A CAR boot pro has revealed her top tricks and tricks to nab the best bargains - and they can make you up to £2,000 a month.
Becky Chorlton, who is from North West England, went to her first car boot sale three years ago after being introduced to them by her mum, who used to go when she was younger.
The 25-year-old then started reselling clothing from boot sales during her Masters year at university to make some extra money - and she hasn't looked back since.
Speaking exclusively to Fabulous Digital, the car boot regular, who has turned reselling clothing into a full-time business, has revealed her top money-saving tips and tricks to getting the best deals and the secret places to look to uncover the hidden gems...
1. Be organised
First up, Becky, who makes around £2,000 from car boot sales every month, advises always planing before you go.
"Research the car boot and what time it opens," she says.
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"Make sure to join the Facebook pages so you can keep up to date with information i.e weather updates and if/when it's on."
2. Bring loose change
Next, Becky, who last year spent £120 at a car boot and ended up turning it into over £1,500 over the next couple of weeks, recommends bringing lots of cash - and your own bags.
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"You need a way to carry all your bargains and reusing old bags is the way forward," she explains.
"Always make sure to bring more cash than you think you’ll need and make sure you have smaller coins so you’ll have change for the £1-£2 bargains."
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3. Be an early bird
Speaking from experience, Becky points out that it pays to get there early.
"I'd always recommend getting to the car boot when it opens to get first pick," she says.
"I usually wake up around 6am every Sunday to get there on time.
"However, if you don’t make it for opening time it’s still worth going!
"I’ve been to car boots just before they shut and found some bargains as stall holders are usually willing to drop prices before the end to clear their items."
4. Have an open mind
According to Formula 1 fan Becky, who says her best find was a £50 super rare vintage Red Bull Biker jacket worth over £250, you should always head into the car boot sale with an open mind.
"Make sure to scan everything and don’t go into them with a specific item you’re looking for," she advises.
All the treasures are usually hidden in boxes and trinkets everybody else is too lazy to look in so get digging. I always rummage through the big piles of clothing as its usually where the cheaper gems are hidden.
Becky Chorlton"The joy of car boots is finding unique pieces you love and seeing the potential in items you may not like at first glance.
"You can always upcycle items for your home or wardrobe."
5. Search high and low
Finding the real hidden gems can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack, so Becky urges people to rummage high and low.
"All the treasures are usually hidden in boxes and trinkets everybody else is too lazy to look in so get digging," she explains.
"I always rummage through the big piles of clothing because it's usually where the cheaper gems are hidden."
6. Buy for all seasons
According to the car boot whizz, it's also worth keeping your eyes peeled for all seasons.
"If you spot the perfect winter coat in July make sure you secure it whilst you can," says Becky, who records behind the scenes of finding her bargains on her TikTok and Instagram pages (@beckysbazaar).
"Items out of season are usually cheaper and more readily available."
7. Check your purchases over
To ensure you're not just throwing away money, Becky notes that it's worth checking your items thoroughly before making a purchase.
If you spot the perfect winter coat in July make sure you secure it whilst you can. Items out of season are usually cheaper and more readily available.
Becky Chorlton"There’s nothing worse than finding a hole or stain in an item after you've bought it," Becky points out.
"Items can be repaired but make sure you know what you’re dealing with before you hand over the money."
8. Barter until your heart's content
Finally, to get the best deals, Becky encourages people to not be scared to barter.
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"It’s part of car boot culture to negotiate on prices and get the best deal so don’t be afraid to go back with a cheaper price," she says.
"The worst case scenario is a 'no' as long as you are polite and reasonable with your negotiation."
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