Car boot hints?

janey229

I'm preparing for a car boot sale and wondered if anyone could offer me any useful hints or tips? Thanks

Mandles

Yes whatever items that people try and buy from you as soon as you put out your stall (phones games consoles old stuff) are very possibly worth more than you think. As these people are probably dealers do not drop your prices no matter what they say.
I like my car boot bargains but these sort of dealers are sometimes quite intimidating and i hate that.
Secondly i wouldnt pre price stuff .
Hope you have a good day

benjimoron_2

Mandles wrote:

Yes whatever items that people try and buy from you as soon as you put out your stall (phones games consoles old stuff) are very possibly worth more than you think. As these people are probably dealers do not drop your prices no matter what they say.
I like my car boot bargains but these sort of dealers are sometimes quite intimidating and i hate that.
Secondly i wouldnt pre price stuff .
Hope you have a good day

You wouldn't pre price stuff? My wife goes crazy if she can't see the prices! She always says she wont buy from them if she has to keep asking for prices and I guess it also allows for people to sell products at a higher price to customers they think will pay the higher price.

Mandles

Ive had car boots and go to a lot of car boots and when i pre price people often just walk straight past whereas if they ask they can sort of barter with you if you have priced to high and i have bought stuff because the people were so nice before and i wouldnt have known that if i hadnt have asked how much something was initially.
I also just keep walking if its not the sticker price i would pay.
Maybe its a personal thing . I always though not to sticker goods is best but i may be wrong .

Mandles

Also research prices on ebay 'completed items' first.

Poppy9

I don't pre price either.

1. I put all clothes on hanging rail and coat hangers. Sells much better. I just bought a new two rail on wheels stand from Tesco in their sale for £2.49 which will easily pay for itself.
2. Put other items on a large table. Pasting table ideal.
3. Group items together. My DD barbie stuff went first so keep all dolls and accessories together as kids will want more.
4. Have a box with everything 50p in as it attracts people.
5. Remember if you leave your boot open on your car that your battery might go flat if the boot light stays on.

I find electrical stuff like old alarm clocks doesn't really sell now though I did manage to flog an sewing machine which didn't work for £5

raptorman

My best tip is when you get there dont get all your stuff out straight away, that way the 'vultures' as I like to call them will move on to the next person setting up. As said above, it can be quite intimidating with a dozen people going through all your stuff before you even have chance to unload it.

Park up and just sit there or lock the car and go get a coffee for 5 mins, works for me everytime.

woohoo_postingid

If people try to get in your boot before you are ready or are aggressive, just slam the boot shut - they will soon get the idea.
Similarly, make sure you tell people around how somebody has spoiled it for everyone by being too aggressive, it really embarrasses them.

Take loads of change with you
Be prepared to take stuff home - you won't sell everything.
Don't forget the money to pay for your pitch
Don't buy bacon sarnies/burgers/tea/coffee etc from the vans there, take your own (This is an MSE board don't forget!!) :rotfl:
Don't be bullied into selling for less than you want to.

Agutka

With regards to taking lots of change with you, people will be paying for 10p items with £20 notes.

Hizz

Take a torch, little radio and possibly traveling rug. Make up a flask and take some sandwiches - no point wasting your profit on the dodgy burger vans.

I go to the boot sale most weeks. I'm there usually 5 - 7.30am. It's a waste of time going after this as most of the best stuff has gone.

Go to the boot sale the week before you go and see how much others are selling stuff similar to that you will be. You'll also spot some of the traders who buy to sell.

Don't put too much stuff on the floor infront of your table it makes life harder for shoppers.

Take someone else with you.