FUNDRAISING – Chiswick car boot sale
Two long-standing volunteers enjoy their complimentary breakfast – a perk of helping out is a toasted sandwich and a hot drink, courtesy of the family-run caterers who have been working at the sales for two generations
vests, and local police visit most months to help maintain a calm atmosphere and ensure the rules are being enforced – for example, that no one is selling prohibited items. The sales run on the first Sunday
of the month, except in January, whatever the weather. When it’s too wet, we close some or all of the field and operate on the playground only, which limits us to around 200 vehicles. This typically happens once or twice a year. My role is in communications. Our
team consists of four members who work on a rotating schedule to send out emails containing all the information about our sales, as well as to manage the complex rota. We also use the standard PTA channels, including our newsletter and WhatsApp groups, to recruit new volunteers. Instagram has proven to be a real sweet spot for us, and we’re excited to launch our TikTok channel soon with some help from the students!
Busy day The sales include several paid roles,
one of which is someone who stays on site overnight. Portaloos are delivered at 5pm the evening before, and most traders start queuing between 3am and 4am. We allow sellers access to the site from 5.30am and buyers can enter from 6.30am. The sale closes at 12.30pm, giving us two and a half hours to clear the site. Students often join in, with some volunteering as part of their Duke of Edinburgh award. Those in Years 7 to 11 who help with clean-up earn £15, while sixth formers, who work
22 AUTUMN 2025 School Fundraising
Car boot mascot Bootsie, created and worn by a Year 13 student
longer shifts, get £30. We provide references for students, which can assist them in getting other jobs. Organising the car boot sales
takes a lot of effort, but it’s worth it because it makes a lot of money. This funding is increasingly important for the school as it faces funding shortfalls. We charge traders and visitors. For traders, pitch prices start at £15 for a car and increase to £60 for a large pitch with a van. Traders arriving on foot pay £10 to set up, plus an additional £5 to hire a trestle table. For visitors, there is a small parking fee of £5, and entry costs £1.
Enriching experiences We’re incredibly proud of what we
do and of our team’s hard work. This sense of achievement for the school and the community is what keeps volunteers involved. The school uses the funds we raise for enriching experiences, such as trips to New York, language trips and an incredible visit to Jamie’s Farm. We have to spend according to our constitution and charitable objectives, and we have faced some challenging decisions, including discussions with the school over how much support we can provide for the essentials, such as maintaining school buildings.
Start small A car boot sale can be a fantastic
way to make money. If there’s a gap in the market in your area, start small and build from there. You will need to liaise with your
school’s management and building team, as well as your local council, to ensure all activities are conducted legally and safely. This includes checking insurance documents, producing robust risk assessments and obtaining the necessary licences if the sale will not be held entirely on school property. We set aside funds for the upkeep of the field we use and this costs us £3,000 a year.
Communication
strategies I’ve had to learn a lot about marketing since we don’t have an advertising budget. For example, I’ve discovered how to use Instagram effectively for business and how to engage with the media, from local magazines to a spot we had on ITV. We have also developed a strong relationship with the council, so we know we are following all the necessary guidelines. In the end, we’re doing what all
This sense of achievement for the school and the community keeps volunteers involved
PTAs are doing, which is building communities, raising money for our kids and making a positive impact. We’re known for being the ‘nicest car boot in the area’ and there’s no limit to what you can find at our sales. On one stall you might spot a life-sized figure of the Incredible Hulk, and on the next you’ll find beautiful antique furniture. It’s the perfect blend of eclectic treasures, and that’s what makes it such a joy!
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