CAR BOOT SALE BUYERS TIPS & ADVICE

Car boot sales a great place to pick up bargains, especially in this time of the credit crunch. However there are some boot sale pit-falls to avoid - including filling your house full of junk!

Electrical equipment.  It is nearly impossible to test electrical items at a car boot sale. In some cases the equipment being sold may be broken,faulty or even dangerous. That's not to say that all equipment being sold at car boot sales is best avoided. If you do decide to buy electrical items, take the sellers phone number and details and agree on a refund if it's not working or adjust the price accordingly. If you are unsure on the saftey of an item then get a professional to inspect it before connecting it to the mains or better still, don't buy it.

Clothes. If your going to buy clothes at a car boot sale then have a good look to make sure that they are in good condition. There is nothing more infuriating then discovering a broken zip or rip when you get home. (unless you don't mind making the repairs.) If your paying good money for designer clothes - beware that they not fakes.

CDs' & DVDs'. It's usually pretty easy to spot fake Compact discs and DVDs due to the packaging and printing. They are often being knocked out cheap. It really is best to avoid these, not only are you helping the counterfeiters break the law but you are purchasing inferior, poor quality items.  When buying genuine second hand discs check that they are actually in the sleeves and that they are not scratched. Car boot sales can be a great source for building up your film and music libraries.  

Books. Leaf through the book to see if it looks as though pages are missing. There's nothing worse than getting to the climax of the plot only to find that the last five pages aren't there. Check for childish colouring efforts. If the book is tatty, its probably as well not to buy it unless its very rare. First editions are always going to more valuable. Make sure the price tag is going to come off witout damaging the book.

Furniture, knicknacks and other bits and pieces. Start by asking yourself if you actually want it. Think long and hard because it might not seem such a good idea when you get it home and find it's the wrong size. If in doubt, get the seller's phone number, measure up and give them a call. Always check everything for signs of wear, tear, damage and dubious repairs. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Check for fire safety info - especially on stuff for children. Check for broken springs, doors that don't open etc - any seller who won't let you have a close look should not be trusted.

Food. Food vans are usually safe enough, but home made food, while appealing, may well not be up to any kind of food standards. If you buy it, you will be taking a risk and there will be no come back. If the food is covered, wrapped, kept out of the sun etc then it bodes well. Look long and hard at a food stall and see what signs of quality and care you can pick up before you buy.

Crime. Stolen goods are known to be disposed of through car boot fairs. Most commonly it will be the proceeds of petty thieving, items stolen from outhouses, garages etc. However, valuable antiques and missing stock deliveries have both been discovered. Check items for markings such as a postcode. If buying from a private individual ask them to repeat any postcode marked. If they can't, proceed with caution. Keep a look out for items where identifying mark (such as the name of the original owner) has been scratched out or obliterated. It may also pay to be wary of power tools etc which come without their original leads. If you suspect that any goods are stolen, contact your local police station.

Crime can also happen on more personal level as there are bustling crowds at car boot sales. Keep your valuables close to you and make sure you lock up your car when you leave it.

Other Car Boot Sale tips - wear suitable foot wear, many boot sales are held on fields and rough ground. In the summer time car boot sales can get very hot, so a sun hat and sunglasses can be invaluable. Take your own bags to carry items away. Take a tape measure for clothes and furniture. Take pen and paper in case you want to note down a phone number. It also helps to have small change as many sellers quickly run out of change.

Car boot sales can be a lot of fun and a source of superb bargins, but you do have to apply a bit of common sense and a healthy dose of scepticism.  Good Luck bargain hunting!