Clutter, clutter, clutter. Where do you come from?
As you can probably tell from my post title I’m gearing up for another car boot sale. I’ve been doing a little general de-cluttering around the house {again} and my mum has passed a few things onto me, so I think I’m hoping it’ll be worth my while; let’s just hope the rain holds off next Sunday!
Anyway here are some tips for selling;
Ten tips for selling at Car Boot Sales:
- Prepare everything the day before – Wrap glass, china in bubble wrap; price everything will small labels; prepare a change bag with all denominations including £5 and £10 notes; take lots of carrier bags, buyers always seem to want these.
- Pack your car the night before – It takes time and 5am in the morning is not the time to do it.
- Take a packed lunch and flask of tea/coffee – Don’t spend your profits at the burger van.
- Take a friend/relative – Going to the toilet etc is difficult if you can’t leave your stall.
- Wear layers of clothing as its cold early in the morning and then can get quite hot – take suncream.
- Be prepared to be surrounded when you arrive – this is usually dealers looking for a bargain, I just sit in my car talking for a while and then they move on
- Use a pasting table to display goods – Take fold up chairs to sit on as it gets quite tiring standing for 5-6 hours.
- Be prepared to haggle – Buyers usually offer less than the asking price, it is fun though so don’t get too serious about it.
- Reduce your prices as the buyers start drifting off – Better to make something than nothing.
- When you get home immediately empty your car – leaving it until later makes it an arduous task
It you have any more ‘best practice’ ideas then I’d love to hear them.
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{photo credit: jjay69}
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I think you’ve got it pretty much covered there. Staying in the car till the vultures move on is a good one. I’m not sure about pricing beforehand though. I’ve heard some car-booters advise against this because potential customers may not stop to ask about an item that is priced and it’s best to get them talking to ‘connect’. Btw – I’m not a very seasoned car-booter myself though so what do I know!
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You sound very organised.
I think that pricing goods prior is a good idea. I know myself that if something is not priced, i just move on…..
Just one suggestion, it is a good idea to have a “bum bag” ( like a money belt) with the cash on you, as we had the unpleasant experience of having our money tin stolen at a similar sale.
Good luck with the car boot sale.
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What is a car boot sale? It sound like you take the garage sale to a central place instead of holding it in your garage.
Kay Lynn @ Bucksome Boomer recently posted..Breakfast is Big Business
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Move to Portugal Reply:
August 25th, 2010 at 9:15 am
Hi Kay Lynn, yes you go to a field or car park and literally set up shop out of your car boot
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Thanks Teresa; the first time I ever went to a car boot {to sell} I remember being terrified when my car was surrounded!
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@littlegreenvillage
Good advice; I always keep money in a bag in my jeans pocket, but a bum bag would be better; you sometimes need eyes in the back of your head at these events!
laura recently posted..Preparing for a car boot sale
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