What to Bring to a Trunk Sale

A trunk sale needs more than tables for displaying goods. You also need clear arrival information, stall labels, parking controls, payment and registration supplies, and a simple refreshment point. Plan the equipment around the number of vendors and the available power supply. Check tents, lighting, extension leads and safety equipment at least one day before the sale so missing items can still be replaced.

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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
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 6 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 24 bottles
- Spa Rood - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Sirup waffles - 6 packs
- Muesli bars - 4 boxes
- Apples - 5 kilograms
- Bananas - 3 kilograms
- Sandwich rolls - 60 pieces
- Coffee cream - 4 packets
- Unsalted butter - 2 packs
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Ham - 1 kilogram
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Ice cubes - 10 kilograms
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Cardboard takeaway containers - 100 pieces
- Paper carrier bags - 100 pieces

Tips

Allow one display table per vendor as a starting point, then add high tables, stools or chairs where sellers need extra space. Keep a few spare tables available for the sales and information point.
Bring one registration form, pen and name sticker for every vendor, plus at least 10% extra. Clipboards make check-in easier when vendors arrive before the tables are fully set up.
Use one direction sign at every turn on the approach to the sale, and add separate signs for registration, parking and the information point. Prepare the arrows before vendors arrive so traffic does not stop while signs are being made.
For a coffee and tea station, provide at least one coffee machine and one kettle for every 50 attendees expected at the busiest time. Keep coolers, drinks and shelf-life checks separate from the registration supplies.
Check the distance from power outlets before bringing lighting and drink equipment. Pack extension cords, power strips and spare batteries together, and keep a fire extinguisher and first aid kit at the main information point.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for a trunk sale?: Start with tables, chairs or stools, party tents, price tags, information boards, direction arrows and registration supplies. Add traffic cones, barriers or barrier tape, lighting, power equipment, coolers and coffee or tea supplies based on the number of vendors and the site layout.
How many tables do I need for a trunk sale?: Plan on one foldable table or dressing table per vendor, then add at least two extra tables for registration, information and refreshments. Confirm the final vendor count before shopping so the table quantity matches the assigned stalls.
What safety equipment is needed for a trunk sale?: Have a first aid kit and fire extinguisher at the main information point, plus traffic cones and either crowd-control barriers or barrier tape for restricted areas. Check these items at least one day before setup and keep access routes clear throughout the sale.
How early should I prepare a trunk sale shopping list?: Make the first list when vendor registrations open, then update it after stalls are assigned. Do the final equipment and refreshment check 24 hours before the sale, including the weather forecast, power supplies, lighting and drinks.

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