Equipment needed for car boot sale? Any tips?

martinnathalie9

Hi all,

Like a lot of people on here, I'm having a clear out as spring is approaching I'm going to take some of the stuff to a car boot, which isn't something I've done before. I've been looking into the things I'll need, such as a trestle table, and I've already got a clothes wrack. But I was wondering if there's anything else I might need?

Also, do you have any tips on how to price the items, or should I just see what people offer?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

theonlywayisup

Have a read of the sticky.

Ting-Tang

My main tip would just be not to set your expectations too high.


When I sell at boot sales I just try and pick a nice sunny day and see it as a day out in the fresh air....with maybe the added bonus of coming home a few quid richer.

ballisticbrian

I don't know if the sticky mentions it but be prepared to be firm with people and tell them to badger off until you're ready when you first get there. In some towns depending where you live, you can end up with people crawling all over your car and helping themselves first thing in the morning before you've even had a chance to set up.

hermum

I would price stuff that's on the table, it's frustrating as a buyer when you see half a dozen things that catch your eye and have no idea how much anything is especially if the seller's busy.
When I did car boot sales I would take clothes that I wanted £1 each (or 3 for 3 for £2)for & bits & pieces £2 each (3 for £5), books 50p (3 for £1) (or similar prices) that way I could do a few big posters with the prices on.
Anything much more than that never sold, facebook selling pages are how I get rid of stuff now that's more than the above prices.
Take change, somewhere to keep your money, bum bag is ideal, and take some different sized bin bags, for buyers who run out of their own bags

Walter92

We use to use a pasting table in the 80's!

skintpaul

fold up tables, or plastic ones (with slot in legs) are best- more room in car then, for your tat!

take plenty of change, carrier bags, bubble wrap / newspaper for fragile items..

inidividully

Dont firget, a large plastic sheet to cover over the lot, if (when!) it starts to rain!

Prices things up, as you might expect to pay as buyer- the aim is to maximise ££, with nothing to take home!

always be willing to barter, especially nearer end of the session, or do job lots.

charlies_mum

As above Trestle table, bags, newspaper, somewhere to keep your cash (preferably a bum bag), lots of change, a flask of coffee and a snack

As Ballisticbrian said, do not allow buyers to open your boot or car doors.

Price everything before you go and preferably take someone with you as things do get lifted while you're distracted

Good luck and enjoy.

soba

Lots of patience

This_Year

Take a friend so you've more than one set of eyes watching the stuff you want to sell as some people will try to steal from you.

shopbot

Take another person with you and don't set up as soon as you arrive. The dealers will be trying to get the best stuff as soon as you start to unload. Depending on the car boot and your personality this could be quite intimidating. My advice is pull up, get out and lock your doors quickly and then go for a walk (cup of tea from Burger Van!). The 'boot divers' soon move on and you should be able to set up with less hassle.