RESELLING has become one of the most popular side hustles in the UK, and no one does it better than Becky Chorlton.
The 26-year-old from Lymm, Cheshire, has made over £100,000 and has now turned it into her full-time job.
Becky Chorlon has made reselling her full-time job[/caption]
And here, Becky exclusively tells Fabulous how you can make a killing by rummaging through other people’s trash at car boot sales.
Her reselling career came from humble beginnings as a university student.
She started by selling pieces she already has in her own wardrobe on second-hand selling platforms Depop and Vinted.
She previously told Fabulous: “As a student I had a part-time job in a shoe shop, earning around £6 an hour, but I knew I could earn more from reselling.
“I started off small, selling my own clothes online from a little rail in my bedroom. I already had so much stuff that I’d bought from charity shops and it was all worth more than what I’d paid.”
Becky began earning £100 a week and realised she could earn even more so started buying extra stock often with her mum, Sandra, by her side.
But almost six years on, she now scours car boot sales and charity shops to sell items online and can rake in £3,000 a month.
Now she shares the exact items and brands that you must look out for if you want to make quick cash and how to navigate the world of car boot sales.
How to prepare
If you’ve never been woken up by a 5am alarm to get to a car boot sale nice and early, then your first time there can be daunting.
Fortunately Becky has shared some tips on what you can expect and what you need to prepare.
The first tip is to plan before you go, join Facebook groups to see local car boot sales near you, what times they open and what they sell.
You also want to make sure you check the weather before heading out as it can have a massive impact on how many sellers turn up.
Always bring cash as you won’t find card readers and bring reusable bags for your goods.
Becky also says you need to go in with an open mind rather than looking for a specific item.
She says: “The joy of shopping second hand is finding unique pieces you love, see the potential in items you may not like at first glance.”
Becky also says you need to rummage and not miss a section to get the best goodies.
“All the treasures are usually hidden in boxes and trinkets everybody else is too lazy to look in so get digging,” she adds
“Sometimes I find the best stuff in bags on the floor or on a rail that is difficult to get to don’t be afraid to climb over things or get down on your hands & knees.”
If you do plan to resell items, make sure you thoroughly check them for holes and stains while there, otherwise you might have to drop the price.
How to barter
While Becky tends not to barter with sellers, she does recommend it if you’re buying for yourself.
The first thing to remember is if you don’t ask you don’t get so don’t be shy with asking for a cheaper price.
On the other hand, Becky says don’t be cheeky and be realistic.
“If you’re buying multiple items from a particular stall, make sure you ask about a cheaper bundle price,” she recommneds.
Another pro tip from Becky is to not look too interested in the item you want.
She explains: Try not to look too interested in the item you want to buy before asking, if the stall holder knows you really want it they most likely won’t lower the price.”
Becky now makes £3,000 a month scouring car boot sales and charity shops[/caption]
Spotting a fake
As a reseller, Becky knows how to spot a fake easily, but it might not be as easy if you’re just starting out.
She says: “Check the label & tags, look for misspelling or poorly replicated logos. Genuine brands use consistent fonts and sizing.”
Luxury products will always have clean stitching so make sure it’s even and compare it with photos online.
You can also do your own research as many luxury goods have QR codes to authenticate them.
She shared the brands to look out for that always rake in cash[/caption]
Top brands and items to buy
If you’re looking to make money quickly from reselling, Becky has revealed the rbands and items that always work for her i making a huge profit.
The first would be vintage McDonald’s merch.
She said: “I love vintage McDonalds merchandise and always keep a look out for old happy meal toys to add to my collection.
“I came across a McDonalds drive thru play set from the early 2000s which was being sold for £8, I listed it on eBay and it sold just before Christmas for £350.”
Becky also recommends looking for old vintage biker and racing jackets.
One she found was covered in mud but cost just £50 so she took it home and cleaned it and then found the same one in a Fiorucci store in London Soho with a price tag of £250 on it.
Other products to look out for include Vintage Nike which have a silver Nike tag, as well as anything y2k themed as it’s back in fashion.
She adds: “Once I found the most stunning collection of pieces & she only wanted £1 each for everything. I must’ve bought about 25 items from her filling a huge IKEA bag. I resold each piece at my market stall for £10-£15 each.”
Last but not least was any type of vintage T-shirt as mega fans will pay a lot to get their hands on one, and there’s one way to tell if they are.
Becky says: “T-shirts with a single stitch rather than a double stitch around the sleeves and edges. It’s how they were made back in the day and it’s always cool to find them at car boot sales.
“If you find a super rare one they’re always worth good money. I found a 3D emblem truckers only single stitch tshirt in a charity shop for £7.99 – they are listed on eBay for £300-£400.”
Becky hared how to spot a vintage T-shirt instantly[/caption]
UKs biggest & best car boots
1. Arminghall Car Boot Sale, Norfolk
Arminghall is one of the largest car boot sales in Norfolk, attracting thousands of visitors every week. It offers a vast array of goods, from antiques and collectibles to fresh produce and clothing.
2. Bristol and Bath Car Boot Sale, Somerset
Held at the Bath Racecourse, this car boot sale is known for its size and variety. It’s a must-visit for bargain hunters and those looking for unique items.
3. The Giant Shepton Mallet Flea & Collectors Market, Somerset
Located at the Bath and West Showground, this market is held several times a year and is one of the largest in the country. It features a mix of traditional car boot stalls and antique dealers.
4. Denham Giant Car Boot Sale, Buckinghamshire
Denham is one of the largest car boot sales in the South East, offering a wide range of items from household goods to vintage treasures. It’s a popular spot for both buyers and sellers.
5. Wimbledon Car Boot Sale, London
Held every Saturday and Sunday, the Wimbledon Car Boot Sale is one of London’s most famous. It attracts a diverse crowd and offers an eclectic mix of items.
6. Chiswick Car Boot Sale, London
Known for its friendly atmosphere and high-quality goods, the Chiswick Car Boot Sale is a favourite among Londoners. It’s held on the first Sunday of every month.
7. Chelford Car Boot Sale, Cheshire
One of the North West’s largest car boot sales, Chelford offers a huge selection of items. It’s a great place to find everything from garden tools to vintage clothing.
8. York Racecourse Car Boot Sale, Yorkshire
This car boot sale is held at the York Racecourse and is one of the largest in the region. It features hundreds of stalls and attracts a large number of visitors.
9. Belfast Car Boot Sale, Northern Ireland
Located at the King’s Hall Complex, this car boot sale is the biggest in Northern Ireland. It offers a wide range of goods and is a great place to find a bargain.
10. Edinburgh Corn Exchange Car Boot Sale, Scotland
One of Scotland’s largest indoor car boot sales, it’s held every Sunday and offers a vast array of items. It’s perfect for those looking to shop in a weather-proof environment.
