Car boot sale advice - updated 2013

southernbelle

I am going to do a carboot sale on Saturday or Sunday (depending on weather).

If it is raining is it completely pointless?

Does anyone want to come help?

I think I am going to Ludgershall on Saturday and then Wykes Farm in Andover on Sunday - has anyone been to those?

John_Pierpoint

and Monday ?

Depends on the rain and how long forecast and how long lasting.
The nature of the site also matters - I've never seen boot sale customers in muddy wellies.

Take rolls of polythene to cover table(s) plus large pebbles to weigh it down, if it looks like a short sharp burst - water and paper and cloth don't mix.
Something to cover a clothes rack could be useful.
There are definite advantages in being first back to sell after a brief shower.

Watch weather forecast like a hawk before loading up car

southernbelle

I can't find any on the Monday near me.

Karen78

Hi can anyone recommend a good boot fair in Kent - thanks for all the good advice on here btw been really helpful - preparing to do one next week.

Karen

EssexGirl

Karen78 wrote: »

Hi can anyone recommend a good boot fair in Kent - thanks for all the good advice on here btw been really helpful - preparing to do one next week.

Karen

There's a massive one at Pedham Place in Swanley. Never been to it but it always looks busy when I've driven past.

John_Pierpoint

Britain's first boot sale is claimed to have been in Kent.
The Pedham Place event was a typical large sale, notable for being visible from the M25 when I last sold at it. It can move to an alternative venue (Google for details) perhaps to comply with planning law, as well as to give the site a rest.

How suitable it is depends on where you are coming from (I'm in Essex but get a local resident's discount for the Dartford crossing) and what you are selling.

As a trader, Economics teaches us that the greatest profit accrues to the trader who can build a bridge to customers the most different to them self. Almost everyone will have come by car, like you - so you might find they will buy all your good stuff, but won't appreciate your junk.

johnson293

Just been reading those tips on the first page, as we are hoping to do a car boot sale this Sunday.

We don't have anything in particular to sell, just having a general clear out, so will be a mix of stuff including books, boys clothes, some small ornaments, and toys. Generally, its stuff we want rid of, without the hassle of listing it on ebay or such like, and posting it off.

I've only ever done a car boot once before, and that was about 15 years ago, but the experience was the same as mentioned on the opening post. Got there about 6am, and was shocked as we drove along to our spot that people were crowding around the car as we drove, trying to see what we had. Then as we were setting up, other traders were trying to buy our stuff.

Will have a look at some of the more recent posts for rough guide prices for stuff too.

Wish us luck!

EDIT: Having read some other recent posts, have just reserved a clothes rail, cover for rail and a decorators table from Argos, as the wife says there are quite a few clothes to sell, so at least we can hang them and keep them dry if it rains.

johnson293

Quick question... DVD's - I have a good couple of hundred (at least), many of which I never watch so may get rid of some.

However, due to space limitations, I bought a couple of those 250 disc binders to keep the discs in, as we had nowhere to keep them in the cases which I got rid of.

Therefore, would DVD's still sell without the case/cover, if just in a plastic CD/DVD wallet?

These are all original discs, but what sort of price should I ask per film? Does the lack of a case affect the price/saleability?

Cheers

ModernSlave

I have been to the A3/Guildford (Nuthill Farm) one several times and been put off by thieving and fighting. The one in Shepperton is too small.

Please could you let me know your impressions of these ones for selling?

1. Surrey Giant - East Ewell
2. Hook Road Arena - Epsom
3. Apps Court Farm - Walton on Thames

Thanks in advance!

upsadaisy

Can I add a tip about selling clothes?

Sort children's clothes by size and label the boxes. Put adult clothes together by type (dresses, shirts).