Is There a Swap Meet or Flea Market Near You?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the existence and experiences related to flea markets and swap meets in various locations. Participants share their personal experiences, the types of items available, and the nature of these markets, including comparisons between different regions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their positive experiences at flea markets in San Diego, highlighting specific bargains and the variety of items available.
  • Another participant expresses dissatisfaction with a local permanent flea market, describing it as mostly uninteresting and filled with items that do not sell, while acknowledging that some may find value in materials for crafting.
  • A participant from the Chicagoland area mentions a large flea market at the All State Arena and a specialized pin trading event, noting the difference between flea markets and swap meets.
  • Some participants question the authenticity of pin trading as a swap meet, suggesting that it has evolved from its original purpose.
  • Another participant mentions the Swap Shop in Fort Lauderdale, which has expanded significantly from its origins, incorporating various attractions beyond just a flea market.
  • A participant from Toronto notes the prevalence of flea markets but indicates a lack of specialized meets like pin trading in their area, contrasting it with classic car gatherings.
  • One participant shares their experience with car boot sales, comparing them to flea markets and noting the variety of items available.
  • Another participant humorously contrasts the concept of car boot sales with the idea of a 'storefront' in the U.S. context.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the quality or nature of flea markets and swap meets, with some expressing positive experiences while others report dissatisfaction. There are multiple competing views regarding the definition and authenticity of swap meets versus flea markets.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference specific local markets and events, indicating regional differences in the types of markets available. The discussion reflects a variety of personal experiences and perceptions, which may be influenced by local culture and market conditions.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in flea markets, swap meets, or local buying and selling experiences may find this discussion relevant. It may also appeal to those curious about regional variations in such markets.

zoobyshoe
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San Diego has a few, actually; large ones that run every weekend. Last Sunday I came away with some excellent pirate booty, the most exiting of which was a nearly-new back pack for $10. I looked it up online when I got it home and it retails for between $60 and $70. One of the zippers was a bit mangled, so I think it was a return.

I also got a one gallon wet-dry vac for $2. It really sucks! Very strong. Be great for the car. Also got a 3/8 drive Craftsman torque wrench for $8, and I got a very nice new Glacier Bay bathroom faucette made of stainless steel for $5. (Already installed it and it works beautifully.)

Point being, the potential bargains are myriad. I'm especially glad for the book vendors, many of whom have a set price of "a buck a book."

Many years ago I was in Belgium, and was dragged to a famous flea market there (Brussels, maybe?) so I know they exist as regular events outside of California, but I seem to be the only PF person who goes to them. Is there a flea market or swap meet near you, and if so, do you ever go?
 
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Unfortunately we have a fairly large permanent flea market outside the city, but it's all complete garbage.
 
The biggest regular flea market in the Chicagoland area is in the parking lot of the All State Arena in Rosemont. It runs every Saturday during mid spring to early fall.

As for "swap meet", we have our Windy City Pin Traders that meet every 3rd Saturday of the month at a Fuddruckers in Downers Grove. In fact, we will be meeting up this weekend.

Zz.
 
Greg Bernhardt said:
Unfortunately we have a fairly large permanent flea market outside the city, but it's all complete garbage.
I'd say 80% of the stuff here is of no interest to anyone, and doesn't sell. On the other hand, one man's junk is another's raw material. For example, the steel in old circular saw blades is perfect for making knives out of, so it's a bargain to someone who makes knives as a hobby to be able to pick up a bunch of rusty old circular saw blades for a quarter each. I've bought junk for pennies now and then mostly because I was interested in a supply of the material it was made from. I think a lot of craftsmen and tinkerers go to flea markets for that reason.
ZapperZ said:
As for "swap meet", we have our Windy City Pin Traders that meet every 3rd Saturday of the month at a Fuddruckers in Downers Grove. In fact, we will be meeting up this weekend.
Do you authentically swap pins? Here there's no difference between a swap meet and what's called a flea market where I grew up. Perhaps back in the day people actually swapped things at swap meets, but no longer.
 
zoobyshoe said:
Do you authentically swap pins? Here there's no difference between a swap meet and what's called a flea market where I grew up. Perhaps back in the day people actually swapped things at swap meets, but no longer.

Yes, at our pin trading day, it is predominantly (i.e. >75%) pin trading. This is a practice that we all "acquired" when we do pin trading on Disney property (i.e. they prohibit buying and selling between guests). There are also trading of vinylmations, Sorcerer to the Magic Kingdom cards (much like Baseball cards), etc.

http://windycitypintraders.com/

Zz.
 
We've got oodles of flea markets up here in Hogtown, but I've never heard of "specialized" meets like pin trading. Closest I've seen to any kind of specialized meet is a classic car gathering in the lot of the local Canadian Tire every 2nd Saturday.
 
About an hour's drive from here is the Anderson Jockey Lot. I've driven past it a few times but have never stopped there.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida has the Swap Shop which began when the Thunderbird Drive-In movie theater started to host a flea market during the day on weekends. It grew and grew and grew. Now they have 14 drive-in movie screens, a car museum, and carnival rides in addition to the flea market.
 
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ZapperZ said:
Yes, at our pin trading day, it is predominantly (i.e. >75%) pin trading. This is a practice that we all "acquired" when we do pin trading on Disney property (i.e. they prohibit buying and selling between guests).
That's probably one of the few authentic "swap meets" in existence, and the origin of the practice is interesting.
DaveC426913 said:
We've got oodles of flea markets up here in Hogtown, but I've never heard of "specialized" meets like pin trading. Closest I've seen to any kind of specialized meet is a classic car gathering in the lot of the local Canadian Tire every 2nd Saturday.
None of the several swap meets around here is dedicated, and there's no swapping I know of. They're flea markets.
jtbell said:
About an hour's drive from here is the Anderson Jockey Lot. I've driven past it a few times but have never stopped there.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida has the Swap Shop which began when the Thunderbird Drive-In movie theater started to host a flea market during the day on weekends. It grew and grew and grew. Now they have 14 drive-in movie screens, a car museum, and carnival rides in addition to the flea market.
So, everyone whose reported in is remote from each other, and the polygon San Diego, Toronto, Chicago, Wisconsin, Florida is pretty huge. It's probably safe to assume there are regular flea markets in all states.
 
We have car boot sales here, you can pick up any thing from a vase to a pair of army boots, better still is the charity shop i work at, you can buy a single bed there for 5 quid or kitchen equipment from 10p upwards to 2quid. or a pair of jeans for 3 quid. etc etc.
 
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wolram said:
We have car boot sales here...
That's funny. Here in the U.S. the trunk of the car is the traditional 'storefront' of black marketeers.