Letters: The rules for organising a garage sale in France are ludicrous

To the Editor,

The online article about organising a vide-maison (garage sale) tells me everything about the system in France. 

They have no idea about simple, practical things. They are over-regulated and always looking to find a way to charge a levy or tax. 

I have never come across such a ludicrous set of regulations to sell a few personal items that the government has no right to charge tax on.

This brings me onto the ridiculous requirements to try selling at a market. My wife is an artist and wanted to see if a local market might work. Again, a list of requirements from a mairie that always requires money to be spent. 

Also, a person with an honours degree in creative arts does not seem to fit the bill. 

You have to go to some sort of Micky Mouse officialdom to prove you are qualified. It is art! 

Read more: Do I need to sign up for French car boot sales?

Do these official bodies understand commerce? Nobody is going to shell out €400 in insurance and go through all of these hoops to see if a commercial proposition might work on a market stall.

The result is they will probably go down the online route. Is it no surprise that small towns and markets are dying.

Peter Mozelewsko, by email

What is your experience of organising a garage sale in France? Let us know your experience at letters@connexionfrance.com