Monday 27 April 2009

Boot Market Time



I went to the boot market yesterday for the first time since last autumn and boy was I surprised. Ok, so it was a nice, sunny day and that always draws the crowds but it was BIG. Twice it’s usual size and there were more people than I’ve ever seen there before. Far more. Like more than double the number. That’s a lot of people. The car park had been extended but even that wasn’t enough - cars were parked along verges for a good few hundred yards or so on either side of the road too.

Another thing I noticed was that a lot of the stall holders were asking more for their stuff than they previously had. Not huge amounts, but a pound rather than 50p, that sort of thing. Some were taking the p**s though… £2 for a chiffon scarf? I don’t think so.

I managed to get myself a few bits that I’m really happy with. A lamp for the guest room when it’s eventually decorated (this summer some time), a little white cotton summer blouse, a belt, a scarf (not the one to two quid, I hasten to add), a spider plant and four necklaces. All in all I spent £6. Can’t grumble at that. LM got herself a really pretty dress for £3.50 too. One of those handy ones that you can just chuck in a weekend bag and it comes out uncreased. And that dries in no time, too. She was pleased :)

There’s absolutely no doubt in my mind that the recession is sending more people in the direction of car boot sales. People wanting to make a few bob by getting rid of their unwanted stuff and others hoping to bag a bargain rather than pay full whack in the shops. Reusing… wonderful :)

And the fact that my fashion conscious daughter (albeit, not a strict follower of high street fashion) can find stuff she likes there is proof that it’s not all tat at the boot market. Far from it. Half of my home and wardrobe has come from car boot sales and I’m not ashamed to admit it, either.

Cross fingers it’s nice weather next Sunday and I’ll be off bargain hunting again. No doubt a good few of you will be doing the same :)

Sharon J xx

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48 comments:

Joanne Neild said...

I too used to love the carboot market in our local area (you know the one) but I have found that people are trying it on with the prices.

I have now found two fab little charity shops not too far away where I can pick up some lovely items at great prices. For example a beautiful Per Una corduroy bag nearly brand new for £2 :)

I completely agree with you on the "tat" issue, in fact you tend to find that some items have been bought in haste and not even used at all!

Anyway that people can recycle no matter where or how can only be a good thing in my book.

Margaret's Ramblings said...

Most of my wardrobe has come from car boot bargains and charity shops. I have no shame about it, more pride than anything, I love to give a new home for something it's owner has no further use for. Up in Nottingham we haven't found a rise in prices but there are definately more carbooters.

Margaret

ps:glad to see you posting, missed you

Lizzie @ her homeworld said...

I am the same. I love second hand stuff. I like the bargain but also the saving of waste & destruction. Lastly I like the quality you can get. I am thinking second hand oak furniture for the same price and MFI laminate. My mum said all my children clothes came from CBS when they were little. Her secretary thought it was some upmarket store!
Lizzie

Anonymous said...

i can testify that both you and LM are v stylish, so if you shop at boot fairs, wow, well done!

i get all my clothes from ebay these days (being a shortie, lots of regular shop clothes don't fit me), plus
a) i hate buying what's in high street fashion/what the people in this small town like to wear;
b) prices - shops are mad, even so-called bargain shops are often quite expensive (oh how i miss the primark i used to live near)
c) it's way more environmentally-friendly to buy secondhand or at least the shop purchase someone else decided they didn't want

do you know if yard/table top sales work? as you know, boyfriend & i need to get rid of lots of stuff, including furniture, so we were thinking of a yard/table top sale at our home.

No one is you ...& that's your power said...

Hi Sharon
Sounds like you had some real bargains. Its nice to just pay a fraction of the price as well as reusing what people dont want I say.
So sorry to hear about your dad too.
x Dom

Poppy said...

I love carboots, and went to my first one of the year on Sunay. I got some really nice old gardening books and a really nice camera for a fiver! Can't ask for more really.

- Jan - said...

I'm so glad you got yourself a pretty good bargain. I envy you because we don't have that kind of stuff in my country. I went once though when I was still in Canada, and it was great. And the recycling part ... thumbs-up!!

- Jan - said...

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moneyfunk said...

This boot market idea sounds so fun that I am thinking of organizing one in my community! lol! How fun!

Benjamin said...

British expressions are always hilarious, "taking the P**s". Haha. Chip Chip Cheerio Guvnr

Lala!! said...

Hi Sharon, How are you? Thinking of you and hope not too bad at the mo. Chris

Betsy Bargain said...

Here in the states we have flea markets and yard sales. I've noticed a big increase in shoppers at both types of sales. Prices seem about the same, although it seems the quality of the merchandise has gone down. I used to find barely worn, fashionable clothes for next to nothing, and lately it seems people are putting their really old things up for sale. I think they are cleaning out their closets, desparate for anything to sell, since so many people are out of work here.

Debi said...

You there, hon? Hope all's ok. x

Mike Pastore said...

Boot market stuffs are not bad at all. I mean though they are second-hand, they are guaranteed beautiful and still useful. Not only that, you can save a lot from shopping in boot markets than going to the normal shops. At times like ours, we need to save and set our prides aside.

For tips on personal finance, visit http://www.mikesmillions.com/blog.

Joost Hoogstrate said...

Hi Sharon, it’s nice to get to buy stuff at real throw away prices. But ‘average price’ of throw away prices is on the rise, as you have clearly mentioned. Still we in http://climatarians.org guess it’s a bargain. And you get good stuff too. No reason to complain. It’s good the save and spend less when we have the opportunity to do so.

Keep boot marketing!
Joost Hoogstrate

Debi said...

Still wondering - and maybe also worrying ...

E. James said...

Hi Sharon,
Sorry to hear about your dad!

I think being frugal is the way to go in current economy. People like you are really making it fashionable to shop from boot markets.

way to go!

Georgina (formerly Cherry) said...

Hello Sharon - I am sorry I haven't been by for a while, but it seems we have had a shared experience - my father died on March 11 after a long period of decline. I see you haven't posted for a while and I hope you are alright. During Dad's last months I deleted remoteknitter, feeling I would never have a life of my own again. Mum is just about coping now. I hope your mother is managing. I hope you are managing and I send you my love. XX

Anonymous said...

Sharon, really hope you are OK!

bifold doors said...

Any one seen any bi folding doors at the carboot markets yet.

lellyatt said...

I absolutely love car booting and both self and buy! It's a great way to feel better about shopping without wasting all the bits and bobs that get collected around the house!
Brilliant!

gifts for men said...

Its the same case with me. I also trie to get the perfect one for me last week and end up at nothing.

Debi said...

I've emailed but no response. Seen some site visits to my blog referred from here. Is it you???

Please get in touch if you see this. xxx

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Anonymous said...

I agree. I love the second hand shops and prefer them over Walmart (gasp!) type stores always.
I also donate often as I believe we could completely change the world by recycling.
:)
Great post!

ParisGirl111 said...

I love getting secondhand items because there is no feeling like it when you find something you really love and get it for a bargain. I have a cardigan that I got for $7 and have worn it for years. One of those pieces that never goes out of style!

Mary Q Contrarie said...

I have never heard of a "boot market" before. It sounds wonderful. In my community we have garage sales. This requires me to drive all over town to see what treasures and junk people have put into their garages to sale. This morning I did find a great clothes drying rack and hammock. Both of which I can put to great use in this summer's sunshine.

Soft said...

Really great and simple tip this one. I feel like with a lot of these things it’s a very simple thing to do its just difficult emotionally.

Frugal Living said...

I think it's about time more people started going to boot fairs..... Too many people buying new and throwing away old so good to see a rise in the numbers.

I have been out of the UK for 3 years now so not been to a boot fair in a long while.

Thanks,
Forest.

Parag said...

I like shopping on my own as it gives me freedom of choice and more importantly, I am responsible for my Personal finance.

Sandy Garfield said...

I used to love the allure of the unknown at car boots, but I seem to find those special things less and less these days. Maybe it's just bad luck I don't know but there's nothing better than finding something truly wonderful though.

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Jason said...

@parisgirl111 I couldn't agree with you more.

Stress Relief said...

Great written, well information provided about the market.

d wood said...

I love going to them and trying to find bargains also helps fill in a sunday some things you can pick up are like new also give you the chance to try your haggling skills

James Frenkline said...

Well i love this, i love charity as well. Charity shop not only help many people but also improve their life style as well.Car Hire Excess

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