The exact date to visit the car boot sale and make bargains – and it's only a few weeks away
CAR boot sales are a bargain haven, but you may not know that some days are better for bagging deals than others.
Car expert Rob Walker from Vantage Leasing said knowing when to head to the local car boot sale can help you pack items for less.
If you'd like to give it a try, contact your local car boot sale by searching online or on social media.
It may come as no surprise that Rob thinks the weekend is the best time to score a bargain at a car boot sale.
He said: “There is more competition between sellers when more visitors come, so sellers are often more accustomed to and open to negotiating and accepting lower offers.”
But to get the very best prices, Rob said visiting at a specific time can also be the difference between getting a bargain and leaving empty-handed.
He said: 'Just wait until the end of the day when sellers are more likely to lower their prices to get rid of the stuff.
“Just keep an eye on the specific items you're interested in so they don't get picked up by someone else.”
But if you're really serious about scoring the best bargains, Rob says the best time to visit a sale is the Easter weekend.
He told The Sun: “The Easter holidays would be a good time to pick up a bargain as there may be sellers that you would normally miss as they are normally only there on weekdays.
“The weekend after Easter is also probably a good time to visit the country, as many people will spend the holiday doing some spring cleaning.
“This means the car boot sale will be busy with new sellers and fresh items.”
Of course, it's important that you don't get caught up in the excitement of finding a bargain.
Keep in mind that it's only a good deal if you want to buy the item yourself in the first place and do some research on prices before you arrive.
And if you're hoping to buy something that you can sell, it's a good idea to do some research into where you can sell the items and what price you can expect.
On sales platforms such as eBay and Depop you can get an idea of what sells well – quickly for a good price.
But some platforms may charge a fee or commission for each sale you make, so make sure you check the terms and conditions first.
Top tips for getting the best bargains at a car boot sale
- Save and Sell – It's best to walk into the trunk of a car and think not just about the now, but about what could be worth money in the future. Use platforms like Depop and eBay to see what prices you can expect.
- Game on – Video games are selling well on marketplaces, so keep an eye on these. Good quality, unaltered collectible action figures and memorabilia, such as Star Wars treasures, are also a good bet.
- Labels to Love – Designer items can make a nice profit when resold. A simple pair of jeans can be a wise purchase. Grab a pair for yourself for peanuts or sell a label like Levi's.
- Paintwork – Boot Sale is also great for picking up furniture such as chairs and coffee tables.
What is the best day to sell at a car boot sale?
Rob says there is definitely a knack for maximizing profits, starting when you choose to sell through a car boot sale.
He said: “There is more foot traffic at weekends so more chance of sales, but you will have more competition and may have to lower your prices to sell your items.
“There will be fewer shoppers on weekdays, without people working 9 to 5, but you might find that they are more serious buyers looking for specific items, rather than weekenders who are just browsing without much intention to buy .”
Easter weekend is also a great time to sell your stuff and monopolize the holiday rush.
“Holidays have all the benefits of weekend and weekday car boot sales, so the Easter holidays are probably the best date to make the most money,” Rob said.
Rob also said that spring is a better time to sell than summer.
This is because warm weather can deter would-be bargain hunters who don't want to spend a sunny day in a large crowd.
If you're considering getting involved with the local car boot shop, The Sun has revealed four tricks to help you find the biggest bargains and save money.
Plus, a car boot expert has revealed the five items you should always buy at a car boot sale, and four to avoid.
Do you have a money problem that needs to be solved? Get in touch by emailing money@the-sun.co.uk.
Moreover, you can join us Sun Money chats and tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories.