Cate in NZ Posted January 28, 2007 Share Posted January 28, 2007 Bizarrely, bearing in mind that a) it's only January and b) I'm a bit of a sloven when it comes to housework , the spring cleaning bug has leapt up and bitten me in the bum this weekend . I've been a very busy little bee, my house is spotless, and the garden's shaping up nicely. Pity about the ironing pile Anyway, I'm keen to have a declutter (I'm a bit of a hoarder you see ) and I'm considering trying to get rid of some of the old tat, childrens stuff and surplus to requirements nick nacks, and so on. I've just filled up a charity collection bag, we've got a few items to list on eBay, but have been thinking about a car boot sale for the rest. But I've never even been to a car boot sale So, has anyone out there ever been to, or better still taken part in, a car boot sale? Any hints or tips for an out and out novice seriously considering her first car boot venture? BTW I will be waiting for better weather, the local car boots don't really get into full swing until Easter or thereabouts, and that gives me plenty of time to plan my campaign.......... or change my mind Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted January 28, 2007 Share Posted January 28, 2007 we have sold lots at boot sales. my tips would be - not to go to a sale too big, chose a smaller "one off sale" rather than a regular one thats held in a field every sunday. We found by going to the larger ones that the are just TOO big , there are too many stalls for people to look around and they run out of money before they get to your stall ! Also - dont mark prices on your items, we did that once - we put prices on everything and I think that steers people away as they are afraid to bargain with you because you have your prices marked out ! Get there really early....otherwise you will be fighting off the purchasers as you unload your car and you wont know whether your'e coming or going ! Dont be tempted to sell too cheap - if something is worth the price you put on it and you knock off a couple of quid the purchaser will always try to get it even cheaper - DONT BUDGE.. they want something for nothing - keep your item and sell it at the next sale ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted January 28, 2007 Share Posted January 28, 2007 I agree with Chelsea - used to do loads, not any more! Also, it's a long day, take plenty of drinks/snacks, and something to sit on! Good fun though (as long as you don't then spend all your takings on more junk to take home!! ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley-Jean Posted January 28, 2007 Share Posted January 28, 2007 We've done a few. We used a decorators (paste) table to put for sale stuff on. Use a bum bag to keep the cash in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheilaz Posted January 28, 2007 Share Posted January 28, 2007 One of the most surprising things if you're a novice is how punters will swarm your vehicle as you're still trying to set up! (Unless that's just roubnd here? ) So, be prepared for that part, especially if you have anything that dealers might be looking for. It definitely needs one person to be calmly unloading the car & telling people to wait, while another starts setting out & taking money. Therefore, if you have a couple of rummage boxes/toys to put down first, it'll make it easier to keep an eye on getting money for the other items. Good luck, Kate! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 28, 2007 Share Posted January 28, 2007 I love doing them Kate - we get rid of so much clutter and make money out of it too. I hope that you enjoy it as much as we do. I often make over £100, just watch out for the cheeky blighters taking the mick with offers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted January 28, 2007 Share Posted January 28, 2007 its also very suprising what people buy what you think is utter rubbish (like something you would throw away) somebody will buy, so take anything with you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted January 28, 2007 Share Posted January 28, 2007 One of the most surprising things if you're a novice is how punters will swarm your vehicle as you're still trying to set up! (Unless that's just roubnd here? ) So, be prepared for that part, especially if you have anything that dealers might be looking for.It definitely needs one person to be calmly unloading the car & telling people to wait, while another starts setting out & taking money. Therefore, if you have a couple of rummage boxes/toys to put down first, it'll make it easier to keep an eye on getting money for the other items. Good luck, Kate! no they're like that down here! What we do when we arrive (if its busy) is get out the car, lock it and walk away from the crowds surrounding the car and pretend to look at the other stalls until they disappear to pounce on someone else Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hillfamily Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 Totally agree with the above I've done quite a few Car Boot Sales and have found that your car is swarmed when you arrive - I always used to take my Dad with me (sadly he died a few years ago) but he was brill - being a car salesman, used to auctions and 6ft5ins tall he would politley and calmly ask people to stand back while we unpacked. Keep an eye on your money - one time we had someone try to grab the money box out of the car so I now always use a bum bag. Take lots of tea/coffee and nibbles as you find you can get very hungry. Car Boot Sales are always good fun and you would be surprised what people buy and how much they will pay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 Ebay is the new car Boot. Things sell for more money,although it can mean more work for the seller I used to Car Boot, but got fed up with the weather, the people & wasting a Sunday I could have spent at home. I find it really exciting to see the bidding rise on something I am selling,so now I Ebay in my spare time & have made more money & kept drier too Either way I am very jealous of your bout of spring cleaning! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kannie Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 I've only done one, so I'm not very experienced, but it was good (when we were merging 2 homes and purging 1st hubby!) Made about £100 profit (and that's quite a few years ago). However we did mark prices on everything, and I think that was good. Lots of people don't like to ask (like me!) People do still haggle though, and I realised after that I harboured hidden fury with people who tried to cut the price of a total bargain further. One thing that was particularly successful was a box of old shells. They drew the kids like a magnet, and parents were happy to splash out a small amount of dosh to keep them quiet! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 purging 1st hubby!) Made about £100 profit I especially liked that bit Kannie. My ex left loads of tat when he left, I kept telling him that if he didn't take it it would end up in a skip. Eventually I decided to incorporate it into a boot sale and got rid of most of it. I really enjoyed making a profit out of him Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Looney Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 I did a boot sale once with a friend and it was amazing what people bought! All the horrible tat went first (one person's tat is someone else's treasure ). We had all the "professional" car booters come around as soon as we were setting up, I found that a bit off putting and sort of confrontational as they were determined and didn't back down easily. One of them tried to plead "I'm just a grandmother" when trying to pay a pathetic amount for a very nice tiny tears doll. She overheard me mutter "pull the other one" and quickly dropped the act! All in all,, I really enjoyed the day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SarahJo Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 I did a BIG one at Chelford, in the summer, and made £130 profit, after the £8 a car entance fee. I did mine alone, and took a flask of tea and some sarnies. Had a price list, and knew roughly what I wanted for some of the bigger items, but did not have this displayed, and did not mark any prices on items. The dealers were a bit rude and daunting when I 1st arrived ..... but then it was just a case of selling and having a bit of fun too. I would say do it .. and if its not for you then you won't do it again, its a quick and easy way of going to the tip, and coming home with a bit of cash. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cate in NZ Posted January 29, 2007 Author Share Posted January 29, 2007 Thanks for the tips everyone I've got a few boxes of stuff earmarked already and quite a lot more decluttering to do yet, so hopefully I should have an interesting and profitable day Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 29, 2007 Share Posted January 29, 2007 I much prefer eBay to car boot sales - no haggling or standing about in the cold, while people sneer at my tat! f you want to come up and do a bit of de-cluttering in my house Kate, you're more than welcome - you can sell whatever you find, and we can share the profits! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffie Posted January 30, 2007 Share Posted January 30, 2007 We've done 2 car boot sales and as Sheila said they swarm round you like zombies when you are new Quite disconcerting the first time. I would also see if you have anything you can ebay Once you get into the swing it's good fun. You could get a friend to join you KateA and make a day of it OR ask a friend to join you with their own car and have a daft competition to see who sells/makes the most from their unwanted stuff:D BBx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 30, 2007 Share Posted January 30, 2007 Last time we did one, theer was some of Rosie's old stuff to sell. I told her that whatever of that she sold, she could keep the money - she made £25!!! At the end, she was offering buy one book, get one free to get rid of them Real market trader she is! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
