How to Make Money from Car Boot Sales

Whether you’re a regular at your local car boot or just fancy seeing what all the fuss is about, there’s something so satisfying about spotting a little treasure among the clutter!

And if you know what to look for, it’s not just about grabbing a great deal, but you could actually make a bit of money too.

With a few simple tricks, it’s easy to turn those low-cost finds into profit by flipping them online. In this guide, we’ll run through the best things to buy, how to haggle, what to avoid and include a quick price guide to help you get started!

In This Guide:

• What to Look For
• Red Flags to Watch Out For
• How to Haggle
• Seasonal Tips
• Where and How to Sell

What’s Actually Worth Buying at a Car Boot Sale?

Let’s be honest – not everything at a car boot sale is worth your time or money. There’s a lot of tat, but mixed in with the clutter are items that can genuinely be worth picking up, especially if you’re planning to sell them on!

Here are a few things we always keep an eye out for:

Vintage and Retro Items

Stuff from a few decades ago can be surprisingly popular these days, especially with people into second-hand interiors or collecting older bits.

Things like film cameras, kitchenware from the 70s or 80s, typewriters and old radios tend to get snapped up. If it’s well made, looks the part and isn’t falling to bits, it’s probably worth a look. You don’t need to be an expert –  just trust your gut and give things a once-over for condition.

Branded Clothing

You’d be surprised how often you’ll spot a decent label for a few quid. Brands like Levi’s, Barbour, Adidas, Nike or The North Face often turn up, and if they’re genuine and in decent condition, there’s money to be made reselling them.

Check labels, zips and seams for damage, and if you’re unsure whether something’s real, it’s best to leave it. Vintage styles, especially jeans or sportswear, usually do well online.

Old Tech and Gadgets

It’s always worth having a quick browse of the tech stalls. You might come across things like old Apple iPods, vintage gaming consoles, or retro cameras that still resell for a decent price on eBay.

Some might need a clean or a new charger, but there’s a strong second-hand market out there, especially if the item is no longer made. If in doubt, ask if you can test it or look it over for signs of damage.

Toys and Collectables

You’ll often find stalls selling boxes of toys or old board games, and while some will be missing bits, others are well worth a second look. Complete Lego sets, Pokémon cards, original Star Wars figures, or anything from the 90s and early 2000s can still sell well, especially if they’re in good condition. It’s worth checking if all the pieces are there or if the seller has other similar items you can bundle together.

Books and Vinyl

Books and records are usually priced low, which makes them ideal for flipping. First editions, vintage Penguin books, or anything by popular authors can be worth more than you’d think.

The same goes for records, especially classic rock albums or older pressings. If something catches your eye, do a quick search on your phone to check what it’s going for online before you hand over your cash.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Among the good stuff, you’ll often find a fair bit that’s overpriced, broken or just not worth the hassle!

Here are a few things to keep an eye out for:

Fakes that look too good to be true

If someone’s selling a designer handbag or a pair of branded trainers for an unrealistic price that’s much cheaper than the RRP, take a closer look. Check the stitching, the label, the overall quality – if it feels cheap or looks a bit off, it probably is. Misspelt logos and flimsy zips are a big giveaway.

Stuff that’s clearly broken

You’ll see all sorts of electronics at car boots, from old consoles to hair straighteners, but not all of it works. Always ask if it’s been tested, and don’t be afraid to walk away if it looks damaged or bits are missing. Unless you’re handy with repairs, it’s probably not worth it.

Things with parts missing

Lego without the figures, board games with half the pieces gone, power tools with no charger – incomplete items are harder to sell and usually not worth buying unless you’re confident you can replace what’s missing.

Overpriced ‘rare’ items

Now and then, you’ll come across someone who’s convinced their Beanie Baby is worth £500. If a seller starts quoting eBay prices at you, have a quick look at the ‘sold listings’ yourself – that’s the best way to check what it’s going for. Just because something’s old doesn’t mean it’s valuable.

How to Haggle Without the Awkwardness

If haggling makes you feel a bit uncomfortable, that’s normal. It can feel a bit awkward at first. But at a car boot sale, it’s the done thing! Most sellers expect it, and a bit of friendly negotiation is all part of the fun.

Here’s how to do it without overthinking it:

• Be friendly: Smile, say hello and have a bit of a chat! Sellers are more likely to drop the price if they like you.
• Start lower (but not cheeky low): If something’s marked £10, offer £7 or £8. Don’t go in with £2 – you’ll just annoy them.
• Bundle up: Buying a few items from the same stall? Ask for a deal on the lot –  something like, “Will you do all these for a fiver?”
• Have the cash in your hand: Physically showing the coins could help sway the seller. “I’ve got £3 in change – would you take that?”
• Don’t be afraid to walk away: If they won’t budge, smile and move on. You’ll either find the same item elsewhere, or they might call you back with a better price.

Seasonal Car Boot Shopping Tips

Car boot sales aren’t the same all year round – what people sell (and what’s worth buying) often depends on the time of year. If you’ve got a rough idea of what to expect each season, it’s much easier to spot a decent buy.

Spring

This is when the car boot sale season kicks off! People are clearing out sheds and garages, so you’ll often find garden tools, furniture, plant pots and the odd patio heater. It’s also a good time for picking up DIY gear, especially if someone’s had a bit of a spring clean and just wants stuff gone.

Summer

You’ll find the most choice in the summer months, as more sellers turn up and the good weather brings out the crowds. Look out for kids’ toys, bikes, holiday stuff like suitcases and travel plugs, plus sports gear and summer clothes. Try to get there early – the better bits usually go within the first hour or two.

Autumn

As the weather starts to turn, people tend to offload their summer bits – garden furniture, BBQs, fans – often at much lower prices than a few months earlier. It’s also a good time to pick up Christmas decorations, as lots of people start having a clear-out before the season starts!

Winter

Outdoor car boot sales quieten down during winter months, but you’ll still find a few indoor ones if you keep an eye out! This is the time to look for unwanted gifts, cosy jumpers, books, board games and general homeware. Some sellers just want to get rid, so prices can be lower if you don’t mind rummaging in colder weather.

Where and How to Sell your Car Boot Finds

Once you’ve picked up a few good buys, the next step is to resell them, and there are plenty of places to do it online. Whether you’re listing a vintage jacket, an old iPod or a box of Lego, it pays to know which platform suits what. Here are some of the best places to resell your car boot finds:

Vinted

Vinted is great for selling second-hand branded clothes, shoes, accessories and small home bits. It’s quick to use and doesn’t charge seller fees, allowing you to make a maximum profit. People go on Vinted looking for bargains, so items priced fairly tend to sell fast.

Depop

Depop is another online marketplace that’s great for selling vintage fashion and branded sportswear. Depop has more of a trend-led vibe, perfect for shoppers looking for some Y2K fashion, streetwear or quirky pieces. Good photos and short, snappy descriptions do well on Depop. Make sure you’re always as accurate as possible in your captions to ensure 5* reviews from buyers.

eBay

eBay is the perfect marketplace for selling collectables, tech, vinyl, toys and anything with a niche following. If you’ve got something that might be in demand or hard to find, eBay is the place to sell it. Use the “sold listings” filter to check what similar items have gone for before you list them to get the best price.

Facebook Marketplace

If you’re selling bulky items like kids’ toys or furniture, or you’re looking to sell your item via a local pick-up to avoid the hassle of postage, then Facebook Marketplace is ideal.

When you sell via Facebook, there are no fees and no postage; all you have to do is list your item, message interested buyers and arrange a time to meet. This also makes it the perfect platform to sell bundles or low-cost items that aren’t worth posting out.