Car boot crazy

Get top tips for buying and selling, plus find out where all the best car boot sales are

Since the credit crunch began, Brits have gone car boot crazy! More people than ever are going to car boot sales to sell unwanted items for extra cash and pick-up some bargains at the same time.

Get top tips on the world of car booting from antiques and collectibles expert Jamie Breese.

Car boot pros
For sellers it's a low-cost way of getting shot of some clutter and making some money. For buyers it's a budget family day out and a real opportunity to find some gems.

Car boot cons
It's not the best place to sell precious or high-value items. It's also not quick – whether buying or selling it'll take a big chunk out of your day. Fairs are also at the mercy of the weather and can be cancelled last minute - so be warned! 

Here are Jamie's top tips for buyers:

Where to go?
Bank Holidays signal car boot season so you should be able to find one on your doorstep. Click on the Car Boot Junction link at the bottom of this page to search for sales by region or scroll through the featured nationwide list.

Be prepared
Based on my own experiences, I would urge you to move as swiftly as possible in those first 15 minutes. If you are the first in, you are usually competing with the professional antiques dealers or collectors who are highly experienced and need to find good stock quickly for their own businesses or passions.

Buying technique
When it comes to actually buying, keep your poker face straight. If you like several items, quickly group them and negotiate a 'discount'.

What to buy?
Porcelain is always, always worth considerably less if it is damaged or showing signs of repair. Old toys are always hot, especially if relating to cult TV shows, also first edition books. All these gems are worth considerably more if they are MINT and BOXED. If you have a choice, go for the best examples possible in the original packaging.

Here are Jamie's tips and tricks for sellers:

The day before

• Clearly label all your boxes to help you set up quickly
• If you have a feeling that something may be valuable, pay a visit to your local auction house for a valuation
• Arrange for a friend or family member to help you out. It's hard graft on your own
• Sort out a table to display your goods. You can pick up trestles for under £20 at most good DIY stores, or failing that a piece of chipboard on milk crates can do the job just as well.

The morning

• Before setting off, it is worthwhile checking the weather. If it is going to be bad all day, best pass, unless it is a covered event.
• Prepare food and drink for yourself and your helper the night before. You don't want to waste valuable selling time queuing up at a catering van
• It's best to take lots of clothing layers as you'll be staying put for long periods. If it looks like it could be a scorcher, don't forget a sun hat and sunscreen too. And take plenty of water whatever the weather.

Laying out your goods

• Keep books and records in one place (away from the front of stall)
• Try and borrow a clothes rail – these are absolutely brilliant and save a lot of hassle on the day – for you and the punters
• Keep the more pricey ornaments within arms' (and eyes') reach on the table in front. Jewellery, coins and medals sell well if fixed to a cushion
• Make sure you bring a chair too – the day's a long one in the summer. And forget fashion - ultra comfortable footwear is a must

Other essentials

• Packaging is important: don't bother with expensive bubble wrap, instead take along lots of old newspapers and carrier bags. It's good customer PR to pack well
• Along with the goods, the next most important thing is bumbag, box or belt to keep your money in. Remember to bring plenty of change
• And remember: If you have any doubts about the safety of your goods DO NOT SELL THEM!

The end of the day

• Think about when you're going to leave and how easy it will be. The ends of aisles are best when it comes to your departure. It can be difficult to slip away too early, especially if you're in the middle of a row
• Lastly, if you are left with plenty of 'stock', and you are not planning a return visit in the near future, then I suggest looking about for a few of the more regular traders and offering a job lot at a knockdown price just to get shot of it
• You can always pay a visit to your local charity shop on the way back too.

For more info take a look at Jamie Breese's book Make a Mint.

And you can find out where your nearest car boot sale is by visiting Car Boot Junction above and find out where you stand legally at car boot fairs by clicking on the Trading Standards link.

What's the weirdest thing you've bought or sold at a car boot sale? Email us using the form below.