Capital Carboot — Local services in London

NEWLY EDITED see bottom of review. . Been coming here as a buyer and seller for a good 3 years now, and in all honesty, it's slowly going downhill. Prices to sell are expensive, especially for the alloted space that you get, however, the space they have is limited so can understand packing in as many sellers as possible, but the price you pay for your pitch is far too steep. Staff are kind and friendly, it's managed fairly well apart from when they open to buyers. There's never enough time to unload before you're swamped by grabby hands and impatient people. I think organisers need to take into account for disabled sellers (visibal and non visable disabilities) who want the same opportunity to sell as non disabled to set up, and even they have to rush in a mad panic sometimes. I think this needs to be looked into. For buying, the entrance fee for the 11:30 is really good value and highly recommended. If you're planning to pay the expensive rate to get in early, well, that's up to you. My personal opinion is that it's not worth it but I'm not going to tell you what to do with your money, just don't complain about it as there is options and it's purely down to you to make them. Items that are sold at this carboot, are ofter far too high of a price to make it worth buying and the sellers are often ripping you off these days as they dont seem to understandwhat a carboot is really all about. There seems to be an influx of fake goods, stolen items such as power tools and fake computing, and the amount of sellers now selling vapes, liquids and foreign tobacco (to under aged/no ID verification), is starting to become a bit of a middle finger towards the organisers who don't seem to care that this stuff is being sold illegally and really pulls down the standards of what this carboot used to be. You also have to be aware of pickpockets who now frequent this carboot. I've seen it happen a few times, and it puts myself and others off from going. To correct this, I think there needs to be a more visual presence of security to make sure that people feel safe buying and selling as well as keeping an eye on illegal items being sold. Overall, this carboot is still worth going to for both buying and selling, but it has gone downhill, and now I don't go as often as I used to due to the above reasons. If the organisers were to show some sort of improvement on this, then I could definitely see an increase in popularity, and hopefully that one day I can revise this review to reflect that. Until then, it's 3 stars.

NEW EDIT. To respond to the owners comment to my review. I just want to thank you for your hostile responce to a review that's been very honest and open, hoping that it would show an insight to your own business here and how your respond to criticism on a public level. I will be uploading pictures of the sellers you claim to restrict next Sunday to show proof of the issue at hand. The pickpocket issues are not just from my own mouth but also from others that go to this carboot. Prices may be cheaper than others for the area, but to the average seller who just wants to clear out and doesn't want much for their stuff, this is a pricey place to sell. Because you have commented in such a way, I am going to take you down to a 1 star. All this review wanted to achieve is an invite to what the average buyer and seller, not from your organisation or business perspective over a 3 year period has to say about this carboot. It was not aimed as criticism or to bad mouth. It was aimed so that things could improve. As a respecting owner, your response really shows that you don't care, do not wish to address the issue,and want to assume everyone is out to get you. If you happen to notice there are already 3 likes for my review. 3 maybe nothing, but it's agreeing with others. Want my review to change? Accept responsibility, dont accuse people of lies, make changes, and don't think that a review is out to get you when it's not. Ps I don't always sell under my name. And now you won't let me into the carboot to show you proof,...

I am writing to express my deep dissatisfaction with your policies and the way you conduct your operations. As a normal working individual trying to make a little extra money, attending your event was supposed to be an opportunity, not an ordeal. However, the rigid and inconsiderate refund policies you enforce paint a very different picture.

Your policy of keeping payments non-refundable, even in extreme circumstances such as being unwell with something as serious as COVID-19, is not only unfair but also promotes irresponsible behavior. By refusing refunds, you indirectly encourage people to attend your events while unwell, which poses a significant health risk to everyone involved.

Furthermore, even large companies—whom you seem to compare yourselves to—offer refunds or replace purchases with an equal value if an issue arises. Instead of offering a fair resolution, you provide leftover spaces as a substitute, which is both unprofessional and dismissive of the value customers place on their time and money. This approach makes it feel as though you prioritize profit over fairness or community support.

It is incredibly frustrating to feel ripped off by a service that should support the local community. Your approach leaves a bitter impression and tarnishes the experience for many who look to your events as a way to make ends meet or enjoy a small opportunity to sell their items.

Just to clarify, I am not going to remain silent on this matter. I will raise my concerns with the relevant authorities to ensure this unfair practice is addressed appropriately.

I strongly urge you to reconsider and amend your policies to be more understanding and fair to the people who make your events possible. As it stands, your practices feel less about fostering a community spirit and more about prioritizing profit at any cost.

I hope you take this feedback seriously and work toward creating a more supportive and fair environment for all...

As a buyer, the initial entry fee is steep, but it becomes more reasonable at £1 later on. The car boot sale covers a large area, significantly bigger than Battersea Boot, with both indoor and outdoor spaces. The stalls primarily offer bric-a-brac, old books, and clothing, and the overall selection was underwhelming. While I did manage to find a book from my list for 50p, most of the items appeared tacky or unnecessary (just not my cup of tea).

For sellers, the setup time is generous, starting at 10:15 am (without a car), which is a definite advantage compared to Battersea Boot. The expansive area allows for good pitch selection, with car-friendly spaces available. I pre-booked online for £10, compared to the £12 walk-in fee. The indoor stalls, however, are overpriced at £23 - not worth it for me, I'm afraid. The biggest downside, though, is the customers. Expect relentless haggling, even for items in excellent condition; £5 for unused slippers or winter boots isn't low enough for them. I also learned from a fellow stallholder that there are browsers frequently attend, asking prices without making purchases - we're looking for actual customers not people to chat with.

The weather was good today and I had a reasonable spot - yet it was wholly disappointing. Such a shame as I'd thought this area would bring in more generous buyers. The organisers seem lovely though (sorry to...