Which Somerset car boot sales are running in 2018?

However, bargain hunters have been given some handy hints on how to get the most bang for their buck.

The penny-pinching team at discount shopping site PromotionalCodes.org.uk have come up with 15 top tips to make the most of your money at a car boot sale. 

Darren Williams, from the site, said: “Most people don’t realise how valuable car boots sales really are.

“You can get so many different items from ornaments to furniture whilst not breaking the bank.

“If you’re in need of a weekend activity or are looking to revamp your home, get down to your nearest car boots sale to score some killer bargains.”

Here are PromotionalCodes.org.uk's list of top 15 tips for getting the most out of a car boot sales:

1. Judge the weather

A popular location for car boot sales is fields, which can be very muddy on a rainy day. To combat this, make sure you wear appropriate footwear or go when it’s sunny.

1. Bag a bargain by haggling

Although sellers have set prices, no trader wants to take all their items home with them at the end of the day. To successfully haggle make sure you are realistic about what price you want to pay. Don’t take the number too low as you don’t want to cause offence.

1. Don’t be afraid to ask for a discount

As well as haggling, don’t be afraid to ask for a discount when buying multiple products from one stall.

1. Set a budget

If the car boot sale you attend has many tempting options it can be easy to over spend without even realising it. Set yourself a budget and this will ensure that you don’t go over-board with the purchases.

1. Have an idea of what you’re looking for

An important thing to remember when visiting a car boot sale is that it isn’t a bargain if you didn’t need it in the first place.

1. Take batteries with you

When buying items that require batteries, it’s important to check the product still works before parting with your cash.

1. Take a tape measure

If you fall in love with a piece of furniture you can measure it there and then to ensure you don’t miss out on a great purchase.

1. Be kind to sellers and fellow buyers

Car boot sales are a great way to make friends, and it’s important not to get competitive if somebody else wants an item you have your eye on.

1. Make sure you keep your purse closed and don’t flash large sums of money

Unfortunately, pickpockets go to car boot sales too and will not hesitate at the chance to grab the £20 dangling out of your wallet.

1. Allow sellers time to set up their table and wares

Even though it may be tempting, avoid diving into seller’s boots to rummage through items. They will appreciate being given time to set up and might even be more likely to give you a bargain.

1. Go with a friend

Not only will it be more fun, but also very helpful when lifting large and heavy items back to the car.

1. Make a note of the car number plate

Writing down a seller’s car details is vital if you pay for an item that you intend to collect later. It can be very easy to forget which car you bought the item from in a busy car boot sale.

1. Find the majority of bargains towards the end of the boot sale

Towards the end sellers will be getting desperate to get rid of items they don’t want clogging up their attics. The perfect time to bag a bargain.

1. Don’t be shy

Don’t be afraid to ask questions about any item you may want, the seller should be knowledgeable about the piece's backstory.

1. Look carefully

Some of the more valuable and fascinating items might be hidden away at the back of the boot or under a table.

If the tips have stirred you into action, here are a list of some of the car boot sales planned, or already up and running, in Somerset...

• Prockters Farm, Blundells Lane, Monkton Heathfield
  Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays
  Open: 9am - sellers queue from 8am.
  Car parking £2 per vehicle; buyers on foot, £1 per adult
  Sellers: From £7
  www.facebook.com/Paulspromotionsltd

• Cheddar Car Boot Sale & Market, BS27 3RH
  Every Sunday
  Open: 6am - 2pm
  Entry costs £1
  Indoor and outdoor puitches available (from £8)
   
• Bishop's Hull playing field, Bishop's Hull Hill, Taunton
  Sunday, April 22, 2018
  Entry is free
  Sellers from 7am - £5
  www.facebook.com/groups/803082049867805/
   
• Donyatt Car Boot 
  Held each Saturday from March 29
  Open: 7.30am for sellers, 8am for buyers
  Entry costs £1
  Sellers: From £3
  50p of all charges goes to the air ambulance
  www.facebook.com/Donyatt-Carboot-451150605016513/
  
  Do you run a car boot sale in Somerset? Drop us a line at newsdesk@countygazette.co.uk and we will start a list...