Hamfest Shopping Tips by KB9VBR

“Hamfests, the flea market of the amateur radio world, are part buying expedition and part social affair. Shopping a hamfest can be great way to outfit your shack, plus if you’ve been involved with ham radio more than a few years, a great way to connect and reconnect with those faces behind the microphone.

But shopping at a hamlets isn’t without peril. The same rules apply to a hamfest as at any type of flea market, but also get to add the uncertainty of buying a piece of electronic equipment. You can either accomplish a great score, or be stuck with a pig in a poke. In that vein, here’s some tips that served me well when shopping at hamfests.

Arrive early (or stay late)

Shopping at a hamfest is all about timing. Getting there early is the only way to be assured the best selection. If you are looking for something desirable, an early start may be the only way you’ll be able to find it before someone else snaps it up. Conversely, staying to the bitter end can give you the leverage to buy something at a fraction of its price, as sellers are more willing to discount instead of trucking it back home….READ FULL ARTICLE “