If you're heading out to the car boot sales this Easter, Warwickshire County Council's Trading Standards have published some top tips to keep you safe.
Heed the 'buyer beware' warning; most people selling at car boot sales are individuals selling privately, so you don't have the same consumer rights as you would have buying an item from a shop or registered trader.
If you are selling goods as an individual, you are required to ensure you correctly describe the goods you are selling.
If you regularly buy goods to sell on, you could be classed as a trader and need to ensure you are aware of the legal implications of being a trader rather than private seller.
Car boot sales are often littered with old, faulty products; therefore, take particular care when buying electrical goods and toys.
If you are selling toys, give them a thorough inspection to ensure they are safe; no broken sharp edges, choking hazards etc, and sell the toys with packaging and instructions if you can.
It is not advisable to buy or sell child car seats, helmets, irons, electric fires or electric blankets at a car boot sale.
And watch out for fake goods, counterfeit DVD's and computer software or fake repackaged perfume, commonly sold by unscrupulous traders.
Further advice can be found at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards
