My first frag swap Sunday. A few questions.

Never been to one before. Not sure how this works.
Can you try to talk people down on price?
How do I know if its in good shape if it closed up from the drive there?

Any other info on these kind of events would be helpful.

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You will have to decide for yourself if haggling price is worth it. Biggest advice I can think of is to dip your purchases before you introduce them to your system. We have a couple swaps a year through our local club, they are pretty fun. It’s also a nice way to meet other local reefers. Have fun and remember whatever you pay, it’s probably a lot cheaper than a store buy. Also, bring a bigger cooler than you think you’ll need. I always seem to buy more than I plan.

 

If the table is busy with lots of people buying, you won't be able to haggle. Otherwise, sure, give it a shot. The best bargins happen at the end of the swap. No one wants to take home unsold stock so you can get bargins.

Other tips, bring lots of money, something to carry your frags in, ice packs, if its hot, and have plenty of fun.

Jack

 

Try to have an idea of what you want to add to your tank and stick with it. My first swap was a big one and I was extremely overwhelmed. It's too easy to get hypnotized by all the pretty colors. :

It's easier to haggle if you buy more than one item from a vendor. I also like to get a good size colony and split it with a friend, or split frags and get a bigger selection.

 

this is what i came home with yest.
hollywood stunner chalice 7-8 inches long 30 bucks
what do you think?

 

Congrats , that is a great deal

 

Swaps are the best thing for a poor reefer and for somone who has a successful tank. Dont haggle them on the price unless it is blatantly a bad price. they will all be prepriced when you get there. I normally do $10-$20 for each of my frags. the more rare, the more they will cost. the rarest ones will go first. have you a list of what you want to accomplish b4 u go or you will blow your money.

and yes, at the end, most dont want to take their frags home so they might even be giving them away. I have sold 100's of frags at our last few swaps only buying a select few. this year, I will have to have a budget and not go overboard on it.

 

Great piece, especially for the size.