by Gauk
Mon, May 21, 2018 1:31 AM

Need some extra cash? The car boot sale is a great way of emptying the contents of your loft or garage, and raising some funds for your collection. Follow our top tips on having your own car boot sale.

* Finding a car boot sale. Car boot sales are held in a wide variety of venues, usually fields, school playgrounds or car parks. They may be advertised on the internet, in the classified columns of certain magazines, local papers, or simply by notices pinned up in your area.

* What to sell. You can sell almost anything at a boot sale - old furniture, second-hand clothes, books, electrical equipment and much more besides. Just because you don't want something doesn't mean someone else won't.

* Admission charges. For a small fee you can pull up your car and sell your unwanted property for whatever you can.

* Price up your goods beforehand. If you want to price things, do so clearly with sticky labels or tickets. Don't be surprised if dealers start to rummage in your boot while you're unpacking - it can be disconcerting but it's also a good way to "break the ice".

* Take plenty of change. Keep it in a purse belt for safety. Avoid accepting cheques whenever possible.

* Plan carefully. Preparation is the key to successful selling at a boot sale. Work out what you're taking, and whether it will all fit in your car.

* Pack carefully. Remember to pack anything fragile with plenty of wrapping. Newspaper and cardboard boxes are best for china and glass. Old blankets are useful for wrapping pictures and prints.

* Take a table and chair. Remember to allow extra space in your car for a table to display your property (a wall-papering table or picnic table would be ideal) and a collapsable chair to sit on. When you pack the car, try to pack the table on top, so that you don't have to unload everything on to the ground before being able to get the table out.

* Take help. Enlist the help of a friend, if you want a break or to look around other people's stalls.

* Arrive early. Allow plenty of time for the journey, and try to arrive early so you can get a good position where the maximum number of buyers will spot your goods early on, before they have spent all their money somewhere else.

* Haggling. This is part of a car boot sale so expect to lower your prices.

* Clothing and refreshments. Wear suitable clothes. Rainwear and boots are often a good idea if the sale is in a muddy field. Take some sandwiches and a thermos of tea or coffee so you are well prepared for your day.

Tips of the trade

My tips:

  • Put price stickers on your goods before the day of sale.
  • Pack items in smaller cardboard boxes - they are easier to move in and out of the car.
  • Take a table for your goods, such as a paste table
  • Arrive early - ring the organisers to ask what time they suggest.
  • On arrival, unload your table and one box then lock your car while you unpack the box, otherwise people will swarm all over your car, picking up items and confusing you totally.
  • Dealers come early to make offers. Don't take them unless you are happy with the price; better to tell them to try again later as you've only just started selling.
  • Take lots of change and a container with a lid for money taken. Once you have a few notes, lock these in your car.
  • Take a chair, wet wipes, carrier bags for buyers, sandwiches and a drink.
  • Best of all, share the stall with a friend as this halves the cost and ensures you get a toilet break!

Lynne Smith, Cornwall

published by Gauk

 

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