What Time Do Carboot Sales Start?
A complete guide to boot sale opening and closing times
What time do car boot sales start? Most car boot sales in the UK open between 6:00am and 7:00am for sellers, with buyers allowed in from 7:00am to 8:00am. However, times vary between venues, so always check the individual listing before you go.
Typical Carboot Sale Times
| Time Slot | Outdoor Sales | Indoor Sales |
|---|---|---|
| Seller Setup | 5:30am - 7:00am | 7:00am - 8:00am |
| Early Bird Entry | 6:00am - 6:30am (£2-£5) | Not usually available |
| General Entry | 7:00am - 8:00am (50p-£1) | 8:00am - 9:00am (50p-£1) |
| Peak Time | 8:00am - 11:00am | 9:00am - 12:00pm |
| Closing | 12:00pm - 2:00pm | 1:00pm - 3:00pm |
Tips for Buyers
- Arrive early for the best bargains. Many experienced boot sale shoppers arrive at early bird entry time. The best items go fast.
- Early bird entry costs more (typically £2-£5 vs 50p for general entry), but you get first pick of everything.
- Arrive late for the best deals. If you don't mind missing the best items, sellers slash prices in the last hour to avoid taking things home.
- Bring cash and small change. Most sellers don't accept card payments.
Tips for Sellers
- Arrive at seller opening time. Getting set up early means you catch the early bird buyers who spend the most.
- Plan to stay until at least 12:00pm. Most sales wind down between 12pm and 2pm, but steady sales continue through the morning.
- Be ready for "the rush" — the first 30 minutes after general entry opens is usually the busiest period.
Finding Exact Times for Your Local Carboot Sale
Every car boot sale has different opening times. Use our directory to find the exact seller arrival time, buyer entry time, and closing time for each sale. We list these details on every listing so you know exactly when to arrive.
Find opening times for car boot sales near you.
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