A private caravan sale can be a really good way to get cash for your old caravan. It is also a good way of finding out if you should keep the caravan or sell it. When you are at a caravan sale you can examine it before you buy and decide whether or not you want it. However, buying from a private sale can sometimes be tricky, so you should be aware of some of the pitfalls when you are buying. Here are some things that you should know about a private caravan sale before you buy.   Firstly, to make a profit on your caravan you need to find a private caravan sale. You need to find one in the middle of nowhere, with no motorway or other public transport links. Then, you will need to haggle with the caravan dealers to try and get the price down. If you are lucky, you might even manage to persuade them to offer you cash up front, so that you don't have to pay for any repairs or servicing. If this is the case, then you should visit at least three different caravans, compare the prices and decide which caravan is best for you. Always make sure that you read the terms and conditions of the sale, so that you know what you are getting into.   Secondly, before you go to a caravan sale, make sure you prepare yourself. You will need to bring along a notebook and pen, so that you can jot down notes as you walk around the caravans. Also, bring a photo of your new caravan - make sure it looks good! You will also want to research the market to see if you can find used caravans for sale cheaply. Some private owners might throw in some extras, such as a brand new central heating system, CD player, furniture and kitchen roll-cabinets.   Thirdly, when you see a caravan that you like, you may want to think about asking the owner to show you the insides. If you see a caravan that has been well maintained, then you may want to consider buying from that owner. However, do not be afraid to ask the owner to allow you to take a look inside. Some private caravans can be very dark and damp, so you may find that it is hard to view the inside. It is important to make sure that you get inside before agreeing to buy the caravan.   When you start looking at caravans for sale, check the measurements. Find out if you can have an area to parking space. If you want, you could even try to find a caravan that meets all your requirements. For example, you could look for a caravan that comes with a hot tub. On the other hand, you could find a caravan that has been professionally restored, so it has been weatherproofed and is indoors and dry. If you are not happy with the basic state of the caravans for sale, you could try to negotiate the purchase price and the condition of the caravans.   When buying from a private owner, you may want to ask for a discount. If you are buying from a second-hand caravan trader, make sure that you are aware of the discount you will be getting. You may be able to get a good bargain on an otherwise used caravan. However, if you have not had experience with caravan traders before, then you should let the seller know that you are not familiar with caravan buying and selling, especially if you do not have a lot of cash to offer.   Another thing to keep in mind when looking at private caravans for sale is that they need maintenance once in a while. If you are buying from a private individual, you could contact the owner and tell him that you are interested in buying some maintenance. If he is not convinced, then you can try and convince him to give you a few hundred pounds to buy a year's supply of parts for the caravan.   Buying privately is one of the safest ways of buying a caravan. However, there are still some risks involved. The only risk you need to be aware of is that of fraudsters. It is important that you do a thorough check on the dealer before you make the deal. Before you sign any papers, double check that you are dealing with a reputable dealer. It is also advisable to use a vehicle inspection service to ensure that the caravan you purchase is in proper working condition.