MARTIN Lewis’ MoneySavingExpert.com (MSE) has revealed the top tips for a successful car boot sale.
Selling old and unused belongings is a great way to free up household space and earn some extra money.
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With more and more people signing up to popular online marketplaces like Depop and Vinted, car boot sales are continuing to dwindle – but many remain and can offer a fun-filled day out.
In a blog post, the MSE team offered a host of tips and tricks to make sure you get the best prices for your wares.
They said a key tip is bringing in the right amount of change.
Experts said: “There’s nothing worse than making a sale and then realising you haven’t got the right change, so have to take less for an item.
“Come prepared with some bags of pound coins and some notes, because it’s inevitable someone will want to pay for a 50p item with a £20 note.”
Brits must also make sure to haggle if they believe a product is worth more than what the buyer is offering.
Moreover, it is wise to temper your expectations ahead of your car boot sale.
Some days will be more lucrative than others, so don’t be disheartened if you don’t get the best deals.
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Other tips include being prepared to travel – as it is entirely likely that the best and busiest car boot sales may not be local.
The blog also urged revellers to set their alarms.
Well-schooled car booters will roll out of bed as early as 5am to ensure a place in the queue by 6am so they can pitch up in the best spot.
Buyers shouldn’t be afraid to sell items they may see as junk – in case it’s treasure to someone else.
Products like a “rusty old saucepan, jigsaw with three pieces missing, teddy bear with half its stuffing pulled out” may attract attention from vintage sellers.
The team also swear by drafting in some extra support throughout the day.
This way, you’ll be able to split the seller fee and take a toilet break without leaving your stall unguarded – therefore avoiding missing potential sales.
Car booters have also been warned of the unwelcome phenomenon of locusts.
Not to be confused with the bugs, these “intimidating” groups “swarm in their masses, descending on your car and perusing through your goodies before you’ve even had chance to begin unpacking them.”
To swat away locusts, make sure your boot is locked, and keep a look out for thieves.
The English weather can be predictably unpredictable, so in case the heavens do open, you are urged to bring plastic sheets and a brolly for any showers.
The online recommendations also include having a stack of plastic bags for customers, as shoppers will invariably arrive empty-handed with nowhere to store their purchases.
10 top tips for a successful car boot sale
- Be prepared to travel
- Be prepared to get up early
- Be prepared to rope in some help
- Be prepared for locusts
- Be prepared with change
- Be prepared with bags
- Be prepared to haggle
- Be prepared for rain
- Be prepared to sell anything
- Be prepared not to sell anything
