Swap meet: Tips on Bargaining

Some swap meets are year round,  others are seasonal. Most seasonal swap meets start opening up sometime in April with some exceptions. It’s best to call and find out the time and days of their swap meet.

Swap meets are fertile grounds for treasure hunting, whether you are looking for a one-of-a-kind antique, or simply a good bargain on household items, vintage clothing or even motor vehicle accessories. Unlike the sterile environment of fluorescent lit shops, swap meets offer a chance for buyers to haggle and vendors to earn some extra cash. These tips will come in handy for those looking for a good bargain.

Do your research

Make sure you do your research before venturing out into a swap meet. Some swap meets are antiques-focused, whereas others are more general in nature. It pays to have an idea of how much the asking price of a particular item should be, such as first edition books or vintage French couture. Only after obtaining a general idea of the accepted market price should you begin to negotiate for a purchase.

Start low

It can be hard to gauge what an initial offer should be. An easy rule of thumb is to let the seller name the starting price before countering, even if the item in question has been tagged with a price. Remember that at swap meets, all prices are fluid and are open to bargaining. With an idea of the maximum you are willing to pay, counteroffer with a low bid, approximately a third of your ceiling price, then bargain your way up from there.

Act unmoved

Refuse to be impressed. Be interested, but not overly so. Never show how much you want a product;  act unmoved. Silence is a good tool when bargaining because it can encourage the vendor to waver on their offer and perhaps lower their price. However don’t go so far as to insult their merchandise as the items on sale at swap meets are often personal purchases.

Find a fault

Remember that the onus on selling should be on the vendor, so allow him or her to persuade you into looking or buying. Find a flaw in items you want to buy and discuss the points you don’t like, such as a cracked veneer on a musical box, or a broken zip on a dress. If you manage to find imperfections, you may be able to bargain down the price further.

Be prepared to walk away

The art of bargaining is about knowing when to pick your battles. Sometimes, the asking price may just be too low for the seller. If you are unable to come to terms, be prepared to walk away. You may or may not find a similar item for a lower price at another vendor; however knowing how much you are willing to part with for a particular item is important when it comes to bargaining.

Bulk buy

Buying more from a particular stall affords you more bargaining power. You can leverage this to ask for a steeper discount. Bargain for a lower overall price if you are purchasing in bulk, or ask politely if you can have some extra items thrown in for free.