Swap Meet rules
 

I don't post a whole lot, but am here quite often. This weekend I was at the So Cal 356 Club's swap meet as a seller. I've been going to parts swap meets for over 30 years (mostly as a buyer) and I figured maybe it's time to spell out tips for those of you heading out to one near you.

As a buyer:
1) If you don't like the price, make an offer; the worst they can say is no. Sellers would prefer to sell than to take home stock. That being said, be realistic with your offer
2) If you see something you want, buy it, otherwise you risk losing out. I had multiple folks hem and haw and walk away from some stuff I had. One person contacted me after a swap meet on a sold item and then proceeded to tell me they would have paid more for it than the guy who bought it- this is silly.

As a seller:
1) Mark your prices on items. It makes it easier for the buyer to see/make a decision
2) Be as personable as you can. If you greet folks in a friendly way it makes them at ease and more likely to look (and buy)
3) Be realistic on the price (this assumes that you want to sell the item). If you price at top dollar you're not going to sell and folks won't be able to get what they need. Look to completed Ebay listings to see where you are. I tend to do this and then shoot a bit lower (again, because it's not a business for me and I don't want to take this stuff back.

Any other thoughts?

I have a thought. Sellers - let people look through your stuff for a minute before you start your patter. Read the room. If a buyer wants to ask questions about the rusty manifold in the milk crate or talk about the ford his grandad sold cheap, let him start the conversation, but please don't jump on him the second he enters your area.

Please remember that most people are browsing.

Edit: - So happy that the Portland Swap Meet is on again this year after a two year pandemic hiatus.

http://portlandswapmeet.com/

car swap buyers/sellers are better than spoon show buyers and sellers.... if only because you don't get the extreme political opinions going.

Gun shows are a waste of time to the buyer unless you are willing to pay outrageously over what the item is worth. Sadly, there are enough fools out there to pay stupid prices. I see folks selling a used pistol for more than retail (and it is available at the LGS).

For the buyer who needs a hard to find bit - put a sign around your neck. Seriously. I grabbed some unobtainium MG parts this way. You look stupid. But you may look stupid without a sign?

And, you may get a part!

Thanks for the tips.

I was at the Phoenix Club last and the one before that was GAF in Venture long ago so I decided to drive out and check out things for a couple hours last Sunday. 30 years is a long time. Are you the guy that has a van with a bunch of buy and sell sings on the side of the van. I know that person has been doing this for a very long time, since the Pomona days and he's at all the swap meets. I have only been to Pomona only one time.

Of course nothing was purchased Sunday since I don't need anything but was nice to see all the cars out in the sunshine again. See you at the next one.

Truth is that most people do not have patience, especially in the current digital age. Whether you're a buyer or seller there is a 'read' of the other person. That takes some polite conversation even if they are not. Just like fishing.

It's a game of chess. Once at a very large bike show/ swap meet in Pennsylvania, I went and had a booth with mostly expensive and odd parts. I had a nice display, priced under market, waiting with a smile. Sold all the big stuff pretty quickly but has a half dozen small items under $30. that weren't moving. So coming to the end I made a sign that read " buy a part, get a free ice cold beer" guess what happened? I knew that was a good one as beer was not being sold on premises, but you could bring your own and be cool about it.

I had 1 guy that didn't even want the part, but wanted the cold beer so I told him if he bought it, I'd throw in a few extras, opening my big cooler showing him @20 left covered in ice.........

Nope, that's not me. By 30 years, I meant that mostly I've been a buyer, only been a seller a few times. It was my 2nd time at the event (I went to Phoenix club at their last event); It was def interesting to see how things are more personal at the event. Everyone knew everyone else and there was def some rivalries between the buyers.

Man, that is genius!

Those are some really great tips, Gus. As a guy with a sales background, I appreciate you posting them.

There is a real art to the game, when done right.

BTW - great story about the beer, Asphalt Gambler!

PS - one suggestion I have is to wear a name tag so people know who to call you when communicating. It could work both ways too.

Not my experience at all. I rarely buy a new firearm, with most of mine having been purchased at gun shows. Like anything else, (just like car parts at swap meets), one has to know what one is looking at and what it is honestly worth.

One additional factor to consider at the gun show, that rarely rears its ugly head at a car or motorcycle swap meet, is that the gun is only being sold because its current owner cannot get it to shoot well. It may have some manufacturing defect if it's a newer gun, it may be shot out if it's an older gun, or it may have had some shady "gun smithing" performed. This can all be much more difficult to detect than worn out or broken car parts.

But, again, if one knows what one is looking at, and what to look for, one can do quite well at the gun show. I certainly have.

^^^^ Thanks, I think I am more resourceful....... than smart!

The other side of that as the last piece sold and I was packing up, the promoter / manager guy of the event comes up to me, clearly angry. Says "I hear you're selling beer here!!?? You can't do that!"

I waited a moment and then said to him........."I'm not selling beer, I'm selling parts. If they buy a part I give them a free beer from my personal stash. Nothing against the law here about that"

He looked me in the eyes for a moment, turned around and stormed off.

I hit my goal of selling everything I brought and the take was above what I expected, even figuring in a couple of six-packs. I drove home empty handed and a swole wallet!

This is gospel!

There is big gun show thing frequently near Dulles Airport outside of DC. I went a couple of years ago. Large amount of stuff on offer but the prices were crazy stupid. I just look online now.

I've been to Hershey a couple of times and to Ski Roundtop Aircooled swap as well, both Porsche events.

Most people are there to sell. But there are some that really should just stay at home bc they don't want to part with their stuff. Honestly, I can't see the logic of fuel/transportation costs, entry costs, and the time to mark your stuff at unobtanium prices and then pack it all up again. I guess that is the actual hobby and selling isn't a priority.

Obviously and so as not to confuse, this doesn't apply to the guys at Unobtanium (https://unobtanium-inc.com/menu). They are there to sell and are pleasant to talk with. And they have great gift bags...