Frag Swap Pointer

funkyman

New member
I thought this may be of benefit to some people, so here goes...

I've done this for the last 4 or 5 frag swaps, and I'm glad I started doing this since I've referenced them several times over the years.

I naturally print out the list of items promised to me and take it with me to the swap (duh). I mark how much the frag was next to each item so I know how much I have invested in it. I keep these lists. Once the frags are home, if for some unfortunate reason the coral doesn't make it, I'll mark it as died, along with a date.

This will give you an automatic history and lineage which seems to be critical to a select few. You can also log notes about the sellers themselves on these lists.

Another reason I started doing this was an aggravating experience from 2 or 3 swaps ago. The seller, who I had reserved a number of pricey frags from wasn't at their table almost the entire day. They setup their table, and then had evidentally decided to leave the grounds and eat. Finally, at the end of the swap they showed up again. After waiting around for them all day, they seemed in a big hurry for me to hand over my payment, and to top it all off the frags ended up being microscopic.

I vowed never to deal with them again, and if I hadn't kept my Promised Items list from that swap, I would have never remembered who they were after all this time. As a matter of fact, there were some items I almost committed to since then that ended up being theirs. Luckily, I had me reference page.
 
Good pointers!

Just remember that sellers are there to buy stuff too, so they may be walking around looking as well. I know in the past I left to grab some McDonalds, and can only assume that others do the same since the swap is 4 hours long (longer sometimes b/c of the raffle). I've noticed that in the past, most of the stuff that's presold is picked up in the first hour, and normally if its not picked up then people tend to be no-shows.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14745321#post14745321 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by weimers75
Good pointers!

Just remember that sellers are there to buy stuff too, so they may be walking around looking as well. I know in the past I left to grab some McDonalds, and can only assume that others do the same since the swap is 4 hours long (longer sometimes b/c of the raffle). I've noticed that in the past, most of the stuff that's presold is picked up in the first hour, and normally if its not picked up then people tend to be no-shows.
A nice thing about this location is you don't have to leave to get something to eat if the concession is open. If you do have to leave, get a temporary cell phone number good for the day and leave it at your table.
 
Was there not a concession stand at one or am I thinking of another swap? Some do have concessions - which is a plus because then you don't have to leave. Glad to know there will be one this year.

I think its a bit extreme though to get a temporary number for one or two frags. If I had a ton to sell maybe, but in the past I've only had one or two people that had to pick something up after the first hour...getting a number for the day is a bit much for two people. Might be a good idea for the big sellers though.

Funkyman brings up a good point though. I too keep lists from the past on my computer, and mark down no-shows and such and won't hold corals for no-shows. Keep in mind that sellers also list the sizes of their frags. If the frag is less than what the seller promished you can always choose to not buy it or ask for a reduced price. Most people on here are honest and would rather have you be happy:)

I'm not sure who funkyman was referring to, but I did leave the one swap like I stated, if it was me I want you to know that I wasn't trying to hurry you! The one instance where I remember someone finding me at the end was as the raffle was going on...I was just trying to hear the raffle. All of my frags are the sizes I stated or I would have told you and offered the option for a reduced price.
 
Last edited:
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14745608#post14745608 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by weimers75
Was there not a concession stand at one or am I thinking of another swap? Some do have concessions - which is a plus because then you don't have to leave. Glad to know there will be one this year.

I think its a bit extreme though to get a temporary number for one or two frags. .....
Here's from serpentman's announcement:

This year's event will be held at a new beautiful venue that will provide more room and better parking. Food and beverages will also be available.

Skyview Lodge
336 Pearl Rd
Brunswick Hills, OH 44212
www.skyviewlodge.net

The temporary numbers are free. People use them for social reasons so what's extreme about it?
 
I assume if your selling coral it would be a good idea to purchase a table? Correct?

This is my first swap and want to (hopefully) be prepared!

Thanks
 
Re: Frag Swap Pointer

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14744885#post14744885 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by funkyman
I naturally print out the list of items promised to me and take it with me to the swap (duh). I mark how much the frag was next to each item so I know how much I have invested in it.

If you print out the checklist instead of the list of trades you will already have the prices filled in for you. Then you can just add your notes. Figured I would let you guys know so you can save a step there. You can also log into old swaps that you have registered to previously and view/print your checklists. If the person still has the pictures hosted online you can even click the links and view the pics.

HTH
-- Kevin
 
Back
Top