I HAVE an idea. It will fulfil a consumer need, bring people together, and be fun.
Most important, it will be profitable.
The last time I was hoodwinked by my wife into driving halfway across the island to a garage sale for a cane chair, we returned with a Dutch lamp and a boot full of potted plants.
Garage sales are quite common here.
People move, children leave home, while others just want to make room for new things.
When we had a garage sale, our home was stampeded through and nearly plundered by some 52 people.
Furniture, books, toys and plants that we had hoarded for years were all sold.
So, as a thinking man, I suggest a cash-and-carry car boot mart.
People in Europe and the UK love going to car boot sales.
It can be fun mingling, tinkering around and keeping a sharp eye for some bit that catches one's eye. Then it gets more fun when the haggling begins.
We have done many in our time, in the UK, even roping in the kids to make it a family day out.
Pays handsomely
I remember one weekend we earned enough over two mornings flogging our daughters used but good clothes, toys and some bric-a-brac.
It paid for our new washing machine.
Picture this: A carpark or even church grounds can be used. Only household goods and effects should be sold and they must all be used items. The sale can be held on Saturdays and Sundays.
Each driver pays $10 for a lot to cover any admin, cleaning or advertising costs.
All he has to do then is drive in, open his boot, and perhaps set up a small table to flog his goodies.
Everybody has got something to dispose of. In the storeroom, under the beds, in wardrobes, all collecting dust and never to be used again. And your bit of nothing can be someone else's treasure.
You never know what loot you will find in a car boot sale.
It does not need an entrepreneur to get things going. The People's Association, a church, charity or school can run this.
Meanwhile, start rummaging and get ready to turn all your unwanted stuff into dollars, and have fun at the same time.
This article was first published in The New Paper on Oct 3, 2008.
