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Second-hand book sale or book fair: checklist

Everything from the permit to the thank-you, built from this idea’s own steps and rules. Tick as you go: your ticks stay in this browser.

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Before

Book the venue and get the hire terms and any minimum numbers in writing.
Check your group’s insurance covers this.

On the day

Brief the helpers: who does what, when, and where the cash box and first aid kit are.
Count the float with two people before you open, and write the total down.
Set up year-round drop-off points.
Sort by genre; recycle damaged books.
Book a hall for 2-3 days.
Price simply ($1-$5) with a final-day fill-a-bag.
Advertise widely.
Roster sellers and restockers.
Arrange recycling or donation of leftovers.

After

Count the takings in pairs and bank them within a day or two.
Thank donors, sponsors and helpers, by name where they’re happy with that.
Tell supporters what you raised and what it will pay for.

Watch out for

Underestimating sorting labour and storage.

No special permits. Hire terms for the hall apply, and storage space for donated books is the real constraint.

Ticks are saved in this browser only.

About this idea

Collect donated books all year and sell them at a one- to three-day sale.

Read the full second-hand book sale or book fair page

Tools for this

Cash float and takings counter
Count takings in pairs and bank the same day.

More free tools

Event budget and break-even
Volunteer roster planner
Cash float and takings counter
Goal and thermometer poster
Raffle ticket sales tracker
Sponsorship ask letter
Event run sheet
Silent auction kit

* General fundraising information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Money figures are examples and estimates, not promises. Check current official requirements before you commit. About this guide

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