Swap meet etiquette / Luray

alexiskai

alexiskai

Well-known member
Next weekend I'm going to the Luray swap meet, it'll be my first one. Anyone have etiquette tips? Such as:
  • Is everything done in cash?
  • Do people tote their purchases around with carts or ferry it back to their vehicle?
  • What's reasonable to expect a vendor to know about their items?
  • How are car sales handled?
  • Does Luray have one of those meet-before-the-official-meet things?
 
alexiskai said:
Next weekend I'm going to the Luray swap meet, it'll be my first one. Anyone have etiquette tips? Such as:
  • Is everything done in cash?
  • Do people tote their purchases around with carts or ferry it back to their vehicle?
  • What's reasonable to expect a vendor to know about their items?
  • How are car sales handled?
  • Does Luray have one of those meet-before-the-official-meet things?
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[*]Is everything done in cash? Yes, pretty much.

[*]Do people tote their purchases around with carts or ferry it back to their vehicle? Some pull their own carts or two wheel dollies. Others use a backpack or bag. That place is not that big. Some will leave their purchases at the space they purchased in and go retrieve it when the day is done.

[*]What's reasonable to expect a vendor to know about their items? Assume nothing. Treat it as they know nothing. Most vendors are honest, but you still need to be on your guard.

[*]How are car sales handled? Cash on barrel-head.
I sold a Model-A 400A for $25k at Hershey, and the sale was done right there with 250 $100 bills. I would not expect anyone to accept a check or even cashiers checks.

[*]Does Luray have one of those meet-before-the-official-meet things? If you are referring to sales before, kinda. Vendors with larger vehicles will get into place early. Some sales will likely happen at the motels.

Hopefully this answers your questions.
 
My only additional question is, are personal mobility scooters allowed or available to rent ?
 
alexiskai said:
Anyone have etiquette tips?
Click to expand...

I haven't been to Luray yet but generally...

Make a list of what you need, what you want, and anything specific (part numbers, reference stuff etc.) Walk around your projects while doing it.

If it's expensive or rare ask before picking it up.

Be wary of stuff on the ground, try to avoid stepping on stuff.

Engage the sellers. It's a long day as a seller watching people walk by.

Want to buy or price something but don't know who to pay? Hold it up on the air and look around.

Try to avoid offering stupid low pricing. Asking how much they need for it usually get's you there quicker and both can decide the value.

Dress for the weather. Layers and pockets are your friends. Small bookbag helps for water etc.

Take a copy of your favorite resto catalog for price referencing. Google helps too if you are unsure.

If a smaller show make another pass or two. You'd be surprised at what you missed the first time through.

#1 tip is remember to have fun and don't expect more than the show may deliver. Even a bad show is better than most of 2020.

I got told I'm working Wednesday and Thursday nights 7pm-7am for emergency coverage so I may make the run down Friday afternoon if I feel up to it. Kind of a bummer but I'm at a good place on my projects.
 
As I recall, the ground is rather uneven, so scooters may have some difficulty. Hopefully there won't have been any rain. I don't really know of scooters are available, but I suspect not. As Brent said, it is not that big.
 
mhsprecher said:
As I recall, the ground is rather uneven, so scooters may have some difficulty. Hopefully there won't have been any rain. I don't really know of scooters are available, but I suspect not. As Brent said, it is not that big.
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Thank you! Obviously a good one for me to skip ! Wayne
 
If you pick up a part and are interested in purchasing it, DO NOT LAY IT DOWN. As long as it is in your hand, you are free to negotiate with the seller. If you put it down, any else can pick it up and buy it. Once you put it down, you have lost your right to negotiate if another person is interested. If you do have to put it down, put your foot on it to "hold your position".

Chris W.
 
I find that after walking thru the vendors if I reverse directions
and walk back thru the field I always see things I missed the
first time thru. Wish you well
Gil. NoCal
 
McMimmcs said:
Thank you! Obviously a good one for me to skip ! Wayne
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Well, look at it this way. Which would you rather attend, a 500 space swap meet with 100 spaces containing Model-A parts, ...or a 200 space swap meet with 100 spaces containing Model-A parts? It is a small(er) meet that does not have vendors with Camaro, Chevelle, Mustang, and 70s Chev P/U parts to walk past to get to the next space that has early car stuff. At the end of the day, your feet and your back appreciate the smaller meet.
 
I've been at Luray 6 times. Not much happens during setup Thursday evening,but you might find something? ?? Friday moring it's wide open. A scooter would need to be a off road type. The field is bush hog cut. You can drive up and pick up your parts. Very easy going neighbor helping neighbor feel.
You will find parts you normally don't find at Big meets for Model As and Ts. You will probably see a kid learning to drive a T around.
Bring Cash. Big shopping center a couple miles down the road.
More vendors that you see from Hershey are showing up.
You can buy a can soda for a $1 Most vendors you can pull up a chair and chat with.

I'm bringing a load of parts from some nice picks. Fenders,hoods,31 tanks,21" wheels, 30/31 Roadster doors. Cowl bands,lights,windshield frames and much more. And lots of T parts.
See yall at Luray
 
Luray is about as laid back as possible: and quite unlike Hershey. A small grassy field with a few dozen vendors. All pretty much pre-war and a great way to spend a few hours. The parking lot is so close you can simply carry each purchase back. The Legion hall has good and inexpensive food with plenty of places to sit. And don’t miss the “country-style” bathroom facility.
 
BRENT in 10-uh-C said:
Well, look at it this way. Which would you rather attend, a 500 space swap meet with 100 spaces containing Model-A parts, ...or a 200 space swap meet with 100 spaces containing Model-A parts? It is a small(er) meet that does not have vendors with Camaro, Chevelle, Mustang, and 70s Chev P/U parts to walk past to get to the next space that has early car stuff. At the end of the day, your feet and your back appreciate the smaller meet.
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My rationale for skipping was not size of event or merchandise related! I am presently handicapped and committed to a wheel chair. Wayne
 
Mid-Atlantic pre-war swap meet is the Facebook group. Says they are over 60 vendors this year and they have picture of prior events.
 
Mc, I'm sure they will let you drive your vehicle around the swap meet considering your circumstances.
Easy going bunch.
 
As to cash....yes cash only. I’ve only seen one individual who could accept CC on their phone! Generally not a techno bunch!
I took a check at Hershey , once, because the guy was a friend of a guy I was with and he vouched for him! Yep bounced! Took me three months to get paid. The guy who vouched for him response was “well wouldn’t have thought that”
Cash is king
 
Sounds like fun, as far as payments, if you are a vendor and may not be aware, Square has a pretty good system. I have one set up for my contracting business as every once in awhile someone wants to use a a debit or credit card. There are no fees with it unless you use it which is nice for the vendor. Only down side is the percentage that square takes off the top, which isnt too much. Im the kind of person that rarely carrys cash, I use my debit card for everything. However I assume when going to these kind of places that cash is king so I will take a small stash along.
 
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