Car Boot Sale & Bargain Hunters Galore!

With recent sponsorship from my fabulous friends I am even closer to reaching my target but I don't want to fall at the last hurdle so in an effort to keep up momentum I set my alarm for a painful 6:30 this morning and set off early to pitch at the Omni Car Boot Sale here in Edinburgh. 

I had spent last Sunday gutting my parent's attic for items I could sell and had a vast array of stuff, ranging from cuddly toys & childhood games to kitchen items, from sports equipment to cushions and jewellery to books. It was quite cathartic sorting it all out but certain items brought back memories of saving my pocket money for weeks on-end to buy a treasured item! Mum kindly agreed to help me and also dug out some bits & pieces I could sell, not only that she kindly gave up her time to help me sell as much as I could today! I did at least treat her to breakfast at Frankie & Benny's as a thank you! 

Having never done a car boot sale before I wasn't quite sure what to expect and both Mum and I were surprised by the number of cars, the level we were on in the multi-story could hold 300 cars and it was full, unbelievable! There were plenty of regular sellers and those in the know, seeking out desired items even before we had opened up. I lost count of the number of traders tapping me on the shoulder for gold or silver or any antiques before we had even finished setting up! Sadly I had nothing they fancied but I did manage to sell a remote-control car before the doors were even open to the public!

When the crowds descended they were all after a bargain, not willing to part with more than a couple of quid a time. I was lucky to get 50p sometimes, even with my WaterAid banner and balloons shouting out it's for charity! With a £15 entrance fee and £3 per table and rail hire I was fearful of even meeting my outgoings so Mum and I got stuck right into it and sold as hard as we could for the next 4 hours! 

My Body Shop products were well received, certainly a lot of interest was shown in them but I basically I had to drop to 75% off RRP to get rid of anything. Disappointing as my stock cost more than that in the first place but then again I had pretty much written that money off when I gave up being a consultant. The low point of the day was when a woman determined to get herself a bargain helped herself to some BS make-up brushes without paying, sadly I wouldn't even recognise her again so no-point in reporting her to the organisers. On the upside a gentleman gave me £1 when he saw we were doing it for Charity, even though he didn't want anything, I really appreciated that! Some items I had a little reserve on such as my Scanner, Mini-disc player and child carrier and as it was clear no-one was going to offer decent for these items I decided to put them on Gumtree instead. I was pleased to sell my old Sony Walkman for £1 though as it's rare for anyone to use cassettes these days! My old netball stand also went for £1.50 and Dad will be delighted to have that out his garage! lol 

All-all-in it was a successful morning as we raised £73 profit after costs and I am one-step closer to my goal. A big shout out to my best friend Laura for donating a few bits & pieces too, everything but the hat was sold! Another shout out to my dear Mum, I appreciate your help so much and was glad of your company, just a shame we got such a dark corner of the parking lot! Having added today's proceeds to my current total, I have so far raised £3845, just £155 to go. Remember you can sponsor me securely through Just Giving at: www.justgiving.com/trekforwater2013. I know we are all finding it tough these days but anything you can spare will make a difference. Help if you can, karma will repay you :-)

I am exhausted now so will close here, it's been a long day and my muscles are aching from yesterday's gym sesh! This fundraising/training malarkey can really take it out of you! From experience baking cakes is an easier way to make money than car boot sales so I am glad I tried it but I think once in a lifetime is enough!!

Sx