Car boot sales usually count as 'occasional sales', which must be licensed. An occasional sale is a sale including five or more stalls, stands, vehicles or pitches.
Applicants must give the district or borough council at least one month's notice of their intention to hold a car boot sale (or to permit their land to be used for a car boot sale), unless the proceeds of the car boot sale are to be applied solely or principally for charitable, social, sporting or political purposes.
The research also found that the average person selling at a car boot sale came away with £110 in profit: there is, it seems, money to be made. For many car booters, though – whether they're selling, buying to resell or simply sourcing second-hand to keep costs down – it is often not solely about the money.
It all depends on whether you are trading. If you sell unwanted presents, or items after moving house etc., you need not tell H M Revenue & Customs about this income.
Fire Arms, Knives, Tobacco, Alcohol and Controlled Substances, Unless fully licensed to do so, with permission from National Car Boot sale organisers, it is strictly forbidden to sell any of the above items and any items that may fall into the above categories.
A normal pitch (£15) is a car selling from one table at the rear of the vehicle. A side on/double pitch (£30) allows for two tables to be placed down the side of the vehicle to sell from.
If you sell food you are required to register with your local environmental health service. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 it is a breach of contract if goods are misdescribed.
Environmental impact. By participating in a car boot sale, you're contributing to environmental sustainability. Selling second-hand goods reduces waste and the demand for new products, which in turn lowers the environmental footprint associated with manufacturing and shipping new items.
You'll need to apply for an occasional sale (boot sale/table top sale) licence if you want to hold a car boot or table top sale in car parks and open spaces.
Yes, it's absolutely possible to sell handmade crafts at a car boot sale. In fact, this is one of the best ways to sell your crafts, as people often go willing to spend a little bit of money, without necessarily knowing in advance what they're looking for.
Car boot sales usually count as 'occasional sales', which must be licensed. An occasional sale is a sale including five or more stalls, stands, vehicles or pitches. There are exceptions to the licensing of occasional sales. Sales held in car parks need a licence, but those held inside buildings or on a highway do not.
Ask yourself if you need it, want it and whether it's worth it. Above all, when you're out in the fresh air car booting, it's also about having fun. Car boot sales are about buying and selling unwanted stuff, so keep that in mind when you're haggling, or trying to make a sale. The biggest win is the fun of the day out.
On the day: Set up early, and check that everyone knows what they are doing and where they should be. Hand out walkie-talkies, hi-vis jackets and copies of your floorplan to stewards. Welcome sellers as they arrive and distribute a brief reminder of any rules – such as 'no smoking', 'no dogs', 'no knives', etc.
Do you have to declare income from a car boot sale?
On the other hand, if somebody regularly attends car boot sales (for instance every month) with a view to making profits, HMRC will deem them to be trading and they would need to be registered as self-employed for tax and National Insurance purposes.
A car boot sale is like a giant garage sale where people load up their cars and trailers with clothes, toys, household items, and sporting equipment etc. and sell it to shoppers looking for a bargain or something unique, and those looking to recycle and repurpose.
There is no consensus among local authorities as to how car boot sales should be classified, but in some areas councils impose the normal conditions attached to market licences. Some will permit car boot sales only if the proceeds are going to charity, as opposed to benefiting commercial enterprises.
Do I have to declare self-employed income under $1000?
The exemption is automatic and if your self-employed income is £1,000 or less, you do not need to tell HMRC or file a tax return. For example, if you have a small gardening business and your income for the year is £900, this is covered by Trading Allowance and you will not need to pay tax on it or report this to HMRC.
Since the IRS does not consider boot to be “like-kind property”, it doesn't qualify for tax deferment. This means you need to pay capital gains and other applicable taxes on the value of any boot you receive during your exchange.
If selling electrical items make sure they are tested in advance before saying so. If they are not tested be honest and say you are not sure. Bring a plastic sheet in case it rains, this will help protect your goods. Once you have sold all your items or wish to leave you are free to do so.
I work in a charity shop and even for small purchases people like to hand over a £10 note. Float - You'll need more than you think, people will try and pay with notes to get change for themselves. I would say at least £50 in various coins. But also don't feel bad about refusing to take a note for a low priced item.
