Tabletop sales (or occasional sales, car boot sales, jumble sales, whatever you call them) are pretty much a goldmine for unique, affordable finds.
But finding them? That's the real challenge - but not anymore.
We've cracked the code to finding the best tabletop sales in the UK – and it’s time to share all our secrets. In this post, I'll show you step-by-step how to ditch the FOMO and score some amazing finds.
Best tabletop sales in the UK
Stonham Barns Sunday Car Boot Sale: This one's a hidden gem in Suffolk! Stonham Barns is known for its well-maintained grounds, friendly atmosphere, and diverse selection of goods. You'll find everything from antiques and collectables to clothes, toys, and even plants. Plus, there's no entry fee for buyers, which means more money for shopping! Just be prepared for a bit of a bumpy ride if you're parking on the field.
Kentish Town Car Boot: This car boot sale is a community favourite! It's known for its friendly vibe, delicious toasted sourdough sandwiches, and awesome selection of vintage finds, handmade crafts, and unique treasures. The organisers are super helpful and dedicated to creating a positive experience for everyone. Plus, they've got a cute little cafe where you can refuel with coffee and toasties.
Allington Car Boot and Market: Get ready for a HUGE selection of goods! Allington is known for its massive field, flat ground (easy walking!), and a great mix of stalls. You'll find everything from clothes and household items to plants, antiques, and even handmade crafts. They've also got top-notch food vendors, so you can grab a bite to eat while you shop.
Pendeen Car Boot Sale At Stratton: This Cornish gem is a must-visit for any jumble sale enthusiast! Pendeen is known for its friendly sellers, stunning views, and a huge variety of goods. You'll find everything from antiques and collectables to plants, clothes, and even local produce. Plus, there's free parking and no entry fee, which is always a bonus! Just be sure to check their Facebook page for updates on opening times.
But this is just the tip of the iceberg.
The truth is, there are hundreds of tabletops sales all over the UK every single week, and the chances are you won’t want nor have the time to travel to all of them if they’re miles away, even if they are really good.
The best thing you can do is find the tabletop sales in your area and then figure out which are the best and which will give you the best deals.
How to find the best UK tabletop sales
Don't worry, it's easier than you think. We even wrote a dedicated guide on it.
1. Go old school (like really old school)
Okay, hear me out. Your grandparents might be onto something with their love of local newspapers. Seriously, check out the classifieds and community event sections – you'll be surprised what you find!
Pro tip: Hit up your local library for free access to newspapers, and save your money for the actual sales.
2. Become a community investigator
This is where your detective skills come in. Check out notice boards in your neighbourhood, chat with the folks at your local community centre, and don't be afraid to strike up conversations at the farmer's market. You never know who might have the inside scoop on upcoming sales.
3. Get on the apps
Sure, Insta and Facebook are good for inspo, but they're not gonna help you find those hidden gems. We created Ganddee to help you discover local tabletop sales, second-hand shops, and all kinds of cool places to score unique finds.
Plus, it's got exclusive offers and discounts, so you can save even more coins.
4. School's in (for tabletop sales)
Remember those school newsletters your parents used to ignore? Yeah, those are actually goldmines for tabletop sale info. Schools often host sales as fundraisers, so keep an eye on their websites and newsletters or even reach out to the PTA.
5. Slide into the DMs (of other thrifters)
Okay, this might sound a little extra, but trust me. Your favourite Instagram thrifter? Hit them up. Really! They’ll likely have the lowdown on sales happening nearby. Just be cool about it, okay? No spamming!
6. Join ALL the groups
Seriously, don't sleep on Facebook groups!
It may be a bit of a happy birthday graveyard over there, but your local community almost definitely has a bunch of groups dedicated to buying, selling, and trading. Join them all! You might just find someone posting about a sale happening in their backyard this weekend.
Tips for tabletop success
Alright, you've found some sales – nice one! Now it's time to get the bag.
Here are some tips to help you score the best deals:
Early bird gets the worm: Set your alarm, grab your cutest tote bag, and just get there early, okay?! The best bits get snatched up quick, so you’ve gotta be on your A-game.
Haggle like a boss: Don't be afraid to haggle! Most sellers are down to negotiate, especially if you're buying a whole haul. Just remember to keep it respectful. A little charm and a genuine compliment can go a long way.
Cash is queen: Sellers might take cards (because, duh, it's 2024!), it's always a good idea to bring cash, especially for smaller finds. Plus, you'll be less likely to overspend if you're physically handing over bills.
BYOB (Bring your own bag): Save the planet and your money by bringing your own reusable bags.).
Inspect before you check out: Tabletop sales are all about preloved stuff, so don't expect everything to be perfect. Give everything a good once-over before you buy to make sure there are no hidden surprises later on.
Wrapping up
Tabletop sales are a great way to find unique treasures, save money, and be kinder to the planet. With Ganddee and the other resources we've explored, you'll soon become a tabletop sale pro in no time.
Oh, and if you’re looking for a sweet, simple tool to help you find all the tabletop sales, jumble sales, car boots, charity shops, vegan cafes, vintage events, pop-up stalls and more across the country, check out Ganddee.
Every store, outlet and event that has anything to do with thrifting can be found here, and best of all, it’s free!
Download it today, and see you out there in the field!
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