Swap Meet Tips

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Darin Hull
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Swap Meet Tips

Post by Darin Hull » Fri Sep 18, 2020 12:10 am

I plan on heading to Luray in a few weeks for the swap meet. This will be my first one. Folks ever bring random parts to barter/trade with?

There’s some things I’m interested in purchasing in the near future like Rocky Mountain brakes, new carb, etc. I’m guessing the RMB may be best purchased right from the source rather than a swap meet... but a carb may be there. Maybe something I didn’t even know I was interested in will be there.

Basically curious if you experts have any tips and suggestions for getting the most out of the swap meet experience.

Thank you for your time,
Darin

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Steve Jelf
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Re: Swap Meet Tips

Post by Steve Jelf » Fri Sep 18, 2020 12:25 am

At meets smaller than Hershey, I circulate more than once. Often on the second or third round I notice something I missed before. It's good to have a backpack to carry your plunder and at least half a dozen Walmart bags or the like for small items. Even better is a cart or wagon.
The inevitable often happens.
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Allan
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Re: Swap Meet Tips

Post by Allan » Fri Sep 18, 2020 3:27 am

If you are looking for some particular item, it pays to advertise. Hang a sign around your neck and others may be able to direct you to that which you are seeking. I did just that at Chickasha swap when looking for Bennett brakes. I had them pointed out to me by a vendor's wife in the parking lot prior to the gates opening for set-up. Definitely have something in which to carry stuff.
Allan from down under.


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Re: Swap Meet Tips

Post by KeithG » Fri Sep 18, 2020 1:01 pm

At swap meets I carry a newspaper bag like I had back in the '50's. They are strong and designed to carry quite a bit of weight. The best one I like has a padded shoulder area and it has a flap to cover the contents up if it rains. Not easy to find, but they are out there.
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Re: Swap Meet Tips

Post by TeveS-Nor Cal » Fri Sep 18, 2020 1:54 pm

I always carry water for drinking and hand washing!

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StevenS
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Re: Swap Meet Tips

Post by StevenS » Fri Sep 18, 2020 2:05 pm

Always have something to carry stuff. You will buy more than you expected and it will be weight more than you expected. I have a 3 foot long stiff canvas bag that was used to carry firewood.

CASH IS KING !!!!!!!!!!!
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Re: Swap Meet Tips

Post by John kuehn » Fri Sep 18, 2020 2:18 pm

If your looking for a paticular item and you run across it don’t expect it to be there if you plan on coming back for it a while later after you make a round or two and make an offer for it!
It usually won’t be there and you won’t find another like it!
Been there and done that to many times!

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Steve Jelf
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Re: Swap Meet Tips

Post by Steve Jelf » Fri Sep 18, 2020 2:21 pm

IMG_1758 copy.JPG
This is one of the best things I ever bought at Hershey. I added the extra handle to keep it off my heels.
The inevitable often happens.
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Re: Swap Meet Tips

Post by Norman Kling » Fri Sep 18, 2020 2:40 pm

If you have something to sell, it is best to either take it and get a space, or leave it with someone you know to sell for you. Then when you go out to buy, use cash. It is less likely to find some who wants what you have to sell and also has something you want to buy. If you get a friend to sell it for you, you could also offer him a portion of the price to help him pay for his space.
Norm

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Mark Gregush
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Re: Swap Meet Tips

Post by Mark Gregush » Fri Sep 18, 2020 5:16 pm

Swap meet is kinda a misnomer except any swapping being done is cash for parts. :lol:
I know the voices aren't real but damn they have some good ideas! :shock:

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Topic author
Darin Hull
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Re: Swap Meet Tips

Post by Darin Hull » Mon Sep 21, 2020 7:10 am

Mark,

There ya go... I was thinking I could possibly bring a part or two. Sticking with cash.

Darin

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Re: Swap Meet Tips

Post by RustyFords » Mon Sep 21, 2020 12:18 pm

I almost always get a space at every swap meet I go to.

This not only allows me to sell some of my own stuff, but it also gives me a "home base" of sorts in the midst of the swap meet that I can return to and sit for a while and get some fluids in me. Walking an entire swap meet in one bite takes the fun out of it for me. I like to do it in smaller bites. It never ceases to amaze me how fast one can get dehydrated at a swap meet.

Spaces at most meets are in the $40 range, which I consider to be a small price to pay to create the home base where I can place a cooler with drinks, sandwich fixins', etc.

I always bring extra chairs and a ton of extra iced-down bottled water and I usually place a little sign somewhere that invites people to sit down and drink a free water. Lots of guys at swap meets ain't spring chickens and take me up on a place to rest for a second. This creates good conversation and new friends.

Guys perusing rusty, antique auto-related crap are "my people" and fellowshipping with them at a swap meet is an essential part of the fun for me.

One other little positive aspect of getting a space is that I'm doing my part, in a small way, to support the swap meet organizer. A lot of the meets, like Chickasha, used to sell out back in the day so this wasn't really a consideration. But this isn't as common anymore and I like to do my part to keep them in business.
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