Always be willing to haggle (Car Boot Sales)

Member Name: pmcds

Product:	Car Boot Sales
Date:	16/10/08 (77 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great deals and make a bit of money

Disadvantages: Can be days when you get ripped off or make a loss, weather is important

When I was a lot younger, my dad would occasionally take my brother and I with him when he went to do a car boot sale. I never really understood the concept but always had fun. We often left having sold most of what we took with us, and dad would sometimes buy us something we wanted if we saw it on another stall.

More recently, car boot sales have become a way for people to obtain something they want without having to pay full shop prices for it. As such, there is an increase of 'traders' at car boot sales, and even charity shops setting up stalls. I have been to a few car boot sales, mainly as a buyer, and it is a fun experience and a good way of making a few pounds for some things you don't want any more.

There are some people who make a living out of car boot sales, jumble sales, etc, but to do this needs dedication and, I imagine, good contacts, and the hardest part is that they take place mainly on a Sunday, so 1 day's worth of 'takings' is hard to pay the way for a whole week.

In terms of selling, it is important to get it right. Setting up your stall is important in terms of making it attractive to potential buyers, and to mix the type of things you have on offer. Bartering is also an important part of the experience, and this happens all the time.

I tend to sell unwanted clothes, books and DVDs, etc, when I go and set up my own stall. Some days, these are popular items, other days, people just don't want to know. Gadgets and electrical items are prime targets for bargain hunters, so it's always worth trying to sell an old TV or radio if you no longer want it.

I have had successful days as well as disappointing ones, and it is important to take the rough with the smooth. Sometimes I'll find a good bargain or I'll sell a lot of stuff. Other times I'll buy something that doesn't work, by which time it's too late as I am unlikely to see that person again; or I don't sell enough to make back the fee charged for setting up a stall!

Car boot sales are normally held in fields or car parks that aren't being used on the day. There is a regular one about ten miles from me that we go to, and it is a good way of getting rid of excess belongings. They charge £5 for setting up a stall, and it is always worth having a look at the weather report before going. The one near me always operates during the season (Spring to Autumn) come rain or shine, but bear in mind the worse the weather, the less buyers and sellers there will be. So you have to work out whether it is worth it or not.

Overall, I like car boot sales. I feel it gives a nice sense of community and is a good tradition. It's a nice way of buying and selling things without some fat cat business making money out of it and without the taxman having much of a say (although this depends on how much you get!) Car boot sales are important to many people, and they may even be on the up with current financial climates.

Summary: Great way to find a bargain or make a little extra pocket money