A Buyer's Guide to Car Boot Sales
Table of Contents
If you're looking to buy items at a car boot sale, first understand your motivations: are you hunting for resell profit or personal use? This shapes your strategy.
Step 1 – Arrive Early to the Car Boot
Get there early – the best bargains vanish fast. Aim to arrive around opening time, even if it means a 5 or 6 AM start.
Step 2 – Know what you are buying
Build knowledge: use guides like Miller's Antique Handbook and online flipping books. Expertise in categories—clothes, electronics, antiques—boosts your edge.
Step 3 – Have Change
Carry plenty of coins (£20–£100 in small denominations). A change pouch keeps coins organized and speeds up transactions.
Step 4 – Haggle
Negotiate respectfully for better margins. A polite back-and-forth is expected; aim for a fair deal on both sides.
Step 5 – Have bags
Bring sturdy bags or a trolley for larger hauls. This prevents dropped items and lets you cover more ground efficiently.
Step 6 – Enjoy
Don't stress if you miss deals—some days are lean. Patience and persistence pay off over time.
A Seller's Guide to Car Boot Sales
Table of Contents
- Find a car boot sale to attend
- Prepare your items
- Price your items
- Pack your items and equipment
- Arrive early
- Be friendly and approachable
- Stay safe and secure
- Display items attractively
- Bring a variety of items
- Be flexible with prices
- Be prepared for weather
- Keep your stall tidy
- Accept multiple payment methods
- Be respectful of other sellers
Looking to declutter or earn extra cash? Selling at car boot sales is fun and profitable. Follow these steps to maximise your success.
Find a car boot sale to attend
Search online or local listings for upcoming events. Note dates, times, location, and seller requirements (e.g., table booking).
Prepare your items
Select items in good condition. Popular categories: clothes, toys, books, electronics, and antiques.
Price your items
Keep prices bargain-friendly but profitable. Offer bundle deals and display clear price labels.
Pack your items and equipment
Bring a sturdy table or groundsheet, carrier bags, change, a card reader, and weather protection (umbrella/gazebo).
Arrive early
Set up at least an hour before opening to snag a prime spot and arrange your stall attractively.
Be friendly and approachable
Greet passersby, answer questions, and negotiate prices courteously to build rapport and trust.
Stay safe and secure
Keep cash in a lockbox, watch your belongings, and consider bringing a friend for extra security.
Display items attractively
Use props like baskets and stands. Group similar items together for easy browsing.
Bring a variety of items
Offer goods for different budgets and interests to widen your buyer pool.
Be flexible with prices
Be open to reasonable offers. Use polite haggling to clear stock quickly.
Be prepared for weather
Have rain covers or shade. Check the forecast and dress appropriately.
Keep your stall tidy
Regularly reorganize during the day to maintain an appealing display.
Accept multiple payment methods
Take cash, card, or mobile payments to reduce lost sales.
Be respectful of other sellers
Maintain good neighbour etiquette and share space considerately.