 bottles
- Tonic - 4 bottles
- Ginger beer - 4 bottles
- Ice cubes - 20 kilograms
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 kilograms
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Hummus - 2 kilograms
- Cucumber - 3 kilograms
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 2 kilograms
- Herb cream cheese - 1 kilogram
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilograms
- Chocolate sprinkles - 1 kilogram
- Peanut butter - 1 kilogram
- Strawberry jam - 1 kilogram
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Paprika chips - 10 bags
- Plain chips - 10 bags
- Snack mix - 6 bags
- Peanuts - 4 bags
- Popcorn - 4 bags
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Apples - 8 kilograms
- Bananas - 5 kilograms
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Mini butter cookies - 6 packs
- Coffee creamer - 2 boxes
- Chocolate bars - 4 boxes
- Sugar sachets - 500 pieces
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper cups - 500 pieces
- Paper napkins - 1000 pieces
- Paper snack trays - 500 pieces
- Wooden stirrers - 500 pieces
- Straws - 300 pieces
- Coffee filters - 200 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 150 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 packs
- Disposable gloves - 4 boxes
- Aluminum foil for leftovers - 2 rolls
- Vacuum cleaner bags - 2 packs

Tips

Plan one stall setup per participating seller, then add a small reserve of storage crates, scissors and cable extensions for shared use. Sellers often arrive with more loose items than expected.
Bring one cash box for each payment point and at least one card machine wherever mobile reception and power arrangements allow. Withdraw cash before setup, since sellers may need change before shoppers arrive.
For hot drinks, prepare one coffee machine or kettle per busy serving point, plus thermos flasks and water jugs. Reusable mugs, glasses, plates and cutlery should cover the expected users at the same time, with a spare batch for washing or loss.
Use coolers for drinks and prepare snacks before the first sellers arrive. Do not rely on a single cooler if drinks and food need to stay separate or the sale runs for several hours.
Check extension cords, power strips, lamps and battery lanterns the day before. Pack at least one torch for setup and pack-down, when the site may be darker and stall equipment is still being moved.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a trunk sale?: Bring stall furniture such as foldable tables, clothing racks and storage crates, plus payment equipment, coolers, serving supplies and lighting. Allow one basic setup for each seller and add shared spares for power, cash handling and last-minute adjustments.
How many tables do I need for a trunk sale?: Start with one foldable table per seller who needs a display surface, then add high tables or biertafels where people will stand and browse. Confirm the final number after registrations close, and keep a few storage crates available for overflow items.
How much cash should I bring to a trunk sale?: Withdraw enough small notes and coins to make change at every cash point before opening. Use one geldkistje per payment point, and prepare the cash at least one day in advance so you can check the amount and security arrangements.
What drinks and serving supplies do I need for a trunk sale?: Provide coolers, water jugs, thermos flasks and reusable mugs, glasses, plates and cutlery for the expected visitors and volunteers. Prepare snacks and chill drinks before opening, ideally several hours ahead if the event starts in the morning.

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