Why is it called a car boot sale?

The term "car boot sale" refers to the selling of items from a car's boot. Although a small proportion of sellers are professional traders selling goods, or indeed browsing for items to buy, most of the goods on sale are used personal possessions.

Where does the term car boot come from?

The word "boot"(which is commonly used by the English), goes back to 18th century horse-drawn carriages where the coachman sat on a chest, which was used to store, among other things, his boots. This storage space came to be termed as the "boot locker", which soon became the "boot".

What does car boot sales mean?

noun. British. : a sale in which people gather to sell items that they bring to the sale in their cars.

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.

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.

The HARSH Reality Of Car Boot Sales!

Why are sales called flea markets?

The term 'flea market' is a direct translation of the French phrase 'marche aux puces,' which literally implies that some of the furniture, used clothing, and other items might be flea-infested.

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.

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.

Can you sell new stuff at car boot sale?

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.

Can you sell anything at a car boot sale?

Bric-a-brac, clothes, books and toys are all car boot sale staples. However, it can be surprising what sells well, so even if you think an item is not worth anything, it may be worth bringing it along. You should avoid spending all of your profits on buying more items from other sellers.

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.

Do you have to declare car boot sales?

On the other hand if somebody regularly attends car boot sales (for instance every fortnight) with a view to making profits, HM Revenue & Customs will deem them t be trading and they would need to be registered as self-employed for tax and National Insurance purposes.

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.

Why do British call it the boot?

Keeping these boots and other things in the receptacle mean it was named the boot locker – and, in time, simply the boot. As time went on and coachmen were not needed, the boot was still very handy and a crucial part of a desirable carriage design.

What does car boot mean in England?

car boot in British English

(kɑː buːt ) noun. British. the place at the back of a car for putting luggage in. Collins English Dictionary.

Who invented the car boot?

Frank Marugg (1887–1973) was an inventor who developed the “Denver Boot,” a device that immobilizes a vehicle for ticketing purposes. Despite a lifetime of pursuits in various other industries, the boot remains the most notable achievement of Marugg's professional career.

How much to charge for clothes at a car boot sale?

Car boot sales are known as a place to pick up bargains. If your asking price is too high you are unlikely to make many sales. A rough guide for pricing is to sell items at 10-15% of the original value. Obviously, this depends on the condition of the item but don't expect huge numbers from individual items.

Can I sell homemade jam at a car boot sale?

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.

Can I sell my 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.

Can I sell sweets at a car boot?

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.

How do you display clothes at a car boot sale?

Clothes rail.

If you are going to sell old clothes, you can put them on the ground on a rug, or display them on a rail. The latter is much, much better: clothes on the floor quickly get jumbled into less-than-enticing piles of fabric. Also, people have to bend down to rummage through them.

Can I sell plants at a car boot sale?

Allotment Laws state that you cannot sell vegetables or plants from your plot! So i think doing that in a car boot would be a bad idea. What i do is give them away at work for small donations!

How do I sell stuff to a carboot?

Can you sell electrical goods at car boot sales?

We advise consumers not to buy items such as electric fires, electric blankets and irons at boot sales. Unless the item has a reputable recent source, and is complete with its original instructions, we would caution strongly against its sale.

Can you sell electricals at a car boot sale?

First thing when car boot sales open, professional resellers will scour for electrical goods. Make sure you've gathered up all of your unused tech gear, which will sell for a higher price than most of your other odd bits and bobs, and set up early. Some things you might not have even thought of will sell.