Car boot traders cash in on Christmas shoppers on the Gold Coast
Posted by editor (editor) on Dec 11 2009
2009 >>

Gold Coast residents are warned to watch out for dodgy traders peddling home theatre systems at service station and shopping mall car parks.

Fair Trading Minister said ‘car boot traders' had been spotted in the region and were cashing in on people's Christmas shopping impulses and ripping them off.

He said a Gold Coast resident recently paid $2,300 cash for a home theatre system after being approached by men at an Ashmore service station who were selling 'leftover stock' from the back of a white van.

"The men said they worked for a home theatre installation company 'Apollo Electrics' and that they had surplus systems from a previous job," Mr Lawlor said.

"They claimed their boss told them to sell the goods at cost price to save returning the inventory to the warehouse.

"Several complete systems were shown to the customer in boxes price marked at $5,999 and legitimate-looking documentation was also produced.

"The system, apparently a renowned German brand, included an overhead projector, theatre screen, amplifier and speakers.

"When the purchaser got the system home they found it didn’t work properly and realised they'd been had."

The rogue traders said they couldn't write a receipt because they were installers not retailers and they gave a bogus email and website for further contact.

Mr Lawlor said the OFT had a clear message to consumers - don't buy from car boot traders.

“The goods are usually stolen, damaged or shoddy and don’t live up to what's promised," he said.

"By the time you find out the seller’s hit the road with your cash in their pocket.

“These traders can be smooth operators and may seem legit - but don't be fooled.”

Mr Lawlor said the buyer had no way to get a refund, exchange the item or have it fixed if the product was faulty and was sold without a bona fide warranty or receipt.

He said to watch out for traders with no established business address or who only have a post office box or suite number.

“Also be cautious of traders who can’t or won’t provide ID or contact details, or only an email address or mobile phone number,” he said.

“Those who operate out of rental vehicles or vehicles registered in another state may also be dubious.”

The Fair Trading Act's door-to-door trading provisions include “car boot” sales which means transactions of more than $75 must come with a 10 day cooling off period and payment cannot be made until after then.

Buyers should get two forms – one explaining the cooling off period and one which can be used to cancel the contract if so desired.

Mr Lawlor said people who suspected car boot items might be stolen should make notes about the trader or vehicle and contact their local police or the Office of Fair Trading at www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or call 13 13 04.

Last changed: Jan 07 2010 at 2:02 PM