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Bookswaps can be very overwhelming if you’re trying to get all of your years worth of curriculum for several children at just one or two swaps. It can be done though, this I know. Most of the last 14 years worth of curriculum I’ve bought have been purchased at bookswaps.
The Boy Scouts had a good idea for bookswaps – be prepared.
If you’re selling, mark your stuff low, and make it easy to tell what you have. You should know that you need to be flexible on the price of your books. Folks want a deal. Give ‘em one and you’ll end up with less to carry back home. Make a poster listing what items you have.
Go early and bring a hat and a drink for yourself and your helper. Often there are lines of sellers waiting for the doors to open, especially if your swap only offers tables on a first come first serve basis.
You need a helper, rent someones teenager if you don’t have your own. This is important for two reasons. They can carry the boxes of books for you and they can man your table, selling your old stuff, leaving you free to shop for the “new” stuff.
Don’t bring your children younger than 8 (or so). I am all for bringing our children everywhere we go, but you need to be able to think, and it’s gonna be very crowded. Trust me, this is one of the few times in life that you need to have someone else taking care of them. Really. Even if you are not selling and are just shopping, you need to leave the littles at home with Daddy or Granny.
Bring extra boxes, small ones. Even if you don’t need them (you will though) someone else will. A sturdy tote bag will also be your friend as you shop.
As in all of the rest of life, make a list of what you want to buy. Make a detailed list. Write neatly and organize your list so you can just show it to sellers. Some will find that helpful, others just want you to browse.
Remember to pack your lunch, and bring plenty to drink. No need to squander the your money on the snack machines just from failure to plan.
My swap is this week, I’ll let you know next week if I got any noteworthy deals. I always do though. Ohh, I’m excited, can’t wait. I ♥ bookswaps!
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