What supplies do I need for a garage sale (NZ): checklist and tips
A practical New Zealand checklist of what to bring to a garage sale: table and display gear, pricing, packing supplies, cash and card payment options (including PocketMoney), signage, safety and after-sale tips.
Quick takeaway
Bring clear display gear (tables, clothes rails, crates), pricing tools (labels, marker, calculator), packing materials (bags, boxes, tape), and payment supplies (cash float, change, a simple card option and phone/data). Add signage, weather protection and helpers. For card payments without a traditional EFTPOS machine, services such as PocketMoney let you accept contactless and online card payments from your phone.
Display & setup: tables, chairs, tarps/tent, clothes rails, boxes for categories
Pricing & packing: price tags/stickers, black marker, calculator, bags, tape
Payments & security: float with NZ coins/notes, secure cash box, mobile card option (eg. PocketMoney), phone with data, receipt pad
Before you start: quick planning
Decide the scale of your sale (single driveway table, full garage, multi-family). That determines how many tables, helpers and signs you need.
Choose a date and time — weekends 8–12 or 9–1 work well. Check the weather forecast and have a plan for wet weather (move to garage, postpone, or set up a gazebo).
- Make a short inventory so you roughly know categories (clothes, toys, books, tools).
- Ask a friend to help for pricing and dealing with customers.
- Check whether your street or housing complex has any rules about signage or setting up on the nature strip.
Display and equipment
Good presentation makes items sell faster. Use tables at waist height, rails for hanging clothes, and crates or boxes for small items so people can browse easily.
Think about visibility: place best items nearest the street and keep a clear entrance path.
- Folding tables (2–4 depending on inventory)
- Chairs for you and helpers
- Clothes rails or hangers, clear boxes/crates for books and small items
- Tarps, gazebos or umbrellas for sun/rain; weights to secure tents
Pricing and labelling
Decide ahead whether you’ll use fixed prices, ‘offer’ pricing (pick a price range), or haggle. Simpler, clear pricing reduces buyer confusion and speeds sales.
Label items clearly and group similar items together to avoid constant price-checking.
- Price tags, sticky labels, or masking tape + permanent marker
- Colour-code or sticker-dot system for price bands (eg. blue $5, yellow $10)
- Price list or sign for categories (clothing sizes, book price range)
Payments and money handling (cash and card)
Have a cash float with a mix of common NZ coins and notes so you can give change quickly. Use a lockable cashbox or pouch and keep it out of sight unless needed.
Offer a card option if possible — many buyers prefer to pay by card. You don’t need a full EFTPOS terminal; phone-based solutions let you accept contactless and online card payments.
- Cash float suggestion: $100–$200 in mixed notes and coins (include $5, $10, $20 and some $50 notes; coins: 10c, 20c, 50c, $1, $2).
- Lockable cash box or money belt and a simple receipt pad or printed receipts for larger items.
- Phone or tablet with mobile data and a power bank; a small calculator or phone calculator app.
Accepting cards without a traditional EFTPOS machine
If you want to accept card payments but don't want to rent or carry an EFTPOS terminal, a payment service or app can help. These let you request payment links, accept contactless card-on-phone, or tap-and-pay with a small accessory.
PocketMoney is one option that helps real-world sellers accept payments without carrying a traditional EFTPOS machine. It works on your phone and can be a simple way to take card payments at a garage sale.
- Set up your payment app/account beforehand and test a transaction.
- Display a small sign that you accept cards (reassures buyers and can increase sales).
- Have a backup plan (cash-only for a specific period) if your phone loses signal or battery.
Packing, bags and takedown
Bring supplies so buyers can carry purchases and you can pack leftover goods easily at the end of the sale.
Plan how you'll handle unsold items: keep them separated for donation, storage or re-listing.
- Strong paper or plastic bags in different sizes, brown boxes for stacked items, bubble wrap for fragile goods.
- Packing tape, scissors, and tie-wraps or string for bundling items.
- Boxes labelled 'Donate', 'Keep', 'Return to owner' for quick sorting after the sale.
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- Who this helps: homeowners, families, students and community groups in New Zealand preparing to sell used goods.
- When to use: final checklist to pack the morning of the sale or shopping list to buy supplies a few days beforehand.
- How it helps: reduces interruptions, speeds transactions, makes items look attractive and lowers post-sale hassle.
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FAQ
How much cash should I have in my float for a garage sale?
A practical float is $100–$200 in mixed notes and coins. Include common coins (10c, 20c, 50c, $1, $2) and notes ($5, $10, $20 and at least one $50). Adjust up if you expect many buyers or higher-priced items.
Do I need to accept card payments at a garage sale?
No, it’s not required, but offering a card option can increase sales because many buyers prefer cashless payments. If you don’t want a full EFTPOS machine, consider a phone-based payment app or service.
What’s the easiest way to take cards without an EFTPOS machine?
Use a mobile payment service or app that creates payment links or enables contactless acceptance on your phone. Test the service before the sale, have phone data and a charger, and display a sign saying you accept cards. PocketMoney is one example that helps sellers accept payments without a traditional EFTPOS terminal.
Should I provide receipts at a garage sale?
For most small transactions it’s not necessary, but provide receipts for larger-ticket items or if a buyer requests one. A simple receipt pad or handwritten note with date, item and amount is sufficient.
How do I handle unsold items after the sale?
Decide beforehand: donate to charity shops, list valuable items online, keep for a future sale, or recycle. Have labelled boxes ready so you can quickly separate and remove unsold goods.