Car boot sales resources

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Car Boot Sale Resources

Important Note:

The following information is provided as a useful resource for those interested in running a car boot sale, selling at a car boot sale, or visiting a car boot sale to buy items. It is provided as a courtesy, but you should ensure you check all legal, tax and financial matters with a qualified professional or a government representative to ensure you have the latest and definitive information relating to participation in car boot sales.

If it is not obvious, you need to make a judgement. or find out if the person you are buying from is a private individual selling surplus household items, or is a trader, often selling new items.

If you buy goods from someone who is in business, you have rights against the seller if they (the goods) are not of satisfactory quality, fit for the purpose or correctly described. If there is a problem with the goods you can return them to resolve the problem. However, if you buy from a private seller, the only requirement is that the goods are described correctly, so 'caveat emptor' or 'buyer beware' very much applies.

Citizens Advice Bureau
The Citizen's Advice Bureau hav a useful guide on how the law applies to buyers and sellers at car boot sales.

Barnet - London Borough
The London Borough of Barnett have issued some guidelines on the use of land for car boot sales, and the need for planning permission.

MHRA - Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
Information on the distribution of medicines at market stalls. This would apply especially if you were offering any herbal or homeopathic remedies etc.

Newcastle Council
Newcastle City Council have given some very good advice on distinguishing between a trader and a member of the public selling personal goods at a car boot sale.

Cambridgeshire County Council
Information on the trade versus private sales at car boot sales.

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Car Boot Sale bottom line:

If you are planning to sell items at a car boot sale, the main thing you must consider is whether you are a trader or a member of the public. There is no tight legal definition of a trader, so if you sell at car boot sales frequently, or buy in items to sell, you would probably be classed as a trader. This means you must comply with all legislation as it applies to a trader, including retail and health and safety legislation.

If you are organising a car boot sale, don't assume you can use a spare bit of land and invite all people onto it. You will need to check out planning permission with your local council. The detail and degree of sympathy varies from council to council, so be prepared to work the problem and show the council the benefits you are providing. There will be a limit on the number of times a year you can hold a car boot sale. You may also find there are local byelaws prohibiting the holding of a sale within a specified distance of some local town centre or feature.

Local Car Boot Sale Information:

Devon Car Boot Sales
Devon Car Boot Sales is an events calendar that offers free publicity for car boot sales in Devon