The golden rule has to be to keep an open mind and try to focus on only inherently interesting things. The less obvious and more mundane these appear to the seller as well as to the casual observer the greater your bargain will be.
To save time, you could label groups of items – for example, by having an “everything 50p” section. Whichever method you go for, make sure you have a general idea of how much your things are worth by checking what they are now selling for online. Experts suggest pricing at between 10% and 15% of the original value.
Haggling at car boot sales is completely normal and the sellers won't be offended when offered a lower price than they're asking. They've got a car full of stuff and they probably don't want to take it back home again. Instead of saying “I'll buy this”, ask “What's the best price you could do for me if I bought this?”
CAR BOOT SALE CHALLENGE ON A £20 BUDGET - WHAT BARGAINS CAN I FIND!? MR CARRINGTON
What are you not allowed to sell at a car boot sale?
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.
You will probably need a health and Hygiene certificate so contact your council and find out. Also contact who owns the car boot site, and see if they are allowing any more traders selling sweets. It is not just a case of buying, rebagging and selling on.
We wouldn't recommend a car boot sale if you're just selling CDs and DVDs - after all, you have to pay for a pitch so you're unlikely to make your money back. If you've got lots of other things to sell too though, it may be the perfect solution for you. Just beware the hagglers!
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.
While Americans hold garage sales and the French have flea markets, the English have a distinctly British activity in which to sell one's personal second hand goods.
Getting there early means you can choose the best position for your stall where you will be able to get the most customers. It will take some time to set up your stall so get there with plenty of time to allow you to set up well.
Are you allowed to sell new goods? It is fine if you bring along unwanted gifts that are deemed new. However, we are not a market and do not wish to have market stalls within our Car Boot Sales.
There is perhaps a divide on this subject when it comes to car boot and jumble sales. It's a good idea to price everything – not everyone passing through will want to haggle with you. Some people would like to know how much you want for something.
When to arrive – Some car boot 'experts' suggest that you should visit a car boot sale both at opening time, to view the best items before they are snapped up, and then again at the end, to offer cash that sellers can't refuse if they want to avoid taking everything home.
What is the difference between a flea market and a car boot sale?
Stalls at flea markets are run by retailers as well as by ordinary people selling their own private possessions. Car boot sales are a similar form of market where, usually, private individuals come together to sell their own possessions, often from the boot of their car.
Do you have to declare earnings from a car boot sale?
For somebody like yourself who has only sold their own unwanted second hand goods on a couple of occassions, HM Revenue & Customs would not deem there to be a trading activity and therefore the income received would not need to be declared on a self assessment tax return.
If you're simply selling cakes once in a blue moon at a car boot sale or market then you don't need to worry. However, if you are planning on doing this regularly, contact your local council and ask them what the rules are. If you do have to register your kitchen, it's totally free to do so.
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You can sell food which is not to be consumed on the premises at our sales (such as homemade cakes and jams etc). However we believe that you would then definitely be considered a TRADER and be governed by the rules set out below.
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.
Car boot sales do run in the winter yes... they tend to be in the sticks a bit (where there's space) and you often need a car to get to them (I used to go to one at Denham which must have been at least a mile from the nearest public transport).
1. What is a parking boot? A parking boot (wheel clamp) is a device that is used to temporarily immobilize a vehicle. The boot is clamped onto one of the vehicle's wheels (generally front driver's side) and is locked in place preventing the vehicle from being driven and the wheel from being removed.
