There’s nothing quite like a car boot sale to bring a community together – and it’s a fantastic way to raise money for your local cancer and bereavement charity. Whether you’re having a clear-out at home or gathering items from friends and family, running a car boot stall is a simple, low-cost way to fundraise for CancerCare.
The idea of fundraising can feel daunting if you’re new to it, but CancerCare’s friendly and experienced team are here to support you every step of the way.
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April: run a charity car boot stall for CancerCare
How do I host a stall at a car boot?
First things first – find your local car boot sale. These usually take place at weekends on fields, car parks or community spaces. Check online or ask around locally to find one near you.
Once you’ve found your chosen car boot, contact the organisers to book your pitch. Some allow you to turn up on the day, while others require advance booking. Let them know you’re fundraising for charity – some organisers may even offer discounted pitches.
Next, pick your date and start planning what you’re going to sell. A successful car boot stall usually includes a variety of items such as:
- Clothes and shoes
- Books, DVDs and games
- Toys and children’s items
- Homeware and kitchen items
- Small furniture or decorative pieces
Have a clear-out at home and ask friends, family and colleagues to donate items they no longer need. This is a great way to build stock without spending money.
Think about logistics too. Consider:
- How you’ll transport your items
- What time you need to arrive (early starts are common at car boot sales!)
- How you’ll display your items on the day
Finally, email fundraising@cancercare.org.uk to let the team know you’re planning a car boot fundraiser. They’ll be able to offer advice and support to help you get started.
What equipment do I need?
Running a car boot stall is relatively simple, but having the right equipment will make all the difference.
Here are the essentials:
- A table or surface – wallpapering tables or fold-out tables work perfectly
- Clothing rails or hangers – ideal for displaying clothes clearly
- Boxes or crates – to organise smaller items
- A float of change – coins and small notes for handling cash transactions
- Price labels or stickers – to make pricing clear and easy
- Carrier bags – for customers to take their purchases home
- Gazebo or umbrella (optional) – helpful in case of unpredictable weather
You may also want to bring chairs, blankets (for ground displays), and snacks or drinks for yourself – car boot days can be long!
Don’t forget to pick up CancerCare collection tins and Gift Aid envelopes if available. These can help boost your fundraising efforts on the day.
How do I fundraise?
There are several ways to raise money through your car boot stall, and you can combine a few methods to maximise your total.
The simplest option is to sell your items and donate the proceeds. Price items clearly, but be prepared to negotiate – it’s all part of the car boot experience!
You could also:
- Add a small donation option alongside purchases
- Display a CancerCare collection tin for spare change
- Offer bundle deals (e.g. “3 items for £5”) to encourage larger purchases
- Include a few higher-value items to attract interest
Gift Aid is another great way to increase your fundraising. If your supporters are UK taxpayers, their donations could be worth 25% more at no extra cost to them.
You might even consider adding a small raffle or selling refreshments alongside your car boot stall to generate extra income.
What do I need to make my car boot stall a success?
A successful car boot fundraiser comes down to preparation, presentation and enthusiasm.
Make your stall eye-catching:
- Arrange items neatly and group similar things together
- Use signage to highlight prices or deals
- Keep your most appealing items at the front
Be approachable and friendly. Engaging with people passing by can make a big difference – a simple smile or chat can turn interest into a sale.
Timing is also key. Arriving early helps you secure a good pitch and catch the first wave of buyers, who are often the most eager.
Stay flexible. Some items may not sell straight away, so be open to lowering prices later in the day to maximise what you raise.
Most importantly, enjoy the experience! A car boot stall is not just about fundraising – it’s about connecting with your local community and making a real difference.
Remember, CancerCare’s team are always on hand to support you, whether that’s providing materials, advice or helping to promote your event. All of the charity’s income comes from fundraising and donations, so every effort truly counts.
I’ve held my car boot stall! Now what?
Amazing work – thank you for supporting CancerCare!
Once your car boot fundraiser is complete:
- Count up your total raised
- Pay your money in online or at your nearest CancerCare centre
- Get in touch with the team to share your success
If you’re happy to, send in photos and stories from your day – they may be shared on social media to inspire others.
You’ll receive an official thank you, and we encourage you to pass that thanks on to everyone who donated, bought items or supported your car boot stall.