Bowlee’s back - car boot sale and market returns

Car boot sales are a great way to get rid of lots of your old stuff quickly, earn extra money and have a fun day out – and we’re lucky that one of the biggest and best in Greater Manchester is right on our doorstep.

Bowlee Car Boot Sale and Market returns to Bowlee Community Park on Sunday 2 April and then runs on Sundays and bank holiday Mondays until at least 28 August (excluding 30 April and 8 May).

Five extra dates have been added to the season, with 25 sales to be held this year instead of the usual 20. Other improvements include new on site signage, passes will be available offering discounted parking for regular buyers and additional marshals will be on site to assist visitors.

There’s no need to book, just turn up, and the events run from 6am to 1.30pm. For the fifth year in a row prices have been froze at £15 for cars, £20 for small vans/people carriers/4X4s and £25 for large vans and above. For buyers, there are parking spaces for more than 1,200 cars at £2.50 per vehicle.

The event, now in its thirteenth year will take a break on Sunday 30 April to make way for Tour de Manc – the annual Greater Manchester cycle sportive that sets off from Bowlee Park with the choice of a 50-kilometre, 100-kilometre, 100 mile or 200-kilometre ride. There will also be no sale on Monday 8 May, the extra bank holiday to mark King Charles III’s coronation.

 

 

For all the new dates and more details about the events, visit www.rochdale.gov.uk/bowlee, follow @BowleeCarBoot on Facebook or search #BowleeCarBoot on Twitter. Share your finds on social media using #BowleeBargain

There will be no last minute cancellations – if poor weather is forecast a decision will be announced by 6pm the day before the sale.

Bowlee Car Boot Sale and Market is much more fun than uploading items onto the internet and waiting for them to sell, especially if you get the chance to do one with a friend or your family in the sunshine.

If you’re thinking about doing Bowlee, here are a few tips to boost your takings.

• Sort out what you would like to get rid of and identify the items that other people might want to buy. Popular items at a car boot sale include clothes, accessories, kids’ toys, baby goods, shoes, furniture, ornaments, frames, jewellery, books, games, CDs and DVDs.
• Prepare a float - make sure you have enough change. Get a small bag you can wear across your body to store this money and ensure it's kept safe.
• Most people hate rummaging so use anything you can to help show off your items better. A collapsible table and some portable, sturdy rails are useful for displaying your wares.
• A large mirror is useful if you’re selling clothes and accessories as people like to have a look at what potential purchases look like on.
• Doubling up with a friend or family member can boost sales and you will be quicker setting up. You can both sell your stuff which will mean there will be a variety of stock, making your stall more appealing.
• Making signs, arranging clothes by colour and organising items into categories makes it easier for buyers.
• If something on display is not generating any interest, try swapping it around for a more eye-catching piece that will get more people visiting your stall.
• People will be drawn to your pitch if you are smiling and welcoming. Show an interest in the customer as it has a big impact on sales.
• Most people suggest a price between 10-15% of the original value is a good guideline. Car boot sales are popular with hagglers. Buyers are on the hunt for a great bargain. So try and be flexible with the price!