What You Need for a Trunk Sale

A trunk sale needs more than cars and unwanted items. You will need equipment for sellers, clear signs for drivers and visitors, a simple information point, refreshments and enough lighting if setup or sales continue late. This shopping list covers the practical supplies to buy or bring, including tables, clothes racks, price signs, extension cords, first aid equipment and cash change. Check quantities against your site layout and the number of registered sellers before shopping.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 12
Information desk
Catering tableqty 2
Clothes racksqty 4
Folding stoolsqty 6
Storage boxesqty 8

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Bluetooth speaker
Microphone
Rechargeable work lightsqty 4

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
Battery lanternsqty 6
Spare batteriesqty 24
Light standsqty 2

Signage

Directional signsqty 12
Parking signsqty 8
Seat numbersqty 80
Info boardsqty 4
Price signsqty 4
Barrier tapeqty 6
Traffic conesqty 20
Conesqty 30

Safety

First aid kit
Fire extinguishersqty 2
Safety vestsqty 12
Flashlightsqty 4
Work glovesqty 12
Heavy-duty guy ropesqty 12

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 60
Platesqty 80
Teaspoonsqty 60
Serving spoonsqty 6
Scissorsqty 8

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 4
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving traysqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Measuring cupsqty 2
Ice packsqty 20

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Tableclothsqty 8
Balloon bundlesqty 6
Adhesive stripsqty 4

Office

Clipboardsqty 6
Printer paperqty 250
Waterproof markersqty 12
Ballpoint pensqty 20
Rolls of tapeqty 6
Staplersqty 2
Staple boxesqty 4
Cash boxesqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 10
Litter pickersqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Bucketsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 6 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 3 kilograms
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemon - 2 kilogram
- Coffee cream - 6 packs
- Stir sticks - 200 pieces
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blue - 48 bottles
- Spa Rood - 24 small bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Ice cubes - 12 kilograms
- Amaretto biscuits - 6 bags
- Butter cookies - 6 packs
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snack mix - 6 bags
- Peanut mix - 4 bags
- Mini wraps - 100 pieces
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Cucumber - 12 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 12
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Apples - 5 kilograms
- Bananas - 4 kilogram
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- Trash bags - 150 pieces
- Pedal bin liners - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs
- Rubber gloves - 12 pairs
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Bread bags - 2 packs
- Cookie bags - 200 pieces

Tips

Plan at least one folding table or clothes rack for each seller who needs a display surface, then keep a few storage boxes available for stock, bags and personal items. Confirm these needs with participants before the sale.
Prepare price signs, tags and a few permanent information boards at least two days before the event. Sellers often arrive with unlabelled items, so keep spare tags and markers at the information desk.
For refreshments, provide separate coffee and hot-water equipment, coolers for cold drinks, and enough cups for the first service period. Chill drinks the day before and arrange cash change before sellers arrive.
If power is needed across the site, pack extension cords and power strips with the coffee machines, kettles and speaker. Test every connection before opening and keep cables away from driving and walking routes.
Bring directional signs, parking signs, cones and barrier tape before the first vehicle arrives. Add rechargeable work lights or battery lanterns for setup, and check spare batteries at least one day beforehand.

Frequently asked questions

What should I bring to a trunk sale?: Bring a display table or clothes rack, price tags, signs, storage boxes, cash change and refreshments. For the site, also prepare cones, parking and directional signs, a first aid kit and fire extinguishers.
How many tables do I need for a trunk sale?: Start with one folding table per seller who wants a table display, then add tables for the information point and catering. Confirm the final number after assigning sales spaces, ideally at least three days before the sale.
What food and drink supplies are needed for a trunk sale?: Pack coffee machines, kettles, cups, coolers and chilled drinks, plus a catering table. Chill drinks the day before and calculate roughly two to three drinks per person for the first hour if attendance is uncertain.
When should I prepare the signs and price tags?: Prepare the site signs and price tags at least two days before the trunk sale. Put parking and directional signs out before the first cars arrive, and keep spare price tags at the information desk.

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