Car boot sales can be the cheapest source of resale stock in the UK. Prices are low, sellers want to clear things, and haggling is expected. They can also be a quick way to fill your house with things that never sell. This guide covers how to do it well.
What to bring
- Cash in small notes and coins — many sellers can’t change a £20 at 7am.
- A charged phone (and a power bank) to check sold prices and scan items.
- Bags or a folding trolley for bigger hauls.
- A small torch for checking inside boxes and camera lenses.
- AA batteries — a cheap way to test toys, cameras and gadgets on the spot.
When to arrive
- Early is best for choice. Dealers and experienced resellers often arrive as sellers unpack, and the best items can go in the first hour.
- Late can be good for bargains — sellers would rather sell cheaply than pack things back into the car — but the stand-out items will be gone.
- Check the opening time and entry fee before you go. Some sales charge more for early entry.
What to look for, category by category
Car boots are especially good for non-clothing items that sell well on eBay. Here’s what to check for each.
Video games and consoles
- Check the right disc or cartridge is in the case, and look at the disc surface for deep scratches.
- Note the region (UK games are PAL; US games are NTSC).
- Retro cartridges are sometimes reproductions — check label print quality and the cartridge back.
- Consoles: are the controllers and cables there? Can the seller show it powering on?
LEGO
- Look for set numbers on boxes or instruction books.
- Minifigures can be worth more than the bricks around them.
- Check for imitation bricks mixed in — genuine LEGO has the logo on the studs.
Cameras and lenses
- Shine a torch through lenses to check for haze, fungus (thread-like marks) and scratches.
- Check the battery compartment for corrosion.
- Film cameras: does the shutter fire? Does the film advance?
Vintage kitchenware and homeware
- Le Creuset: check the enamel inside for chips; the size is stamped on the base.
- Branded tableware: check for chips, cracks and crazing, and note the pattern name.
- Remember weight — heavy items cost more to post.
Tools
- Quality branded hand tools sell steadily.
- Power tools: are the battery and charger included? Do they work?
Vinyl records
- Value depends on the specific pressing and the condition of the disc, not just the artist.
- Check the disc for scratches and warping, not just the sleeve.
Clothing and shoes
- The same rules as in charity shops: fabric, labels, condition, smells.
How to haggle fairly
Haggling is normal at car boots, but be friendly and reasonable:
- Know your limit first. The “max buy price” in the car boot profit calculator tells you the most you can pay and still double your money.
- Bundle. “Would you take £10 for these three?” often works better than haggling over one item.
- Don’t insult the seller. Offering a fraction of a fair price rarely works and can sour the next deal.
- Have the cash ready. A visible, specific offer is easier to accept.
Check before you pay
- Test electrical items if the seller has power, or ask whether they work — and assume “don’t know” means untested.
- Check games, DVDs and sets for missing pieces.
- Look out for fakes and reproductions, especially games and branded goods.
- If you can’t check something properly, only buy it at a price that still works if it’s faulty.
Don’t forget your costs
Entry fees, petrol and parking are real costs. If a car boot costs you £6 to attend and you buy six items, add £1 to each item’s “Other costs” when you calculate profit. Your time counts too — a morning that produces one £5 profit isn’t a good morning.
After the car boot
- Clean and test everything as soon as you get home. Faults you find now mean honest listings and fewer returns.
- List quickly. Stock sitting in boxes doesn’t make money.
- Describe condition honestly, including whether electronics are tested. See how to write listings that sell.
- Keep records of what you paid and sold for — it helps with pricing and, if you resell regularly, with tax. See Do I pay tax on reselling?.
Common mistakes
- Buying things because they’re cheap, not because they’ll sell.
- Paying for “untested” electricals as if they work.
- Ignoring postage weight.
- Buying multiple of the same item before you know it sells.
- Not checking sold prices for anything over a few pounds.
