I remember Axminster selling a few crates of clear-out items on ebay, maybe about 2 years ago. They were all catalogue returns, faulty, incomplete, damaged in transit etc. Within a few weeks the buyer was listing dozens of the items on ebay, many of them in working order (so he said). Sounds like a bargain way to buy. If they're having a clear-out sale though, perhaps they don't offer crates of tools any more.
Still, if they are end-of-range goods rather than catalogue returns then there could be bargains to be had.
On a similar note, Machine Mart are advertising one of their VAT free periods. Normally it's one day but this time it's from 9th to 19th November, and available in store, by telephone or online. You download their email which contains a code number, and you can only use the code once so you have to buy all you need in one go. If anyone can't get a code then PM me and I'll send you mine as I won't be needing it this time. Just be careful what you buy from there - they sell lots of Clarke ( !! ) stuff.
I think I shall post this bit in a new entry so it gets seen by more members.
K