Overhaulin'

Can a 14 year-old sell at a car boot sale regularly in Britain?

I'm 14, I make balloon animals and I want to sell them at car boot sales, does anyone know if I can and what the legal implications are? Thanks

Public Comments

1. i dont think it is strictly illegal but i suspect you would need to be accompanied by an adult to be able to book a pitch and to drive the car.school board men used to keep an eye on street trading involving minors but they made them all redundant years ago thats why councils never know now how many school places are required next year
2. Good question. I'm not really sure if its legal However, if you are with a responsible adult it shouldn't matter. Although aren't car boot fairs for second hand goods and not new or newly crafted?
3. There are absolutely no specific legal restrictions on 14 year olds trading at car boots or elsewhere. However, you clearly have to overcome the main practical obstacle to selling at a car boot sale - namely that you need a car boot to sell from, and you cannot yet drive! Similarly, you will need to comply with the same requirements as any other business, although with balloon animals I doubt that much will be relevant. Technically you would need to register as self-employed and submit tax returns, but I assume that your profits will be so far below your personal allowance (currently £6475 for the year) that no-one will enforce this. And, of course, your parents will remain liable to ensure you attend school etc.