1. Bring: Clean, Quality Clothes

Clothes are a crowd-pleaser at car boot sales, but they need to be clean and in good shape to sell. Women’s tops, kids’ outfits, and jackets priced at £1–£5 move quickly in Birmingham’s hectic markets. In Scotland’s rural stalls, warm coats and knitted jumpers are always in demand. Iron or fold clothes neatly and group them by size or type to make browsing easy, a tactic that shines in London’s fast-moving sales. Avoid bringing stained, torn, or outdated garments—buyers in Ireland’s chatty markets will pass on anything that looks worn out.

2. Bring: Toys and Kids’ Items

Toys, children’s books, and baby gear are hot sellers, especially for family shoppers. In Manchester, action figures, board games, and puzzles go for 50p–£3, while Wales’ community markets can’t get enough of £1 picture books. Make sure toys are clean—buyers in Ireland are picky about hygiene. Include batteries for electronic toys to show they work, a must for Birmingham’s bargain hunters. Skip broken or incomplete toys, like puzzles missing pieces, which frustrate buyers in Scotland’s smaller sales.

3. Bring: Household Goods and Kitchenware

Kitchenware and household items like mugs, plates, and small appliances (e.g., kettles, toasters) sell well when priced at £1–£5. In London, quirky vintage mugs attract trendy buyers, while Manchester’s stalls see strong demand for cutlery sets or baking trays. Ensure everything is spotless—Wales’ shoppers inspect for scratches or stains. Test appliances before you go, as Ireland’s practical buyers often ask for a quick demo. Avoid chipped ceramics or rusty utensils, which get ignored even in Birmingham’s busy crowds.

4. Bring: Collectibles and Vintage Items

Collectibles like vinyl records, retro video games, and small antiques draw eager buyers, especially collectors. In London, 1960s vinyl can fetch £5–£20, while Birmingham’s markets love £3–£10 Sega or Nintendo cartridges. Scotland’s rural fairs sell old clocks or porcelain, and Ireland’s stalls thrive on vintage jewelry or postcards. Check eBay for fair pricing and highlight an item’s rarity to spark interest. Skip fakes or overpriced collectibles—Wales’ savvy buyers will spot inauthentic goods and walk away.

5. Bring: Books, DVDs, and CDs

Books, particularly fiction, self-help, or kids’ titles, are easy sells at 50p–£2. In Wales, paperbacks are a staple, while Manchester’s buyers snap up £1 DVDs, especially family films. CDs, particularly pop or classic rock, do well in Ireland’s nostalgic markets. Display books upright or in crates for easy browsing, a trick used in Scotland’s organized stalls. Avoid damaged books with torn pages or outdated media like scratched DVDs, which London’s discerning buyers reject outright.

6. Bring: Seasonal and Trending Items

Timing your stock to the season or trends can boost sales. In spring 2025, gardening tools or plant pots (£2–£5) sell fast in Cornwall’s village markets. Summer calls for picnic gear or sunglasses in Birmingham’s sunny sales. Halloween costumes or Christmas decorations are hits in Ireland’s festive fairs. Keep an eye on social media for hot items—retro tech like Tamagotchis or Polaroid cameras is big in London. Skip off-season stock, like winter boots in July, which just clutter Scotland’s summer stalls.

7. Skip: Broken or Unsafe Electronics

Faulty or untested electronics, like cracked phones or old radios, are a hard pass. Manchester’s buyers demand working gadgets, and London’s tech-savvy crowds will test anything you offer. Even “as is” freebies rarely sell in Wales’ markets. Instead, bring tested, functional items like £5 headphones or £10 Bluetooth speakers, which move quickly in Ireland. Always include cables or batteries to prove they work, avoiding complaints in Birmingham’s competitive sales.

8. Skip: Bulky Furniture (Unless Local)

Large furniture, like sofas, beds, or wardrobes, is tricky unless you’re at a local sale with car-friendly buyers. In Scotland’s rural markets, heavy items often sit unsold, and Ireland’s smaller fairs lack the space. Focus on small, portable pieces, like £5 side tables or £10 lamps, which sell in Manchester’s urban markets. London prefers compact decor like mirrors. Use carbootfinder.com to find sales with big parking lots if you must bring furniture.

9. Skip: Personal or Hygiene Items

Used toiletries, makeup, or bedding are a no-go, as they raise hygiene concerns. Buyers in Wales avoid anything too personal, and Ireland’s cautious shoppers steer clear of used sheets or pillows. Even sealed items, like old perfume, get ignored in Birmingham’s stalls. Stick to clean, unused household goods, like £2 candles or £3 picture frames, which draw crowds in London. Prioritize items that feel safe and appealing to keep buyers interested.

10. Plan Your Stock with a Strategy

Before you load your car, plan your stock based on your market’s vibe. London loves trendy clothes and collectibles, while Cornwall prefers quirky homeware or gardening gear. Price low (50p–£5) to move items fast, a strategy that works in Manchester’s competitive pitches. Bring a mix of 20–50 items to keep your stall full, refreshing from your car mid-day, as Scotland’s sellers do. Donate unsold goods to local charities, a common practice in Ireland, or list your next pitch on carbootfinder.com to try again. Need stock checklists? Grab our eBook

Sell Smarter, Win Bigger

Picking the right stock is your ticket to a successful car boot sale, whether you’re in London’s urban buzz or Ireland’s friendly fairs. Load up on clean clothes, toys, and collectibles, and leave broken electronics or bulky furniture behind to keep buyers flocking. With these tips, you’ll clear your stall and boost your earnings. For more selling strategies, pricing tables, and stock planning, get our eBook, ‘Master Car Boot Sales From Scratch: Your Ultimate Guide to Buying, Selling, and Thriving.‘