General Chat

I am an old hand at car boots. Just remember - its YOUR stuff - if the dealers start dragging your stuff out of the car, then shut and lock it, fold your arms and wait for them to go away - they will, as soon as someone else pulls up beside you. Don't be bullied into selling something cheap at the beginning of the sale, just say no, can't take that, I've only just put it out. And dont be panicked into getting it all out in a hurry - its yours and there is no rush, just cos the dealers want a bargain. The tip about leaving your locked car for a while is a good one - but put up your empty tables first, otherwise you might come back to find that the cars either side have used your space. Good luck - its great fun! OC

Hi catherine I did one as a fund raiser and have to agree that you get pounced on as soon as you start to unload. I had one guy telling me my Thomas Tank Engine set of books was priced to highly he walked off within 5 minutes I sold 'em to someone else and yes guy came back to buy them and was sooo miffed! Also remember that some toys are collectibles eg action men barbies etc. Did raise quite a bit - even sold old ornament of my aunt's which I was convinced wouldn't sell so I had to eat a hat lol Kaz :o)

I am hoping to do a sale on Sunday. I did one a few years ago and did not like the people swooping on me when I opened the car. This time I shall arrange it so that tables and things are easy to get at and can be put up as a barrier first! Good luck with your sale. I am doing mine to raise funds for a charity walk I am doing in September. Jacky :-)

A tip given to me by a friend was to park the car & walk away for ten mins or so when you first arrive. That way when you go back to start unpacking, the vultures (dealers) have moved on to next arrivals. You then get a chance to set up as you want. Vivienne xx

I did one a few years ago as a fund raiser for the Youth Thratre. I had 20 odd teenage helpers intent on buying all the stuff from the other stalls and falling out with each other. Others were salvaging stuff sent by their parents. It was hot, hot, hot. At the end of the day my poor OH had to take what was left to the tip. We made £150 Not sure it was worth it. Gwynne

thanks guys that's good idea about the pricing! don't know if I can be bothered with e-bay, too much hassle-have sold stuff on there before, but I'm crap at posting stuff.lol. catherine xx

Catherine, You'll get a lot more money for you toddler stuff if you sell on Ebay! I've done a few Booties in the past and made quite a bit of money but you'll get much more for toys, baby equipment on Ebay. Carol x

have done a few, found it best not to price stuff up, keep a sheet with your ideal prices for stuff to give you a prompt. Remember to say a price over what you want to achieve, that way when the 'punter' offers you less they believe they have a bargain, and you get the price you want for the item!! present your stall as you would want to view it, i only buy from tidy clean looking stalls, they give the impression the stuff is cared for and clean.if you can take a cute youngster with you to work their magic angelic smiles on potential customers.

My son has done quite a few. Sells all the kiddies good quality clothes they've outgrown, also books and toys. He always prices things up and makes quite a lot of money - he loves doing them. Stella

I have done a couple. It is sometimes the case where as Rose says some people will try to get stuff for next to nothing. You can always say no, someone will come along who is willing to pay the price. I also went with a friend which can be handy for toilet breaks. It can be really fun and I enjoyed the couple I did.

OH has done a couple - I was too chicken to go!! It would pay you to check a few out b4 you go, the one OH went to was mainly used by people wanting something for nothing really. I have heard that they do vary though. He took my best friend with him, and they had an absolute blast -they were competing with each other to see who could sell the most awful junk, eg one shoe with no laces, that sort of thing. They really enjoyed it, and did make some money, but not as much as they thought they would. S xx

I got loads of stuff I could sell, mainly all tots stuff he has grown out of, some expensive, used but in good condition toys too. Clothes, you name it. Do you get alot of hagglers wanting it for nowt, or do you stick to your guns. Thinking of doing one in the next month, do you price everything up ready? Any tips or experiences would be great. catherine xx