What happens at a car boot sale?

A car boot sale is usually held in a field where sellers take unwanted items in the boot of their car and set up a stand to display their items for sellers to peruse and find any bargains they would like to buy.

How does a car boot sale work?

Sellers will typically pay a small fee for their pitch and arrive with their goods in the boot of their car. Usually the items are then unpacked onto folding trestle tables, a blanket or tarpaulin, or the ground. Entry to the general public is usually free, although sometimes a small admission charge is made.

Is it worth doing a car boot sale?

Harry Kind, a consumer expert at the consumer body Which?, says: “Selling unwanted items at a car boot sale can be a great way to make some extra cash and declutter your space but it's worth doing some research and having a plan if you want to make it truly worthwhile.”

What sells best at a car boot sale?

Clothes are a top seller at car boots. Children's and designer clothes sell well, but do expect to get haggled on the prices. Presentation: Iron them and if possible put them on a clothes rail. Always check your clothes for tears or damage before displaying.

Can you just turn up at a car boot sale?

We don't take bookings for sellers in advance, you simply need to turn up on the day - or the night before - and join the queue. Please take a look at our "sellers" section for all the information you need, including pricing, pitch sizes, and the few items which are prohibited at our sales.

DON'T BUY BANNED ITEM!! - SUNDAY CAR-BOOT SPECTACULAR #ebay #carboot

What can you not sell at car boot sales?

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.

What time should you get to a car boot sale?

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.

How do you show clothes at a car boot sale?

If you don't have a rail, a tarpaulin can be a great way to display more items without having to make people rummage through a large pile. With your items more spread out, people passing by can easily see what you have on offer and something may catch their eye.

Do you pay tax on car boot sales?

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.

How can I sell more at a car boot sale?

How to sell well at a carboot?

Do you need permission to run a car boot sale?

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.

Are car boot sales illegal?

It is an offence to hold a temporary market, or permit your land to be used for a temporary market, without giving notice. If you do so, you can be fined up to £2,500.

Can you sell sweets at a car boot sale?

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.

Do DVDs sell at car boot sales?

Car Boot Sale

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!

Do you need a table for a car boot sale?

Do I need a table or a rail? The vast majority of people bring a ʻpastingʼ or decorating table, you can buy these in B&Q/Homebase etc for around £20-£50. Rails can be bought cheaply in Ikea or Argos, though we wouldnʼt advise going to the extra expense of a rail for a one off boot sale.

Can you sell food at car boot sales UK?

It is not a good idea to sell items past their 'sell-by' date, even though this is not of itself an offence – food must be unfit for human consumption before environmental health officers will penalise you. Please act responsibly and exercise caution. Think twice before selling nightwear.

Are car boot sales a British thing?

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.

Can I sell cakes at a car boot sale?

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.

How to find a bargain at a car boot sale?

Can you haggle at car boots?

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?”

Do car boot sales happen in winter?

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).

Can you legally drive with your boot open?

It's perfectly legal to drive with your boot open, but much like carrying a mattress above your head, it has to be done safely and within the rules of the law. First and foremost, your load and the boot itself must be secure and not liable to fall from the vehicle or flail around out of control.

Can you sell electrical items at car boot?

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.

What is the difference between a flea market and a car boot sale?

Unlike flea markets, which are usually populated by professional traders selling antiques and collectibles, the idea behind a car boot sale is that ordinary people pay a small fee - usually £7 to £15 - for a pitch big enough for a car. A higher fee is charged for bringing a van to the sale.