Car boot sale tips and tricks: How to make some money (and have fun) selling your unwanted stuff

So you've found the sale you'll go to - next up, you need to be prepared. There are two areas in which I’d suggest you should prepare – firstly, knowing what prices you want for items, what they’re worth and what you’re prepared to settle on as a middle ground. And secondly, in the clever packing of items in your car. Cover these two things off, and you'll be in a prime selling position when you arrive at the sale.

• A ‘night before’ audit of what you’re selling is an essential – this is going through what you’ve sorted out to sell, and the prices you expect. You may want to label items, either with stickers or parcel labels. This stops you being caught off-guard by a potential buyer.
  
  
• Save your loose change in advance. In order to make a sale you may need loose change, which many of us don't now have regularly. Forumite tattybogle2 says: "Start saving any coins and low notes now - it takes ages to collect enough to make a decent amount to start with and you will need to give change at some point."
  
  
• Remember, buyers want bargains – this is a game of willpower. As the seller you want to get as much as possible, and preparing in advance what you will price things at is a way to hold more cards. Then you can state your price and the reason for it. People may say: ‘But I can get it on eBay’ and if they do, hold your nerve. They could, maybe, but you have what they want right there and then.
  
  
• Invest in a bum bag. This feels like a very insignificant thing, but it really is the key to making money. Why? Here’s the thing – it’s practical and psychological. Practical because it’ll have pockets for all types of change (and your phone and key, essential to keep those safe so they don’t get dropped and/or picked up…) and it’s also a mind game with yourself. You’re not a trader/shop at a car boot but having a bum bag on makes you feel like one. You slip into ‘Del Boy’ mode and you are ready to sell, you’re in the zone. Trust me. Plus you can reuse it for festivals, dog walking and/or 80s parties.
  
  
• Providing bags for purchases can bag you a sale. People WILL ask for bags, it's guaranteed and if you don't have them, they may walk away from the sale. My hack is to take rolls of dog poo bags or nappy bags (unused, of course). They're ideal for small items. I'd also be frugal on handing out larger bags. If the item is small, such as jewellery, then ask if they could manage by putting it in their pocket or own handbag.
  
  
• Pack snacks and a flask of tea/coffee/hot chocolate. It'll be a long morning/day. I love taking a flask of tea and some sarnies to a car boot – cheese is a winner. That way you don't spend time at the (often overpriced) food van, or risk there not being a food van at all.
  
  
• Don't forget sun protection. While a sunny weekend is ideal for a car boot sale, it's also a high-risk zone for sunburn and heatstroke, as many are in open fields with no shade. Sunscreen, a hat and water are must-takes for buyers and sellers alike. Read our sunscreen guide well in advance so you're prepared. Those with hay fever would do well to make sure they've read our hay fever guide before going to stand in a field for the morning/day.
  
  
• Research your prices – and be prepared to take stuff home if you won’t budge. It happens all the time where I’ve thought I want a certain amount for something and then I’ve been offered a tiny amount in comparison. One big thing I’ve learned about car boot sales is that people offer way less than they might online. It’s that vibe of being on the spot, the buyer knowing that you want to get rid of something, and you know that too, deep down. So to prevent potential seller's regret, I split my prices into a few categories, thinking about what I'm prepared to budge on:
  
  1. My non negotiables are things I set at a price and say I will take home with me and list online if they don’t sell. This is certain clothing, for example, like a dress from Whistles. Or some jewellery. I’ve also had things I’d rather give to charity than sell for 5p.
  
  2. Then there are the things I know are worth a certain price – eg new stuff. Perhaps an unwanted gift, or a candle you’ve never lit. If it’s worth, say, £20 online, and you’re asking a tenner, then hold your nerve as much as you can. People may come round later at the end of the morning for a bargain, that’s when you can decide if you want to lower the price.
  
  3. Finally, the 'got to go' things. These are items I’m prepared to let go for a small amount because I want rid of it. This is things like used make up and books. I want rid of them, let the buyer pay a small amount and me have the joy of the sale.