Tips for selling at a car boot sale

Greaney

I thought I'd start this thread because I'm often asked these questions, do add to it if you've got some good tips. Also, these tips are for car booters, not traders who are happy to take home half their stock.

1) Things that sell regularly... Toys, anything that looks vintage, small/occasional furniture, lamps & picture frames, hand bags

2) More than any other item, books depreciate the most after you buy them so don't expect to get more than 50c or E1 for one.

3) Car boot sales are supposed to be super cheap, stuff under 4 euro sells quickly, stuff over 10 euro sells slowly (do you want to take it home? or if they're worth that, try selling on the internet!)

4) Be prepared to haggle, throw in some do-dah free if they customer buys a few things off you, remember, you're usually trying to de-clutter.

5) Remember, most people come to a car boot sale with 20-30 Euro, and they want to leave with at least three bargains, again, the cheaper your prices the more folk will stay at your stall for the bargains.

6) Basic sellers kit... a small fold up chair, a flask of hot drink & a sambo, a wee table/ tarp/blanket on the ground. Bring a plastic cover (bin bags?) if you think it's gonna rain(if you have a gazebo, lucky you). Bring a small bag, change (plenty of single Euros), some plastic bags for your customers.

dmcronin

I'll second all the above, I forgot plastic bags at the last vintage sale when I had some grubby/dusty car parts and folks wearing their Sunday best not wanting to get them messed up.

Also, warm clothes. Unless you're Jedward and jump about to keep yourself warm in the middle of an open field/car park.

enfield

The items you dont excpect to sell usually sells first and the items you expect to 'fly' are still there at the end of the day. Bring a small radio and resist the temptation of spending any profits or more clutter. Bring a cover or plastic sheet to cover your items from the rain. A newspaper, book or magazine will help to pass the time. Avoid making eye contact with the buyers while they are browsing, its makes them uneasy. A smile, and relaxed voice and a friendly word always help to move things along. If you ask a reasonable price, and the buyer makes a stupid offer tell them, 'You really don't want this enough, do you dearie?'. Always be helpful to mammies who have kids they have a difficult job. Dont tolerate kids picking up stuff and handling them, they never buy stuff and are just putting in time. Kids will ask you 'How much is this?' always ask 'make me an offer'. They always walk away as they were not interested in the first place, they just wanted to hear your voice. You will come across 'talkers', people who have no interest in your items. They are just there for a chat and can often take your concentration from real buyers. Don't engage with them if you can or they can bore the arse of you and anyone else around.
Remember you never 'sell' something to a buyer, they buy. Too much ould talk and eye contact will move on a buyer fast. I always cover my stuff with a sheet until the public are allowed in. That way the 'cute hoor stallholder/collectors' dont snap up the bargains that are there for the public. You and I know that the good stuff goes beofre the public arrive on the scene and you know how frustrating it can be for buyers to know they didn't have a chance.
Enjoy the day, dont expect to make too much, and don't be disappointed if you dont cover the cost of the stall. Its a day out, if you make a few bob then that is a bonus and better than throwing the stuff in the bin.
Ok guys and gals, sorry for the rant, but that's my tuppenyworth.
Anyone for the last of the choc ices?

patwicklow

I have a ton of stuff to get rid of was thinking of going to the tallaght stadium boot sale any one know what its like to sell there?