Advice for First Time at a Swap Meet

[Grease Monkey]

I am going to be going to the Sukanen Ship and Pioneer Village swap meet in Moose Jaw this March as a seller. I have never sold at a swap meet before so I ask if anyone has any advice or pointers I should know.

[Tom G]

Have prices marked on everything. It's really irritating to ask for a price on something, only to be told that the seller is not there, and the person watching the booth has no idea what the price is. I still remember making several trips by a vendor's booth once. His wife kept saying that he wasn't there, she didn't know when he would be back, and she didn't know the price of the item. The last time I looked for him, the jerk had packed up, and left while I was doing other things. I can't spend all day staking out one vendor's booth. If he came there to sell, he should have been more serious about it.

[Ed Radtke]

arrive early and stay late. Be able to make change [ money ]. Dress for anything.Have no expectations or delusions as to the outcome.HAVE FUN!!!!

[Dick-CT]

its a good idea to have your cell phone with you , if you need to leave your table leave your number so a person can call.

[Kevin O. Pulver]

Don't be offended at low ball offers. Just laugh good naturedly and say, "Naw, I can't do that." Don't take your eyes off the stuff. Not all people who love junk are honest, contrary to popular opinion.
Kevin

[Edwin]

I have to agree with Kevin,not all people are honest i once saw a guy take an item at an auction in dresdon ontario, and he saw i was looking at him, he tried giving me a look as to scare me.If it were up to me i would smash his hands up with a hammer,maybe i will get the chance to do that next time.Only a sack of crap would steal from a dead mans auction.

[Andrew Mackey]

Everyone has given you good advice.: Watch your stuff, or if you have to leave it for 'nescessaries', have someone watch it for you. If you have items that are 'pocketable' either keep them close, or under cover (like a display cabinet. If you leave the area, put them under cover, or in your truck. Sad to say, there are people out there who will try to rip you off! Watch children. Sometimes they pocket items and don't realize it's wrong. Older peope should know better. If you see it happen, call the cops or the people who are in control of the grounds, while keeping an eye on the offender. point him out to the authorities, and be sure you can identify your item! Don't confront directly, some people are vicious. Have all items priced. Be willing to haggle a bit, usually 10% makes people happy. Price 5% high, take 10% off, everyone goes home happy! Don't let people low ball you on items you think are well priced to begin with. If your prices are lower than other people have on similar items, people are getting a bargain already! Definately leave your cell#, if you have to leave, as if a person really wants to buy, they will reach out to you. Have fun, sell lots of goodies, make lots of money, and don't buy too much!
Andrew

[Rod Fielder]

take a truck or trailer bigger than you need to haul your stuff there because you will probably come home with more than you took

[mschreiber]

Have fun & be happy

[Geist]

cann't tell you enough be sure that if you leave your table leave, your cell phone number, a lot of time people will not come back and you will miss a sale

[dondlhmn]

Originally Posted by Edwin

I have to agree with Kevin,not all people are honest i once saw a guy take an item at an auction in dresdon ontario, and he saw i was looking at him, he tried giving me a look as to scare me.If it were up to me i would smash his hands up with a hammer,maybe i will get the chance to do that next time.Only a sack of crap would steal from a dead mans auction.

Personally, I can not believe that I could ever have fun with or even show anyone something I had stolen. I know that there are people will cheat and steal anytime they are given a chance, but how proud could you possibly be of, say, a trophy that you won by CHEATING? I just don't get it!!

[speleausmining]

As above. I dont think I could be proud of something I got through theft or cheating. On another note I have found it frustrating at shows when people are not present at their booths and or they do not have items priced. I have walked away a few times just because I couldent find the seller or there was no price. I personally like to see prices on things because it gives me a base line on how this guy values his stuff (high low average) and it also gives me a point to start a negotiation from. Be prepared to bargin with people (I usually walk away if the price is "firm") but at the same time dont give your stuff away.