[AMorgan123Participant]

Hello All

After attending the (inspiring) Infoday in Birmingham yesterday, I woke up this morning with the idea that I would like to do a car boot event to raise the awareness and funding for Myeloma UK.

My house is FULL of good quality and useful clothing (some with tags still on), shoes (some never worn), electrical equipment (still working), books (just a bit dusty), etc, that I don’t need/use/want and my husband, Bob, (a myeloma patient) has said that he also has items that could be sold.

I’ve never done a car boot before (only ever been to a couple in the past). How do I go about it? Is anyone in the Cannock area doing this already or would be interested in joining me?

RSVP with hints and tips please.

[froghallParticipant]

Hi,

Firstly how noble. I too am currently giving my entire wardrobe away to charity……Have also got our local animal rescue centre collecting the rest……..

Have boxed up all that I really can live without, it wasn’t hard. Cannot believe how much clutter we surround ourselves with. I too have quality clothes, etc……..Think my reason for de-cluttering is I don’t want my OH & Son being left with the burden of sorting through it all when the time eventually comes. Plus mentally, its helped me to focus whilst HIGH on steroids. Also I don’t have the energy to do a car boot given my chemo is waring me down. So the next best thing was for me to donate to a couple of local charities…..one of which is collecting the stuff as I have boxes of stuff. . I also spent a fair bit online yesterday buying xmas card/wrapping from the Myeloma & Leukaemia shop…..100% of monies raised goes to each charity…..

So car booting- hard work, very enjoyable/ rewarding, and an eye opener. You’ll get the minority wanting something for nothing, you may be then thinking BUT I paid £50 for this. LET IT GO- is my advice without quibble and save your effort. I remember thinking but if you want more then put it on Ebay….The dealers are priceless and will try all their trusted hoodwinking & distraction tactics, (happened to me) by racing to your stall as and when you are putting out the goodies. Don’t let them near you actual boot-close it- get someone to do the boot with you, so they can keep an eye on who’s handling what. Keep your wits about you with money exchange and make sure you see and calculate what they are having NOT let them tell you, having squirrelled away the goodies in their own boxes/bags which miraculously appear out of nowhere!!……Take plenty of plastic bags, lots of change, a flask/snacks, plus some warm clothing which you can layer – you will be surprised how hungry you get with a 5.00am start and the inevitable fast food vans charge you a fortune. Every penny made would be better spent lining the charities pockets not the burger stalls.  Take you time setting up, as its nice to save some of your better stuff for the normal punters not the dealers after the flurry of trading in the first hour of manic selling.  The pace will slow & then you can restock &  take a much needed breath. Plus you still want a reasonably attractive table. I take a nice cloth to display everything on and try not to store stuff under the table, far to difficult for those us with creaky bones to get to. Don’t spread out too much beyond the table, so you can have control, and regularly re-arrange your display. Above all enjoy- you will learn a lot about human nature too……..Gosh how I miss doing a car boot!……

Cannock is not a million miles away from me, we used to Stafford car boot, both buying and selling for many years. I purchased most of my antique, 1950’s glass collection from there, and all my wonderful pottery.  BUT a car boot is no longer doable just now. You could also display a hand made sign for MYELOMA CHARITY- BUT TO BE HONEST DON’T EXPECT TO GET ANY MORE FOR YOUR STUFF. People really do knock you down. I remember once a lady engaging me in a in depth conversation about a  Boss Polo Shirt- she kept coming back, agonising over the colour/sizing etc. Eventually she wore me down and took the blessed thing away for the grand sum  a £1. I did tell her it wasn’t John Lewis she was shopping at-  it went over her head. lol.

So I hope this has helped, possible scared you……BUT enjoy adding up the funds at the end & the satisfaction of knowing you have taken time out to put the hard work in, raise funds & much needed awareness………good on you!!

Sharron x

PS. Electricals usually get snapped up by the European community, Bag, Shoes & Clothes by discerning ladies- tagged items go first. Books always a good standby. Crocks/glass attract the dealers. Anything goes really. GOOD LUCK & LET US KNOW THE OUTCOME.

 

• This reply was modified 10 years, 1 month ago by  froghall.

[AMorgan123Participant]

Thank you Sharon for all your tips. I will definitely take them all on board. Sending lots of (((HUGS))) for your chemo journey and hope that you get your energies back soon.

As I have so much stuff, and a first minor step, I will be supplying/selling some items at the Myeloma UK Charity Bazaar being held this Sunday (28th) between 1-4 at Whitehaouse Avenue, Wolverhampton (all are welcome if you’re in the area). There’s a bring and buy sale, raffle, refreshments, bouncy castle, face painting and beat the goalie (picture attached).

It’s true that we all seem to gather a lot of stuff over time so I will then look at doing more car boots to raise more funds re-home those items I don’t need (not really being noble though).

I will let you all know how it goes. XXX

I too have purchased Christmas cards and wrapping paper from the Myeloma UK site – can’t believe how fast this year has gone.

[froghallParticipant]

“I  would like to do a car boot event to raise the awareness and funding for Myeloma UK.”

OH Amanda, think I just focused on & saw the words “CAR BOOT” and not charity event – oops!

( There I was thinking I was getting a little more focused with less meds in me this week……..Sorry to rant on.)

I am sure you will only encounter the finest of people at a charity event, hopefully with big pockets and a big heart. All the very best & thankyou for your cyber hugs too.

Sharron

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