It’s springtime and that means that carboot season is well under way. If you have a lot of unwanted stuff then its a great way to free up some extra space and cash. Here are my tips for making some successful sales at a carboot.
Get there early
This is one of the toughest parts of carbooting. Waking up at 5am on a Sunday morning to go and set up your stall isn’t easy but if you get there early the more chance of selling you get. Other stall holders and carbooters often like to get there early to pick up the best stuff. So the earlier you get there the more chances you will have to sell. In my experience I’ve had people going through my car before I’ve even unpacked in search of some bargains!
Display your stuff
Keep your stuff organised so that people can view it easily. Use a sturdy rail for clothes and size/age dividers can be easily made out of some cardboard. Plastic boxes are great for any groups of things you have, such as children’s small toys, DVDs or books. A pasting table covered with a tablecloth is great for any random items you may have to display.
Price things up
Pricing things up often works well, you could set prices such as ‘3 books for £1’. You don’t necessarily need to put the price on the item, but you need to know the rough price you want in your head. In my experience pricing things opens buyers up to haggle with you which is good.
Haggle
Lets face it people who visit car boots are looking for a bargain. So it’s probably not the best place to sell your designer handbag! Customers are going to haggle with you, this is where knowing your rough minimum price comes in.
Have a cash float
Make sure you have plenty of cash, I would recommend at least £50 in coins. I know this sounds like a lot but after plenty of experience its very easy to run out of change very quickly! It only takes a few customers to give you £20 notes and all your change has gone.
Carrier bags
A lot of shoppers now have their own carrier bags and bags for life but it’s still handy to keep some in your car.
Other useful items
Antibacterial wipes, a lunchbox, a flask of tea or coffee and plenty of water. It can be a long morning so its important to keep your energy up by eating and drinking regularly. Carboot bacon sandwiches always smell so amazing first thing so to prevent spending your money on food take a lunchbox full of snacks.
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