The days are getting longer, the sun is trying to become a dominant fixture in the sky and the start of the car boot sales season is well and truly underway.
It is a time to be prepared to haggle, to grab a bargain and a moment when you can make a small fortune on a few short hours of a weekend.
The good news is that the MoneySavingExpert, Martin Lewis, has drawn up some top tips to make sure your carbooting is successful.
Here’s what we found and the best advice for your next car boot experience:
1. Be prepared to travel
To get to the best sales, you may need to travel. Do some research as to the where the best sales are. Check out Somerset Live’s guide HERE.
2. The early bird…
If you want to snag the best pitch or want to find the best bargains, then it’s imperative that you get there early. In some cases, this will mean getting there before 6am… on a weekend!
3. Take a helper
You may want to go it alone when it comes to hunting for bargains but it might actually be wise move to bring a helper along with you.
Not only can they be an extra pair of hands when it comes to carrying the items bought, they’re also an extra pair of eyes for looking out for those must-buy items.
4. Look out for over-eager beavers
When you are selling, there can be a rush at your stall as you are still setting out your wares. Sometimes you will need eyes in the back of your head as happy shoppers look to snaffle your items, almost before you’ve put them out to buy.
It might be worth locking your boot, to ensure that there’s no rifling through your items that haven’t even made it out of the car, while you are serving others.
5. The small stuff
Make sure you have plenty of change and this could mean plenty of 10p and 20p coins. After all, this is a car boot, so you will rarely be handed wads of notes.
6. It’s all about haggling
Whether you are buying or selling, the same rule applies – be prepared to haggle. The only way to get the price that you want is to challenge the price quoted. It can be good fun too.
7. Bag it up
This could make a difference as to whether an item is sold or not. If you have a carrier bag to help the purchaser to take away their goods, or even some bubble wrap for those precious items, then this could tip the balance in your favour.
8. The British summer
We all know that the most certain thing about a British summer (and even spring time, come to think of it), is that it’s going to rain.
If you’re selling, it is advisable to bring some plastic coverings to ensure that your items don’t get ruined when the rain clouds gather.
You can also check the forecast for your car boot using our weather widget – type in the postcode for the location below.
9. Anything goes
One of the most astounding things about a car boot sale is that there is loads of ‘rubbish’ and people willing to buy it.
