LOOKING to earn some extra cash or bag a brilliant bargain?
You’re not alone.
Car boots sales are back in fashion thanks to Gen Z, who are makings hundreds of pounds and showing off their bargain-hunting skills on TikTok.
The hashtag #carboot has 942 million views with kids rifling through clothes rails for bargains then posting their “hauls” on social media.
So, how do you navigate the world of car boot sales and get more bang for your buck?
TV money making expert Dan Hatfield told The Sun: “Getting thrifty and learning how to properly sell or bargain hunt will improve your life – and your bank balance.
“We should be moving away from a single-use culture. Car boots are a great way to teach kids how to buy and sell – and declutter your house in the process!”
Whether you’re buying or selling, Dan’s advice will help you make the most of your Sunday morning… happy hunting!
Do a Recce
Some car boots are busier than others and attract different crowds.
Check out car boots near you and get a feel for each one.
Don’t assume that travelling to a wealthier area will yield better results – you’ll just waste time and money on petrol.
The best car boot should be within a 10-mile radius, 30 max.
Pre-book Your Spot
Be organised and pre-book where you’ll set up your stall.
If you can’t, arrive early and charm the steward to find a good spot.
The sweet spot is in the middle of the field or near the burger van.
At the beginning, people are cautious and clutching onto their purse strings, and near the end, they’ve often run out of money.
A spot near a food van is good as it draws a crowd, bringing more potential buyers to you.
Arrive early
As the saying goes, the early bird catches the worm, and that’s especially true at car boot sales!
The first 90 minutes are prime time for sales, so it’s essential to arrive early and be fully set up before the car boot opens.
Place the most valuable items closest to you and create a bargain bin for items priced at £1 or less – this will pull punters in who will then browse the more expensive items
Bring a Friend
Having a buddy will be a godsend as they can help watch out for those pesky light-fingered shoppers!
Yes, theft happens at car boots too!
Your pal can also assist with serving customers.
If it’s quiet, they can pretend to be a punter and browse your items, which is a sneaky trick to attract other buyers.
Be Prepared
Just like going to the gym, pack up your items the night before so you don’t have to do it in the morning.
Set your alarm for 5am, get in the car, and go! Setting up your stall properly is crucial.
Bargain bin trick
Place the most valuable items closest to you and create a bargain bin for items priced at £1 or less – this will pull punters in who will then browse the more expensive items.
Toys are a great way to attract children, who will then drag their parents over.
ARRIVE EARLY
The early bird catches the worm, and in this case, the best bargains. Some car boot sales open as early as 5am, so make sure you do your research before heading out.
HAGGLE POLITELY
Most sellers are open to negotiationHowever, you should always approach haggling with a friendly attitude. A polite ‘Could you do any better on the price?’ often works wonders.
BRING CASH
Using cash helps you stick to a budget if you’re worried about overspending and ensures you don’t miss out on a deal just because you can’t pay.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO WALK AWAY
If the price isn’t right, don’t feel pressured to buy. There are plenty of stalls and many more treasures waiting to be discovered.
BE FRIENDLY
Take your time to browse and chat – it can make the whole experience more enjoyable, and you’ll find out some unusual stories for the wares on sale.
Variety is Key
Bring a mix of items you want to flog to attract a diverse crowd.
Ensure you have plenty of carrier bags and change, and pack your own food and drink to avoid spending profits on the burger van.
Bring a chair and a jumper for comfort, and a plastic cover in case of rain. This is the good British summer after all!
Pricing Strategy
Don’t just make prices up as you go along.
Use coloured labels as a secret code for prices: red for 50p, blue for £1-3, green for £3-6, orange for £6-10, and pink for £10 plus.
Start high and lower prices as needed.
Seasonal Sales
Don’t try and flog a sledge in July or shorts in December. People tend to buy items they need at the time.
You’ll just take up space on your pitch and waste your time.
Variety is crucial: computer games, clothing, silver jewellery (but not gold as you’ll likely undersell it), baby items, hobby items, books, music, and ornaments are all popular items.
Arrive Early
Get there early to snag the best items.
Staying late can also help you bag last-minute bargains as sellers don’t want to reload their cars.
Items priced at £10 in the morning might sell for £1 at the end of the day!
Barter Better
Us Brits are rubbish at bartering but in other cultures it’s totally normal!
Don’t be shy – haggling can save you up to £500 a year.
Approach it in a friendly, fun way, keeping eye contact and smiling.
If you spot summer items in winter or vice versa, snap them up early for the best deals
Bring Change
Having plenty of change is a must.
You don’t want to end up paying more as the seller doesn’t have any change.
Bring your own carrier bags to avoid using the sellers’ ones, in case they charge you.
Use Technology
The Google Lens app is a godsend and can help you identify similar items and see if you’re getting a bargain.
Just point, snap a picture, and compare prices – it’s as simple as that!
Dig Deep
Don’t just scan the items – get stuck in and dig deep.
Once you’ve found something you like, examine it properly and ask lots of questions.
You might uncover some hidden treasures.
Seasonal Shopping
If you spot summer items in winter or vice versa, snap them up early for the best deals.
You can be cheeky on these items and offer a lower price as you know the seller is unlikely to flog them as they’re out of season.
Good luck!
Money Maker: Don’t Just Save It, Make It! Available now, published by Catalyst (Hardback, £16.99)
