Swap Meet @ Carlisle? Questions.

Was thinking about getting a swap meet spot at Carlisle. Have never done this before.
Any pros or cons to renting a spot. ?
Any words of advice ?
Have a lot of B and E body stuff I want to clean out of the garage.
Thx. Doug.

Been swapping since the 2nd year, 1992. Very tough to even get a spot now, have you looked yet? Most vendors bought up all the empty spots and park their vehicles on those spots now. They did open up new spots last year by the car corral but my buddy that got one of those found out that people don't know vendors are there, he had very little traffic. Maybe Ed will address that problem for this year, but you better take a look a soon as you can...

In addition to the above, the spots are small. You will likely need a minimum of 2 if you have a lot of stuff and want the ability to layout everything without stacking stuff on top of each other.

All spots may be sold but they sure as hell aren't filled. Seems to me if you buy a spot it should be a "use it or lose it" deal for the following year. What the organizers need to understand is empty spots don't attract spectators.

"Have a lot of B and E body stuff I want to clean out of the garage."

In my experience...it depends. If you have a lot of large items, too big to ship, like body panels and engines, Carlisle is good. Be sure to advertise on here and the other forums for delivery to Carlisle - presales make the trip much more enjoyable!

As for smaller items that can be shipped.... as much as many hate eBay, it's the best way to go, if you're looking for the best money. If you're just looking to clear out space and need a reason to go to Carlisle, load up and go. Be sure to get spots and a hotel ASAP.... if any are to be had.

Last I checked on the Carlisle site all spaces for the Chrysler show were sold
Theres a chance someone may advertise here or other sites close to the time of the swap they will sub lease their spots
If I don't go I never have trouble filling my spaces

Thank you to everyone, that replied, very helpful, I appreciate the information.

Just bring your stuff to Mopars in The Park in MN. 1st weekend in June!

I lost 5 consecutive spots in 2010 because I subleased them out to the company I was working for, but they decided not to do it last minute so they didn't pay for them! If the spots are paid for the owner will have them the next year no matter if there is anything on those spots are not. Like I said earlier, quite a few vendors park their vehicles on single spots and the vehicle may not have been there when you saw it empty.

looks more like a nascar camp ground in many spots than a swap meet

I've had my 7 spaces since 2003
Renew them every year ahead of time so I don't lose them

A bunch of people parking vehicles on them doesn't make a swap meet, it makes it a parking lot !!!

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Lost my 6 spots in 2019 because we didn't attend during Covid (because we were SLAMMED back at the shop not cause we were chicken poops). Carlisle said they would just credit us for the next year BUT INSTEAD THEY REFUNDED US. It';s IMPOSSIBLE to get more than 2 or 3 spots in a row. Luckily Dante gave up his 7 spots for us.

I had 6 spaces.

2 of them were to park the trucks in.

You pretty much had to. They do not supply a parking spaces for vendor vehicles

The Carlisle spaces are usually 10' wide x 30' deep. You really need at least 4 spaces wide. Otherwise people will usually just walk on by, they won't go back into the space. That will run you $400, gas, tolls, hotel room, misc. expenses, truck and trailer expenses, etc. All of that can really add up quick making it not worth it. Expenses can easilly add up to $1000 or more depending on your distance and hotel cost. At a certain point you might be better off giving the parts away and be money ahead. If your looking for the experience and not concerned with the cost give it a try. It's a lot more enjoyable if you don't bring too much with you, otherwise it can be a ton of work dragging parts around that field. You will need a tent to shield you from the Sun. Also be prepared for a major rain/wind storm! It's best to put away your parts at night in your truck or trailer!

The cost of a local hotel per night during this show can vary a lot! For example, a bottom of the barrel hotel 3.9 miles from the fairgrounds is $175 with all fees per night average from Thursday until Saturday night. This is for a place that should have been demolished 25-30 years ago, yes it's that bad! Also, don't go by what the cost is listed on the webisite! They have it listed from $66 per night! The website makes the place look really nice! The pictures of the place are not even close to what is actually there! Talk about photo shop! Bait and switch comes to mind! The nicer newer local hotels (within 5 miles to the fairgrounds) are more in the $275 and up range with all fees per night during the show. It's nice to be located as close to the fairgrounds as possible.