7 Tips for a Great Day at a Swap Meet
One seemingly universal side effect of our collective affliction of interest in old mechanical objects is the near-perpetual need for parts. A vintage car that still sees use will eventually need service, and at that point, something is often worn past the point of no return. We are then faced with three options:
A. Repair and recondition said failed piece ourselves
B. Pay someone else to repair it
C. Replace the part
There are no small number of factors that go into how that decision is made, from the skills, tool, and times required, to the availability of replacements. A quick phone call or internet search might locate replacement parts, but the quality of new castings might be questionable or you might prefer to use the original part since it has the right finish. A usable original part is ideal. But where do you find that?
If you want a good deal on said part, you go to a swap meet.
A swap meet is nothing more than a garage sale of only the cool stuff that goes in garages. Piles and bins and piles of bins of anything you can think of that might attach to, or enhance the function of an old car, truck, or motorcycle. While walking the aisles of this year’s Barber Motorsports Museum Vintage Festival, I put together seven tips for anyone headed to a swap meet based on my years of digging through cardboard boxes and plastic bins in search of carburetors, hardware, or that one out of production performance part.
Know what you are looking for
This comes down to needing to know your stuff because the seller might not know theirs. In my travels, I have seen sellers who would just reply “yes” when asked if a half-rusty and fully greasy part fits something. They are sellers who are trying to sell things. That does not mean the seller should never be trusted, but if you show up armed with what you are looking for and how to identify it you are much more likely to buy what you are looking for versus buying something you were looking at.
Know the value
While some put prices on everything as the parts get laid out on tarps or in bins, some don’t and often put the onus on the buyer to make an offer. I’m all for trying to get a deal, but tossing out $50 for a $500 part or piece is not the way to do it. Scripted reality shows should not be your guiding light for negotiating purchases. Instead, have a real discussion with the seller about what the thing is, the condition, and an appropriate offer. In the past, I’ve found that showing that you know what you are buying helps them see that the offer you make is not as insulting as it might feel without a discussion.
Bring cash
While there is the chance that a seller has entered the 21st century and trusts digital payment solutions, the reality we live in at swap meets is that cash is king. If you are impulsive and trying not to be (I know the feeling), leave the cash secure in your car and use the trip to go get it to think long and hard about the decision. Or just buy what makes you happy. That’s a good plan too.
Offer a trade
Most anyone with enough stuff to have a space in a swap meet likely has a mind like yours, which means anything you thought was a fun toy might be something they find as a fun toy—they just didn’t know they needed it yet. On my latest trip to the Barber Vintage Festival, I brought a bike to sell and before I had even written up the sign it got traded to a seller in the swap meet for a bike that caught my eye. When I asked for some details about his Honda that was for sale, I mentioned that I would need to sell what I brought before handing him cash, to which he replied he was interested in trading for what I had. You never know when the stars will align, but you have to be looking in order to know when they do. We shook hands and both rode away on new (to us) motorcycles. Shockingly simple.
Talk to anyone who will listen
Tell them what you are looking for, nearly everyone walking a swap meet is a potential second seat of eyes for your search too. I’ve had great luck striking up a conversation with someone walking the opposite direction as me who went on to tell me there was a booth just a couple rows further on that had some of what I was looking for. The swap meet is not a zero-sum game. We are not all looking for the same parts and pieces. If I can help someone get a deal or find something that I don’t need, that’s a win for everyone.
Have a plan for carrying stuff
Think there is even a chance you might buy something large, clunky, or otherwise heavy? Even just getting something back to the truck can be a task. At minimum a backpack is a good idea, and if the things you are looking for weigh enough to make a backpack uncomfortable or otherwise can’t be carried by hand, bring a cart. An old Radio Flyer wagon is a great example, especially if the bottom is solid and won’t let some grimy part leave an oil trail for the rest of your trip.
Enjoy the view
Without a doubt, there will be some weird and wonderful things on display, and that’s part of what makes a swap meet fun. There will be stuff you wish you could afford, and stuff you know you shouldn’t buy but are far too tempted by. Even if you don’t find something you couldn’t live without, it’s possible to have a great time walking the aisles. It’s a bummer to leave empty-handed sometimes, but at least you spent a few hours out looking at cool stuff, meeting new people, and learning new things. If you did all that, how could it be a bad day?
Yep, lots of cash and some way to take it are super important. Those two bookends can cause a deal to fall apart.
Don’t insult me with a half price offer (goes same for Facebook Marketplace and garage sales). If I wanted half what I priced it at, that is what I would have listed it for. There is SOME wiggle room for negotiation, but I’d just as soon throw it away than give it to some joker for 1/2 only to see it advertised later at double what I had it listed for.
When I see an item that is overpriced by double, I offer 1/4 the asking price. Now there is some room for negotiation. If the guy gets insulted, too bad. Know the market.
If you are offended by an offer you have no business selling at a swap meet. Remember it’s only worth what someone is willing to pay.
Overall some very good advice. In the U.S.A. folks really have a hard time “haggling”. If a seller feels insulted by a buyer they may not sell you the part for any price! Price tags really help, but most don’t take the time to use them. I always say “What are you asking”. If the price seems high I reply “Would you consider $xxx.00” while holding a handful of money. Sometimes we come to an agreement, sometimes I pay the original asking price if it is fair. Point is – BE POLITE and it never hurts to ask nicely! One thing about BIG swap meets – make a map as you may not find your way back to that part you decided you wanted!!!!
For me, a successful swap met is when I sell stuff and the only thing I buy is a beer and a pork chop on a stick.
If the seller can’t demonstrate that the electronic device he’s selling works, be exceedingly suspicious.
It’s often even worth it to go an extra mile for stuff other than electronics. I sold a Chevy 396 a few years ago that I’d taken once (just on a static stand) and couldn’t seal any deals. Took it 6 months later (on a run stand), and when someone showed interest, I fired it up – with open headers – and quickly sold it!
A big block with open headers is engine porn. You probably had to deal with competing bids after firing that mother up!
often times at car shows with vendors/sellers I am the only Jaguar/import owner there. Sometimes I can get a better price when I tell him that I am probably the only one there interested in an import or Jaguar item. I try to make a fair but low offer, Usually if I go back later they are more likely to make the sale.
Here are a few other helpful ideas:
1) If you don’t see it, ASK! Many vendors have WAY more stuff at home or even in a location where you don’t see it at the show.
2) Know the details before you get there. Many times a buyer knows what they need, but not which side or trim level or some other detail.
3) Don’t be upset that the didn’t bring the specific part you need. Sorry, none of us have found the replacement batteries yet for our crystal balls.
4) If the guy down the aisle has it cheaper, why did you walk away from it?
5) If you are looking at stuff on table and the seller asks you “what are you working on today”, Nothing is not a believable answer. If you were not working on anything, then why are you here?
6) Don’t start your conversation with “I have been looking for this part for years” or “I doubt that you will have this, but I will ask anyways” A savor seller who doesn’t have the item priced will now increase that price before they tell you based on info that you just provided.
7) Make connections, often vendors have things back home and they can bring to the next event for you. If they don’t, they may be on the lookout for you at the next event(s) that they go to and help you find that missing piece
8) Understand that the vender didn’t get this stuff to the event for free. They rented the space, paid for fuel, tolls, equipment, help, tents, tarps, tables, etc and that doesn’t even count what the part(s) cost them. Not to mention they may have had to take time off of work to be there. While it should be an equal exchange of gratitude for the buyer and the seller, don’t be an A** just because the seller doesn’t accept your offer.
9) Don’t be afraid to “Split the difference” of “flip for it”. This ensures that the deal will be made. Have been doing this for well over 40 overs years and long before American Pickers was around. Oh, and if you lose, you have have to follow through with the purchase.
From my experience taking plenty of small bills $1s, $5s, and $10s, is helpful. Some sellers forget about taking small bills to change people out or refuse to break a $100 for that $5 item. Also, it helps negotiating the price when you have the exact amount.
Carrying stuff. If you know you’re not likely to buy something heavy or bulky, my carrier of choice is an old fashioned news carrier’s shoulder bag. Padded strap, heavy waterproof canvas, leaves both hands free. Even has a flap to which you can pin a “I’m looking for a …” sign. I’ve been stopped by vendors many times who have things I want simply because they saw my sign. It pays to advertise!
Wow! A tremendous number of great tips here. Thanks to everyone. And to the article’s author, there are some great looking motorcycles in the photos you published. My wife is glad I wasn’t at the meets depicted!
This my sound simple buts works for me. I wear a sign saying what I’m looking for. I read signs that people wear sold many items this way. Y’all know the the saying (Here’s your sign)
I have successfully made and worn a sign that says, “Looking for 1959 Buick wheel covers” or whatever.
Yes, you’ll look a bit odd, but two things are sure to happen:
1. Other people will come up to you and let you know where they saw what you’re looking for.
2. Vendors will tell you either they have it back home or who you can get it from!
Last tip: Make your sign bigger than you think it needs to be and use a THICK marking pen so people can read it at a distance. Advertising works!
My brother has a line he throws at sellers that gives em a double take. He’ll jokingly ask if there’s a “senior discount “. He said half the time guys think it’s funny and do a price drop