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The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- The Advertiser
These businesses target naive environmentalists, and I got tricked
I used to be a bags lady. Not just under my eyes but on both arms. A handbag for my wallet and keys; tote bag for gym clothes; laptop bag with dog-chewed shoulder strap; lunch bag; and a plastic bag to wrap my lunchbox in case it leaked in the lunch bag. Plus some dog poo bags in each, just in case. I lived life like this, a walking coat stand, because I didn't know any other way. Until I started to see Mary Poppins all over the place. Corporate women with smooth bobs and big, black totes; mums with giant baby bags shoved in the bottom of prams; younger types with bold print duffels and keep cups. There were big bag girls everywhere, and I wanted to become one. I'm looking for something sustainable but work appropriate. I consider leather but as a vegetarian, would prefer something without animal products. I go to second-hand marketplace app Depop. Search "vegan bag" and there's a handful of options in Australia. I don't order from overseas because it seems to defeat the purpose of trying to reduce my environmental impact. Exchange a few messages back-and-forth to find a bag that will fit my giant work laptop, pay $20, and my bag is on the way. For the animal welfare-conscious shopper, faux leather seems like the sensible option. Leah Giblin, author of How to Keep Your Clothes Forever, gently disagrees. "I would say that in terms of faux leather, the environmental impacts can sometimes be quite bad," she says. "Usually, faux leather is lots of different types of plastic." That includes petrochemicals and plastic containing forever chemicals to keep it soft and pliable. The Guardian reports that even faux leather made of mushrooms, bananas or other random things is usually coated in polyurethane, a type of plastic. So vegan leather is a scam, and I am a sucker. "That product, being made out of plastic, will last hundreds of years. That's a big responsibility in terms of owning something," Leah says. "You've got to think about what will happen to it after you're finished with it and you'll be passing it down to your children and grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren because that's how long it will last." The big bag is great, but I can't imagine owning it beyond a few years, let alone giving it to my great-great-grandchildren. And while plastic does not use animal products, forever chemicals have been found in the blood of more than 600 animals. I may have saved a cow just to kill some dolphins and panda bears instead. Giblin likes to buy leather products because they tend to last a very long time with a little bit of upkeep. But she is not vegetarian or vegan, and her priority as a consumer is environmental sustainability rather than animal welfare. The Leather and Hide Council of America insists "hides are a by-product of the dairy and meat industries, not a driver", and using leather does not mean more cattle are reared. PETA and Animal Australia disagree, calling it a co-product of the meat industry. Giblin says, "It's a pretty muddy area". "In some ways, you can see it as a waste product being used, but it's really hard to say what comes first, is it chicken or egg? Is it for the leather or is it for the meat? MORE LIFESTYLE: "A lot of places don't have the same kind of legislation around animal cruelty or animal treatment, and they don't have the same legislation in terms of the pollution that can enter the environment from the tanning process. "Use what you have already," Giblin says. "The second-most sustainable thing you can do is walk down to your local second-hand shop and buy it there so that you're not causing any emissions." How to Keep Clothes Forever has a checklist to consider before buying an item of clothing or accessory. There may be no ethical way to shop, consume, or exist, but there are better and worse choices. Looking down that checklist ... yes, I probably needed the bag; it has a classic design, works with items I already own, and was second-hand. In the scheme of things, not the worst purchase. As for those shoes I need? I might just try making them myself*. *not really This article was originally published on Substack. I used to be a bags lady. Not just under my eyes but on both arms. A handbag for my wallet and keys; tote bag for gym clothes; laptop bag with dog-chewed shoulder strap; lunch bag; and a plastic bag to wrap my lunchbox in case it leaked in the lunch bag. Plus some dog poo bags in each, just in case. I lived life like this, a walking coat stand, because I didn't know any other way. Until I started to see Mary Poppins all over the place. Corporate women with smooth bobs and big, black totes; mums with giant baby bags shoved in the bottom of prams; younger types with bold print duffels and keep cups. There were big bag girls everywhere, and I wanted to become one. I'm looking for something sustainable but work appropriate. I consider leather but as a vegetarian, would prefer something without animal products. I go to second-hand marketplace app Depop. Search "vegan bag" and there's a handful of options in Australia. I don't order from overseas because it seems to defeat the purpose of trying to reduce my environmental impact. Exchange a few messages back-and-forth to find a bag that will fit my giant work laptop, pay $20, and my bag is on the way. For the animal welfare-conscious shopper, faux leather seems like the sensible option. Leah Giblin, author of How to Keep Your Clothes Forever, gently disagrees. "I would say that in terms of faux leather, the environmental impacts can sometimes be quite bad," she says. "Usually, faux leather is lots of different types of plastic." That includes petrochemicals and plastic containing forever chemicals to keep it soft and pliable. The Guardian reports that even faux leather made of mushrooms, bananas or other random things is usually coated in polyurethane, a type of plastic. So vegan leather is a scam, and I am a sucker. "That product, being made out of plastic, will last hundreds of years. That's a big responsibility in terms of owning something," Leah says. "You've got to think about what will happen to it after you're finished with it and you'll be passing it down to your children and grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren because that's how long it will last." The big bag is great, but I can't imagine owning it beyond a few years, let alone giving it to my great-great-grandchildren. And while plastic does not use animal products, forever chemicals have been found in the blood of more than 600 animals. I may have saved a cow just to kill some dolphins and panda bears instead. Giblin likes to buy leather products because they tend to last a very long time with a little bit of upkeep. But she is not vegetarian or vegan, and her priority as a consumer is environmental sustainability rather than animal welfare. The Leather and Hide Council of America insists "hides are a by-product of the dairy and meat industries, not a driver", and using leather does not mean more cattle are reared. PETA and Animal Australia disagree, calling it a co-product of the meat industry. Giblin says, "It's a pretty muddy area". "In some ways, you can see it as a waste product being used, but it's really hard to say what comes first, is it chicken or egg? Is it for the leather or is it for the meat? MORE LIFESTYLE: "A lot of places don't have the same kind of legislation around animal cruelty or animal treatment, and they don't have the same legislation in terms of the pollution that can enter the environment from the tanning process. "Use what you have already," Giblin says. "The second-most sustainable thing you can do is walk down to your local second-hand shop and buy it there so that you're not causing any emissions." How to Keep Clothes Forever has a checklist to consider before buying an item of clothing or accessory. There may be no ethical way to shop, consume, or exist, but there are better and worse choices. Looking down that checklist ... yes, I probably needed the bag; it has a classic design, works with items I already own, and was second-hand. In the scheme of things, not the worst purchase. As for those shoes I need? I might just try making them myself*. *not really This article was originally published on Substack. I used to be a bags lady. Not just under my eyes but on both arms. A handbag for my wallet and keys; tote bag for gym clothes; laptop bag with dog-chewed shoulder strap; lunch bag; and a plastic bag to wrap my lunchbox in case it leaked in the lunch bag. Plus some dog poo bags in each, just in case. I lived life like this, a walking coat stand, because I didn't know any other way. Until I started to see Mary Poppins all over the place. Corporate women with smooth bobs and big, black totes; mums with giant baby bags shoved in the bottom of prams; younger types with bold print duffels and keep cups. There were big bag girls everywhere, and I wanted to become one. I'm looking for something sustainable but work appropriate. I consider leather but as a vegetarian, would prefer something without animal products. I go to second-hand marketplace app Depop. Search "vegan bag" and there's a handful of options in Australia. I don't order from overseas because it seems to defeat the purpose of trying to reduce my environmental impact. Exchange a few messages back-and-forth to find a bag that will fit my giant work laptop, pay $20, and my bag is on the way. For the animal welfare-conscious shopper, faux leather seems like the sensible option. Leah Giblin, author of How to Keep Your Clothes Forever, gently disagrees. "I would say that in terms of faux leather, the environmental impacts can sometimes be quite bad," she says. "Usually, faux leather is lots of different types of plastic." That includes petrochemicals and plastic containing forever chemicals to keep it soft and pliable. The Guardian reports that even faux leather made of mushrooms, bananas or other random things is usually coated in polyurethane, a type of plastic. So vegan leather is a scam, and I am a sucker. "That product, being made out of plastic, will last hundreds of years. That's a big responsibility in terms of owning something," Leah says. "You've got to think about what will happen to it after you're finished with it and you'll be passing it down to your children and grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren because that's how long it will last." The big bag is great, but I can't imagine owning it beyond a few years, let alone giving it to my great-great-grandchildren. And while plastic does not use animal products, forever chemicals have been found in the blood of more than 600 animals. I may have saved a cow just to kill some dolphins and panda bears instead. Giblin likes to buy leather products because they tend to last a very long time with a little bit of upkeep. But she is not vegetarian or vegan, and her priority as a consumer is environmental sustainability rather than animal welfare. The Leather and Hide Council of America insists "hides are a by-product of the dairy and meat industries, not a driver", and using leather does not mean more cattle are reared. PETA and Animal Australia disagree, calling it a co-product of the meat industry. Giblin says, "It's a pretty muddy area". "In some ways, you can see it as a waste product being used, but it's really hard to say what comes first, is it chicken or egg? Is it for the leather or is it for the meat? MORE LIFESTYLE: "A lot of places don't have the same kind of legislation around animal cruelty or animal treatment, and they don't have the same legislation in terms of the pollution that can enter the environment from the tanning process. "Use what you have already," Giblin says. "The second-most sustainable thing you can do is walk down to your local second-hand shop and buy it there so that you're not causing any emissions." How to Keep Clothes Forever has a checklist to consider before buying an item of clothing or accessory. There may be no ethical way to shop, consume, or exist, but there are better and worse choices. Looking down that checklist ... yes, I probably needed the bag; it has a classic design, works with items I already own, and was second-hand. In the scheme of things, not the worst purchase. As for those shoes I need? I might just try making them myself*. *not really This article was originally published on Substack. I used to be a bags lady. Not just under my eyes but on both arms. A handbag for my wallet and keys; tote bag for gym clothes; laptop bag with dog-chewed shoulder strap; lunch bag; and a plastic bag to wrap my lunchbox in case it leaked in the lunch bag. Plus some dog poo bags in each, just in case. I lived life like this, a walking coat stand, because I didn't know any other way. Until I started to see Mary Poppins all over the place. Corporate women with smooth bobs and big, black totes; mums with giant baby bags shoved in the bottom of prams; younger types with bold print duffels and keep cups. There were big bag girls everywhere, and I wanted to become one. I'm looking for something sustainable but work appropriate. I consider leather but as a vegetarian, would prefer something without animal products. I go to second-hand marketplace app Depop. Search "vegan bag" and there's a handful of options in Australia. I don't order from overseas because it seems to defeat the purpose of trying to reduce my environmental impact. Exchange a few messages back-and-forth to find a bag that will fit my giant work laptop, pay $20, and my bag is on the way. For the animal welfare-conscious shopper, faux leather seems like the sensible option. Leah Giblin, author of How to Keep Your Clothes Forever, gently disagrees. "I would say that in terms of faux leather, the environmental impacts can sometimes be quite bad," she says. "Usually, faux leather is lots of different types of plastic." That includes petrochemicals and plastic containing forever chemicals to keep it soft and pliable. The Guardian reports that even faux leather made of mushrooms, bananas or other random things is usually coated in polyurethane, a type of plastic. So vegan leather is a scam, and I am a sucker. "That product, being made out of plastic, will last hundreds of years. That's a big responsibility in terms of owning something," Leah says. "You've got to think about what will happen to it after you're finished with it and you'll be passing it down to your children and grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren because that's how long it will last." The big bag is great, but I can't imagine owning it beyond a few years, let alone giving it to my great-great-grandchildren. And while plastic does not use animal products, forever chemicals have been found in the blood of more than 600 animals. I may have saved a cow just to kill some dolphins and panda bears instead. Giblin likes to buy leather products because they tend to last a very long time with a little bit of upkeep. But she is not vegetarian or vegan, and her priority as a consumer is environmental sustainability rather than animal welfare. The Leather and Hide Council of America insists "hides are a by-product of the dairy and meat industries, not a driver", and using leather does not mean more cattle are reared. PETA and Animal Australia disagree, calling it a co-product of the meat industry. Giblin says, "It's a pretty muddy area". "In some ways, you can see it as a waste product being used, but it's really hard to say what comes first, is it chicken or egg? Is it for the leather or is it for the meat? MORE LIFESTYLE: "A lot of places don't have the same kind of legislation around animal cruelty or animal treatment, and they don't have the same legislation in terms of the pollution that can enter the environment from the tanning process. "Use what you have already," Giblin says. "The second-most sustainable thing you can do is walk down to your local second-hand shop and buy it there so that you're not causing any emissions." How to Keep Clothes Forever has a checklist to consider before buying an item of clothing or accessory. There may be no ethical way to shop, consume, or exist, but there are better and worse choices. Looking down that checklist ... yes, I probably needed the bag; it has a classic design, works with items I already own, and was second-hand. In the scheme of things, not the worst purchase. As for those shoes I need? I might just try making them myself*. *not really This article was originally published on Substack.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Amazon driver reveals exactly how much they get paid every day – and it doesn't matter how many parcels you deliver
Alex is saving up the cash from his Amazon job to relocate to Spain THE FULL PACKAGE Amazon driver reveals exactly how much they get paid every day – and it doesn't matter how many parcels you deliver Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN AMAZON driver has revealed exactly how much he gets paid per day, and it doesn't matter how many parcels he delivers. As the cost of living crisis continues to bite, many Brits are looking for side hustles to give themselves a cash boost. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Alex revealed how much he gets paid each day Credit: Tiktok 3 He said you get paid the same whether you do 70 stop or 140 stops Credit: Tiktok 3 Alex uses his own van to do the deliveries Credit: Getty From flogging clothes on ebay, to setting up your own vending machine, cash-savvy Brits are inventive when it comes to coming up with new ways to make extra pennies. And one man, has revealed that he does shifts as an Amazon delivery driver, alongside his other jobs, as a football coach and a mechanic. Taking to TikTok, Alex (@alexthemech) who is saving up cash to relocate to Spain, shared a "quick explanation" of the amount he makes per shift. The driver revealed that Amazon workers get a set "standard pay" each day, regardless of how many parcels he delivers. 'So it's £150 per day for a normal van or £165 for a long wheelbase van", he shared. Alex, who uses his own van to do his rounds shared that it doesn't matter whether he does 70 stops or 170 stops, "the pay doesn't change". "You have some drivers that are relatively slow and take it nice and easy", he explained. "They might have 70 stops a day." "And you have drivers that are quick and love doing 140 stops. But the pay stays the same." However, he added that you can't choose how many stops you are given, and have to get through all of the stops, or it is taken out of your wages. I'm a mum-of-2 and was a broke teaching assistant on £840 a month - now I've made 46k doing a side hustle anyone can do Alex, who recorded the video after a "nice and easy" day driving around Wales, making 100 stops, added that you have to pay for your own fuel, with Amazon then reimbursing you 19p per mile after two weeks. Commenting under the video, one TikToker asked: "Did you say 19p a mile? That is far too low! "That must be costing you out of pocket surely." Replying to the comment, Alex explained: "Yep that's correct 19p. Top five easiest side hustles Dog walking Babysitting Selling clothes on Vinted or Depop Start a Youtube or TikTok channel Tutoring "I usually lose about £5 per day in my van but other drivers who have smaller 1.6 diesel vans make a couple of pounds each day." In a second video, Alex revealed that you can earn more during a shift, if you do a "split" with a driver who is struggling. For example, if another driver is only available to deliver half of their allocated parcels, you can do the other half before them and earn an extra £75, meaning they only get paid £75, instead of £150. Alex added that you can also get bonuses of up to £12 for good reviews from customers, and can lose money due to bad reviews. The video has likely left many intrigued, as it has gone viral, racking up over 130,000 views on the video sharing platform. One person commented: "Our Amazon deliveries are the best. Thanks for what you do." Another said: "Lucky you! I get 180-190 stops per day. 300 parcels sometimes too!"
Cosmopolitan
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
Street Style IRL with Depop and Us!
On what felt like the first weekend this year the sun was shining in NYC, we hosted a pop-up shopping event in the fashion-forward neighborhood of SoHo to celebrate our partnership with Depop, the cool fashion-resale platform that thinks about style the same way we do: It's personal. So many of you showed up to shop, sure, but also to meet amazing vintage sellers—Burns Reserve, Lal Vintage, Soulful Threads, James Valoria, and Emma Rogue—each other, and us, including editor in chief Willa Bennett. And, of course, to celebrate the Depop and Cosmo communities, and individual style. And there were loads of moments to personalize the goods. Our booth, for example, offered vintage jean jackets and branded merch that in a post-haste moment could be personalized, thanks to our amazing embroiderer, Brooklyn's own ChainStich Embroidery. Shoppers could also visit the Polaroid portrait studio, where they received a Polaroid picture and customized it with stickers to create a unique branded keepsake. On top (of that), there was a charming charms station, and a refreshing popsicle treat to fuel their shopping spree and celebrate summer. But if you missed the event, no worries: Our six-month collaboration includes our curated closet on the Depop app, which will be updated with items straight from Cosmo photo shoots, special Cosmo merch drops, and cool finds from other Depop sellers. Shop the Cosmo Drop here. PS: The proceeds from our portion of the event are being donated to a charity that means a lot to our team.
Irish Examiner
6 days ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
From side hustle to style sensation: Meet the Cork woman building a pre-loved luxury empire
Cork woman Catriona McGettigan always loved fashion. When she worked in Brown Thomas, customers would regularly come in to refresh their designer wardrobe, but feel guilty about the barely worn pieces hanging up at home. 'I remember thinking 'I'd love to buy that, because it's only been worn once' and 'I would love these dresses' but I wasn't in a position to be buying them new,' says McGettigan. This sparked an idea, and in 2020 she began to source lightly worn designer clothing and bags from customers and colleagues, and sell them on her Instagram page. At first, it was something she did in addition to her day job, but it soon grew into more than a side hustle. 'It became like a monster in front of me, where I was so busy because I had this full-time job, and then I was going home, and I had this super busy business,' she says. In 2022, she quit her job and launched Luxury Exchange alongside her partner, Cillian Moloney. They sell pre-loved designer handbags on their website, and clothing through Instagram live. Cork native and Luxury Exchange founder, Caitriona McGettigan Last year, the business recorded €1m in turnover through its online operations, and recently sold over 150 pieces in four days at a pop-up in Dublin City. McGettigan believes the increase in demand for pre-loved luxury fashion reflects customers' desire for style, value, and to shop more consciously. 'They're getting that thrill of changing out the wardrobe, but more sustainably, both environmentally and financially.' With the recent arrival of Vinted to Ireland, the interest in circular fashion is on the rise. McGettigan sees this as a good thing for the whole industry: 'It's great for everybody, that it's becoming more popular.' Unlike peer-to-peer sites, Luxury Exchange is not for the thrifty. Bags start at €299 and go up to €6,999, and customers can expect a shopping experience worthy of the price tag. 'If you were shopping on Depop or Vinted, you'd have to look through a lot of stuff that you mightn't like. Whereas our pieces are very curated, so everything that comes in is really good,' she says. 'Everything is packed nicely and we follow up with all of our customers.' Luxury Exchange handbags Shoppers are drawn to vintage designer pieces in particular, because it's a chance to get something unique. 'You can come to us and you will get value, but you'll also get something that you're not going to see anyone else wearing, even if you're in the likes of London or New York, it's going to be something really special, because it might be a seasonal piece from 1998.' McGettigan prides herself on her knowledge of the bags they have in stock, and in recommending the right piece based on a customer's individual lifestyle and needs: 'I like really knowing about every bag we have in stock so that I can properly advise on that.' For anyone looking to invest in a new piece, McGettigan shares some of her favourite current styles. Luxury Exchange handbag All-round summer bag: 'The Louis Vuitton canvas is such a good material for the summer,' she says. 'It's got a plastic coating, so it's scratch-resistant, it's somewhat water resistant. You wouldn't be dumping it in water, but if it got a splash by the pool, you wouldn't need to be concerned. I always recommend this to people because it's light, it's comfortable, and even ones that we can stock for under €500, they're in perfect condition, and you'll have forever out of them.' 'The Louis Vuitton canvas is such a good material for the summer,' she says. 'It's got a plastic coating, so it's scratch-resistant, it's somewhat water resistant. You wouldn't be dumping it in water, but if it got a splash by the pool, you wouldn't need to be concerned. I always recommend this to people because it's light, it's comfortable, and even ones that we can stock for under €500, they're in perfect condition, and you'll have forever out of them.' Pop of colour: 'Some models of bags just come in particularly nice colours. Chanel does really great colours, but the Lady Dior comes in such vibrant pinks. I'm obsessed with them. You're getting something classic, but with this really fun twist. If you're going to a wedding or something, you can carry it top handle and it looks very dressy, but then with the cross-body strap on, they're great casual bags.' 'Some models of bags just come in particularly nice colours. Chanel does really great colours, but the Lady Dior comes in such vibrant pinks. I'm obsessed with them. You're getting something classic, but with this really fun twist. If you're going to a wedding or something, you can carry it top handle and it looks very dressy, but then with the cross-body strap on, they're great casual bags.' Mini-bags: 'Mini bags are set to be a standout trend this summer — and the smaller, the better. Not sure how to style them? Think of them as a bag-meets-jewellery accessory,' says McGettigan. 'Wear one alongside a larger tote or clip it on as a playful charm. The key is to go bold with bright, fun colours. Chanel's versions are my personal favourite.' 'Mini bags are set to be a standout trend this summer — and the smaller, the better. Not sure how to style them? Think of them as a bag-meets-jewellery accessory,' says McGettigan. 'Wear one alongside a larger tote or clip it on as a playful charm. The key is to go bold with bright, fun colours. Chanel's versions are my personal favourite.' Under the radar gem: 'There's another bag that I love, and I feel like it goes really under the radar, and it's the Hermes Herbag. It's another really light bag, because that's a key thing in the summer, if they're carrying it all day or it's warm, that they don't have something that's already heavy on before they even fill it. And the Herbag is really nice. You can get it in really nice, neutral colours.' 'There's another bag that I love, and I feel like it goes really under the radar, and it's the Hermes Herbag. It's another really light bag, because that's a key thing in the summer, if they're carrying it all day or it's warm, that they don't have something that's already heavy on before they even fill it. And the Herbag is really nice. You can get it in really nice, neutral colours.' Luxury under €500: 'I really think that the Louis Vuitton Saint Cloud is very good. That's a bag that we typically sell for €499 and that would be a cross-body Louis Vuitton bag.' 'I really think that the Louis Vuitton Saint Cloud is very good. That's a bag that we typically sell for €499 and that would be a cross-body Louis Vuitton bag.' Timeless classic: 'Looking for a bag that you want to have forever, that's just going to be a staple in your wardrobe, I'd have to recommend the Chanel Classic Flap. That's just an icon, that bag.' Read More A matter of taste: Nine servings of foodie fashion
The Sun
6 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
The 5 overlooked brands you need to pick up at a car boot sale – including the MCDONALD'S item that sells for £350
RESELLING has become one of the most popular side hustles in the UK, and no one does it better than Becky Chorlton. The 26-year-old from Lymm, Cheshire, has made over £100,000 and has now turned it into her full-time job. 5 And here, Becky exclusively tells Fabulous how you can make a killing by rummaging through other people's trash at car boot sales. Her reselling career came from humble beginnings as a university student. She started by selling pieces she already has in her own wardrobe on second-hand selling platforms Depop and Vinted. She previously told Fabulous: 'As a student I had a part-time job in a shoe shop, earning around £6 an hour, but I knew I could earn more from reselling. 'I started off small, selling my own clothes online from a little rail in my bedroom. I already had so much stuff that I'd bought from charity shops and it was all worth more than what I'd paid.' Becky began earning £100 a week and realised she could earn even more so started buying extra stock often with her mum, Sandra, by her side. But almost six years on, she now scours car boot sales and charity shops to sell items online and can rake in £3,000 a month. Now she shares the exact items and brands that you must look out for if you want to make quick cash and how to navigate the world of car boot sales. I earn cash by selling 'actual rubbish' on eBay - I flogged a freebie I found on the floor by a bin for £10, it's crazy How to prepare If you've never been woken up by a 5am alarm to get to a car boot sale nice and early, then your first time there can be daunting. Fortunately Becky has shared some tips on what you can expect and what you need to prepare. The first tip is to plan before you go, join Facebook groups to see local car boot sales near you, what times they open and what they sell. You also want to make sure you check the weather before heading out as it can have a massive impact on how many sellers turn up. Always bring cash as you won't find card readers and bring reusable bags for your goods. Becky also says you need to go in with an open mind rather than looking for a specific item. She says: "The joy of shopping second hand is finding unique pieces you love, see the potential in items you may not like at first glance." Becky also says you need to rummage and not miss a section to get the best goodies. "All the treasures are usually hidden in boxes and trinkets everybody else is too lazy to look in so get digging," she adds "Sometimes I find the best stuff in bags on the floor or on a rail that is difficult to get to don't be afraid to climb over things or get down on your hands & knees." If you do plan to resell items, make sure you thoroughly check them for holes and stains while there, otherwise you might have to drop the price. How to barter While Becky tends not to barter with sellers, she does recommend it if you're buying for yourself. The first thing to remember is if you don't ask you don't get so don't be shy with asking for a cheaper price. On the other hand, Becky says don't be cheeky and be realistic. "If you're buying multiple items from a particular stall, make sure you ask about a cheaper bundle price," she recommneds. Another pro tip from Becky is to not look too interested in the item you want. She explains: Try not to look too interested in the item you want to buy before asking, if the stall holder knows you really want it they most likely won't lower the price." 5 Spotting a fake As a reseller, Becky knows how to spot a fake easily, but it might not be as easy if you're just starting out. She says: "Check the label & tags, look for misspelling or poorly replicated logos. Genuine brands use consistent fonts and sizing." Luxury products will always have clean stitching so make sure it's even and compare it with photos online. You can also do your own research as many luxury goods have QR codes to authenticate them. Top brands and items to buy If you're looking to make money quickly from reselling, Becky has revealed the rbands and items that always work for her i making a huge profit. The first would be vintage McDonald's merch. She said: "I love vintage McDonalds merchandise and always keep a look out for old happy meal toys to add to my collection. "I came across a McDonalds drive thru play set from the early 2000s which was being sold for £8, I listed it on eBay and it sold just before Christmas for £350." Becky also recommends looking for old vintage biker and racing jackets. One she found was covered in mud but cost just £50 so she took it home and cleaned it and then found the same one in a Fiorucci store in London Soho with a price tag of £250 on it. Other products to look out for include Vintage Nike which have a silver Nike tag, as well as anything y2k themed as it's back in fashion. She adds: "Once I found the most stunning collection of pieces & she only wanted £1 each for everything. I must've bought about 25 items from her filling a huge IKEA bag. I resold each piece at my market stall for £10-£15 each." Last but not least was any type of vintage T-shirt as mega fans will pay a lot to get their hands on one, and there's one way to tell if they are. Becky says: "T-shirts with a single stitch rather than a double stitch around the sleeves and edges. It's how they were made back in the day and it's always cool to find them at car boot sales. "If you find a super rare one they're always worth good money. I found a 3D emblem truckers only single stitch tshirt in a charity shop for £7.99 - they are listed on eBay for £300-£400." 5 UKs biggest & best car boots 1. Arminghall Car Boot Sale, Norfolk Arminghall is one of the largest car boot sales in Norfolk, attracting thousands of visitors every week. It offers a vast array of goods, from antiques and collectibles to fresh produce and clothing. 2. Bristol and Bath Car Boot Sale, Somerset Held at the Bath Racecourse, this car boot sale is known for its size and variety. It's a must-visit for bargain hunters and those looking for unique items. 3. The Giant Shepton Mallet Flea & Collectors Market, Somerset Located at the Bath and West Showground, this market is held several times a year and is one of the largest in the country. It features a mix of traditional car boot stalls and antique dealers. 4. Denham Giant Car Boot Sale, Buckinghamshire Denham is one of the largest car boot sales in the South East, offering a wide range of items from household goods to vintage treasures. It's a popular spot for both buyers and sellers. 5. Wimbledon Car Boot Sale, London Held every Saturday and Sunday, the Wimbledon Car Boot Sale is one of London's most famous. It attracts a diverse crowd and offers an eclectic mix of items. 6. Chiswick Car Boot Sale, London Known for its friendly atmosphere and high-quality goods, the Chiswick Car Boot Sale is a favourite among Londoners. It's held on the first Sunday of every month. 7. Chelford Car Boot Sale, Cheshire One of the North West's largest car boot sales, Chelford offers a huge selection of items. It's a great place to find everything from garden tools to vintage clothing. 8. York Racecourse Car Boot Sale, Yorkshire This car boot sale is held at the York Racecourse and is one of the largest in the region. It features hundreds of stalls and attracts a large number of visitors. 9. Belfast Car Boot Sale, Northern Ireland Located at the King's Hall Complex, this car boot sale is the biggest in Northern Ireland. It offers a wide range of goods and is a great place to find a bargain. 10. Edinburgh Corn Exchange Car Boot Sale, Scotland One of Scotland's largest indoor car boot sales, it's held every Sunday and offers a vast array of items. It's perfect for those looking to shop in a weather-proof environment.
