Car boot sale
1. Research: visit www.carbootjunction.co.uk to choose a location. First, go as an observer and see where the best sites are located; often these are close to the entrance or food stalls.
2. Pack the night before: put your items in boxes allowing you to quickly load your car in the morning. Take a paste table and sheets to present your goods, also have plenty of loose change.
3. Avoid price labels: it saves time, and people may pay more than you expect for an item. www.ebay.co.uk makes you aware of approximately how much products are worth second hand.
4. Get there early: arrive before the seller's opening time to be one of the first in the queue in order to choose your high-traffic site; if it's wet weather, look for dry areas.
5. Go with a friend: an extra pair of hands can be useful for when you need a break, and to keep an eye on your goods.
6. Prepare answers to objections that buyers may have, for example: 'Does the torch work?' Have batteries with you. 'It's too expensive.' Know the recommended retail price and respond 'brand new this would cost eight times the price'. 'It's awkward to carry.' Have bags at hand. 'How does this work?' Include instruction booklets.
7. Bargains attract: eye-catching signs often work; BOGOF (Buy One Get One Free) or more creative ones like 'treasure trove' - for some of your older items (jewellery, ornaments, pictures etc.)
8. Set your stall out like a retailer would: during summer; garden shears, gnomes and parasols in a prominent position. Place all-year round items such as books in a "great reads" box. If you are selling clothes, use a clothes rail. View your stall from the front as a customer would - what would appeal to YOU if you were passing by? Like seasonal sales, serious buyers arrive early.
9. Charm sells: be polite and upbeat, show interest in the customer, it has a huge effect on sales. If someone is interested in the camera, ask them questions, for example; what type of photos will they be taking? Do they print their own photos? They may be interested in filters and a colour printer, especially if you show them how they work. Be confident in your approach: if you are unhappy with an offer, politely say no and tell them why you feel it's worth the price you are asking, but be prepared to bargain.
10. The final clearance: if you want to go home with an empty boot, use your vocal chords to good effect and let customers know of some great tactical combinations, for example; tennis racquet and 10 balls were £15, now £9 for the lot. Above all, enjoy the fun of being a seller.
Marc Lockley is a negotiation coach and author of How To Pay Less for More, a consumer guide to getting the best deals whatever you are buying. Marc's opinions are his own and for general information only. Always seek independent advice.