Welcome to Kobey's Swap Meet at the San Diego Sports Arena. You will be joining a select group of vendors who participate in San Diego County's biggest and best outdoor market.

Whether you are a vendor selling new merchandise, a distributor, a promoter of services, a Seller of bulk food items, or an occasional "clean out the garage" Seller, Kobey's is the place for you.

If this is your first experience with Kobey's, this Information Sheet will prove to be an invaluable tool that will familiarize you with the Swap Meet and how you can become a vendor.

Keep in mind that Kobey's goal is to provide you with the best possible opportunity through which you may sell your merchandise. The rules, regulations and procedures enclosed herein are meant to keep Kobey's the finest that it can be.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Kobey's Swap Meet started in 1976 at the old Midway Drive-In Theater. We have undergone many changes and have grown to become the premier Swap Meet in San Diego County. We now occupy the parking lot at the San Diego Sports Arena with a selling capacity of approximately one thousand (1,000) vendors. Holding to the belief that diversity is a good thing, Kobey's offers the Shopper a mixture of new and used items. We do, however, have prohibited merchandise and certain items which must conform with all governmental specifications.

Kobey's is in operation every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Shopper's hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Kobey's Swap Meet draws approximately 30,000 - 40,000 shoppers weekly. Kobey's Swap Meet attracts more buyers because we are committed to a heavy advertising campaign consisting of television, radio, newspaper and billboards.

BEFORE YOU PURCHASE A KOBEY'S SELLER'S LICENSE:

KOBEY'S PHILOSOPHY

Kobey's always has and always will strive to be the best that it can be. We are committed to providing a fun, family oriented shopping experience for our Shoppers and Sellers. Towards that goal we will attract vendors who are also committed to a similar goal.

Selling at Kobey's Swap Meet is a professional business experience to which we are proud to be committed. As a part of this experience Kobey's strongly adheres to all applicable governmental policies, codes, rules and regulations; therefore we expect the same of every Seller.

By accurately reporting all sales tax revenue, you as a Seller are providing revenue to both the City and the State. However, if you fail to obtain the necessary permits, or fail to report sales tax, Kobey's will have no other choice than to deny you further selling privileges.

We at Kobey's Swap Meet have further committed ourselves to providing a policy of 100% customer satisfaction. We want people to come back to Kobey's because they realize that Kobey's offers quality merchandise at bargain prices. Shoppers will be encouraged to seek out Management assistance if they experience dissatisfaction. Kobey's will use its best efforts to mitigate all customer complaints.

CALIFORNIA STATE BOARD OF EQUALIZATION SELLER'S PERMIT

All potential Sellers of new or handcrafted merchandise must have a California State Board of Equalization Seller's Permit ("California Seller's Permit") with their name(s) and the Seller's Permit must specify the address of the San Diego Sports Arena located at 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego, CA 92110, before being permitted to purchase a ticket to sell at Kobey's Swap Meet. This is also the case for vendors selling large quantities of one particular item; the accumulation of a quantity of one particular item is for the purpose of resale.

If you are selling used or garage sale items you are entitled to sell two (2) times in a twelve (I2) month period without a California Seller's Permit. After selling two (2) times in a twelve (12) month period, YOU MUST HAVE a California Seller's Permit regardless of what type of merchandise you are selling.

This is all in accordance with California State law (18 California Admin. Code §1595(a)(1)). The California Seller's Permit and further information can be obtained by contacting the State Board of Equalization located at 1350 Front Street, Room 5047, San Diego, CA 92101, (619) 525-4526. Each Seller is responsible for becoming familiar with and complying with all requirements of the California State Board of Equalization, as well as filing any necessary forms required by law.

All vendors selling more than six (6) times in a twelve (12) month period MUST HAVE A CURRENT City of San Diego Business Tax Certificate ("San Diego BTC".) The San Diego BTC is issued by the City of San Diego, Office of the City Treasurer, Civic Center Plaza
Lobby located at 1200 3rd Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101. (619)615-1500. The address of the San Diego Sports Arena located at 3500 Sports Arena Boulevard, San Diego, CA must appear on the San Diego BTC. Tax Certificates from other locations or cities are not acceptable. Your space at the Swap Meet is your store front and it is taxed accordingly.

OTHER LICENSES

Depending on what you sell, there are specific licenses that may affect you. If you are selling a food item, such as produce or bread, you must have a Health Permit issued to you with the San Diego Sports Arena address listed on it. A Health Permit is required by law for anyone selling a product that is designed to be consumed by a human being, and must be submitted to any Kobey's employee upon request. Health Permits may be obtained at the Environmental Health Services, 1255 imperial Avenue, San Diego, CA, (619) 338-2379.

If you are selling animals of any kind, you must be in compliance with all applicable County of San Diego Health Department rules. Kobey's is frequented by the Humane Society and Animal Control who inspect selling areas containing animals. These agencies may impound your animals, and fine you on the spot for any violations; compliance with all local Health Department rules, and regulations is mandatory.

Vendors selling bedding, furniture, and similar items must possess a Home Furnishings Permit. This permit is available through the Bureau of Home Furnishings, (800) 952-5210.

REFURBISHED/SECONDHAND MERCHANDISE

Any vendor who sells, exchanges, offers to sell, or exchange, exposes for sale or exchange, or possesses with the intent to sell or exchange, refurbished and/or secondhand merchandise of any type, or kind shall post a sign at the front of his or her booth clearly stating that they sell refurbished merchandise.

Violation of any of the above described provisions will result in revocation of your selling privileges.

PROHIBITED MERCHANDISE

"No vendor shall offer or display at a swap meet any new or used personal property or merchandise of a kind which the swap meet operator has expressly prohibited. Every swap meet owner shall post or display in prominent places at the swap meet, or give written notice to every vendor prior to the commencement of a swap meet of the kinds of personal property or merchandise which may not be offered for sale or exchange. The swap meet owner or operator shall also post a sign at the main entrance of the swap meet which states that vendors are required to issue receipts in accordance with subdivision (a)." Bus. & Pro. Code §21666(b).

* THE SALE OF WEAPONS IS ABSOLUTELY PROHIBITED *

No Seller may sell, exchange, offer to sell or exchange, expose for sale or exchange, or possess with the intent to sell or exchange, store, or transfer any weapons, or obviously harmful products at Kobey's Swap Meet, or the grounds thereof. Further prohibited items consist of, but are not limited to, the following:

PROHIBITED MERCHANDISE

Each Seller shall hold Kobey's Swap Meet harmless from any violation of any of the foregoing provisions. Violation of any of the above described provisions will result in revocation of your selling privileges at Kobey's Swap Meet at the sole discretion of Kobey's Management.

The San Diego Sports Arena contracts directly with an independent food sales company who has exclusive concessionaire rights to the Sports Arena parking lot and subsequently, Kobey's Swap Meet; Therefore no Sellers are permitted to sell "concession" items (i.e. any food item(s) which could be consumed on the premises). Sellers are, however, permitted to sell packaged, bulk, non-prepared food items. For further clarification, or information please inquire at the Reservation Office.

SELECTING A SPACE

Once you have obtained all required permits, licenses, certificates and related paperwork you may select a date to sell. Be prepared to select an alternative date if your first selected date is sold out, or if the selection is not satisfactory. Be prepared to let the Kobey's employee know what you are selling, if you have sold before, and the date you wish to sell. We do not hold spaces or make reservations by telephone.

Kobey's spaces are approximately 16'xl8' in size consisting of two (2) car spaces on the parking lot, except for rows I and J which run smaller.

Each Seller must have a valid Kobey's Seller's License (ticket) to set up in a marked stall on the given date. Kobey's Swap Meet can be divided into the following areas: the "front section" consists of rows A - J; and the "back section" of the Swap Meet consists of rows K - T.

PURCHASING A KOBEY'S SELLER'S LICENSE

A Sellers License may be purchased five (5) days a week. You may purchase a Seller's License either before the day you wish to sell (ADVANCE RESERVATION), or the same day you wish you to sell (UNRESERVED). An advance reservation may be purchased Wednesday or Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at Kobey's office located at 3350 Sports Arena Blvd., Suite K, San Diego. Advance Reservations can also be made at the Swap Meet Friday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Sellers reservation booth at the main entrance. When purchasing a Seller's License in advance you are guaranteed a space in the Swap Meet until 7:00 a.m., and you do not have to wait in the unreserved line. (Seller's Licenses can be purchased either on a daily basis, advanced weekly basis, or monthly basis.) Vehicles must be in their space or unloaded by 6:45 AM. If you arrive later than 6:45, you may cart or carry items to your space.

Purchasing an unreserved Seller's License entitles you to sell on that day only. Please have your car in the unreserved Sellers line which forms right next to the fence (right hand line). REMEMBER: THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT KOBEY'S WILL BE ABLE TO ACCOMMODATE YOU; NOR DO WE KNOW EXACTLY WHAT SPACE YOU WILL OCCUPY - IT IS STRICTLY FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE.

Seller's Licenses are sold only for the current month. The first opportunity to purchase an upcoming month's Seller's License will be: (1) the last Friday of the current month for the upcoming month's Friday Seller's License; (2) the last Saturday of the current month for the upcoming month's Saturday Seller's License; and, (3) the last Sunday of the current month for the upcoming month's Sunday Seller's License. If the last Saturday/Sunday are split between two months both days will be applied to the previous month.

During this initial Seller's License distribution period Kobey's institutes a random wristband priority system. The wristbands will be used on these days for the forming of lines for individual monthly Seller's Licenses. For more information, you can obtain a Lottery and Auction Information Sheet which details the process in full at the reservation office and trailer. 

KOBEY'S DOES NOT ISSUE CASH REFUNDS.

Credits are issued for Seller's Licenses returned at least one day in advance of the selling day and in person only; same day credits are not issued.

THERE IS NO CREDIT FOR RAIN OUTS.

KOBEY'S ACCEPTS CASH ONLY FOR TICKET PURCHASES

Kobey's will accept other forms of payment from current monthly sellers who have a Monthly Seller Information Sheet on file with our corporate office.

CREDITS MAY NOT BE USED IN THE UNRESERVED LINE.

Credits may only be used when purchasing a Seller's License in advance.

UPGRADING YOUR SELLER'S LICENSE (TICKET)

There are several ways in which you may upgrade your Seller's License to get a better space at Kobey's Swap Meet. In ALL cases, SELLER'S LICENSES CAN ONLY BE EXCHANGED AT THE KOBEY'S ADVANCE RESERVATION BOOTH OR OFFICE. SELLERS MAY NOT TRADE SELLER'S LICENSES AMONGST THEMSELVES. FAILURE TO COMPLY WILL RESULT IN DENIAL OF FURTHER SELLING PRIVILEGES. The first and most convenient method of obtaining a better space ticket is by checking the daily space turn-ins. You may check with Kobey's Advance Reservation staff before the day of the event, and ask if we have a better selection of spaces. If there is a space for which you would like to trade, simply exchange the Seller's License for the preferred space. You must pay any increase in space fees at the time of the exchange; we will give you a credit for any decrease in the space fee at the time of the exchange.

The second way to upgrade your space is through our lottery system. The only other consistent method of obtaining better space selection of premium spaces is through the AUCTION. The Auction is a different process than the lottery. (For more complete lottery information, please refer to the Lottery Information Guidelines (click here) and the Kobey's Rules and Regulations (click here).

THE DAY YOU SELL

Be prepared. Have your Seller Information Sheet (three part form) filled out COMPLETELY before you arrive. DO NOT forget to list all items and their corresponding serial numbers. Have your correct and valid licenses; California Seller's Permit, Health Permit, San Diego BTC, Home Furnishing Permit, and any other applicable items available when checking into the Swap Meet.

Don't forget Kobey's requires all drivers have a valid driver's license and valid automobile liability insurance for all vehicles entering the Swap Meet grounds. Kobey's may require, at their discretion, for a Seller to provide proof of valid driver's license and auto insurance.

Please enter the Swap Meet from the lanes which are applicable to your Seller's license and space status. We have separate lanes for reserved and unreserved Sellers. When entering the grounds please follow the direction of the parking attendants. They will direct you to either the reserved line, which is for Sellers who have previously purchased a Seller's License; or to the unreserved line, which is for Sellers who have not previously purchased a Seller's License. Both of these lines are formed by our parking attendants as you enter the Swap Meet grounds from Sports Arena Blvd.

Sellers with back section Seller's Licenses should enter the line that forms on Kurtz Street by the back gate. This is a single line.

Vendors with Seller's Licenses are permitted to enter the Swap Meet at 5:00 a.m. through the front and back gate. BEFORE you are permitted to enter the Swap Meet you must have all the proper paperwork completed and ready for review at the gate.

Vehicles must be in their space or unloaded and out of the swap meet by 6:45 a.m. If you arrive later than 6:45, you may cart or carry items to your space. Reserved Spaces are only reserved until 7:00 a.m. Vehicles parked inside the swap meet are not permitted to exit until approximately 3:30 p.m. or when management makes the end of day announcement. Failure to clear the aisle way on time will result in the loss of further selling privileges.

The unreserved vendor’s line will be permitted upon purchase of a ticket to enter the Swap Meet no earlier than 5:30 a.m. The amount of available tickets will determine how many vendors are permitted to enter the Swap Meet. Any vendor showing up after 6:45 a.m. must cart their merchandise into their selling space. Once the Management has declared that the Swap Meet is "sold out", then we no longer will permit vendors to purchase a Seller's License for that selling day.

A PRIMARY IMPORTANCE DURING THE CHECK-IN HOURS IS SAFETY. PLEASE DRIVE SLOW WITH YOUR SPEED NOT TO EXCEED 3 MILES PER HOUR. BE AWARE THAT THERE ARE MANY PEDESTRIANS AND VEHICLES UNLOADING. USE EXTRA CARE AT ALL TIMES WHEN DRIVING ON THE PARKING LOT AND INSIDE THE SWAP MEET.

EQUIPMENT RENTAL

Sellers may rent equipment to assist in selling at the Swap Meet from equipment rentals which is located directly in front of the Advance Reservation Office on the Swap Meet grounds and right inside the back vendor's gate. Available equipment includes tables, chairs, canopies, strollers, wagons, etc. A complete list of equipment and rental fees is available.

Kobey's has exclusive rights to rent any and/or all equipment. Vendors inside the market area will not be permitted to rent items without Kobey's prior approval.

Presentation of valid identification (i.e. California Driver's License, Military I.D., with a major credit card) is required to rent equipment. The rental of a canopy also requires a twenty dollar ($20.00) cash only deposit. No checks will be accepted. A cash deposit can be held in lieu of depository identification card. Your cash deposit and/or identification materials will be returned to you upon the return of the rented items. For further information on rental equipment, please see equipment rentals directly.

IN YOUR SPACE

Upon reaching your selling space, position your vehicle in the space entirely, or quickly unload and remove your vehicle from the lot (weekend parking is available in the Sports Arena Village complex to the west of Kobey's Swap Meet). No vehicles are permitted in the aisles after 6:45 a.m.

Remember to set up your selling displays entirely within the "T" marks which define your space.

Please follow all rules and regulations, governing selling at Kobey's, listed on your Seller's License.

Please show respect for your neighbors' space and be considerate of others.

Please dispose of all your trash in a proper manner, and leave your space clean. Vendors leaving an abundant amount of trash will be assessed a clean-up fee and the loss of further selling privileges.

EACH CORNER POLE OF ANY CANOPY SET IN SELLER'S SPACE MUST HAVE A CEMENT BLOCK SECURELY FASTENED TO IT. ANY ADDITIONAL POLES MUST HAVE A PROTECTIVE "FOOTING" TO PRESERVE THE PARKING LOT SURFACE. ADDITIONAL POLES OR CEMENT BLOCKS MAY BE REQUIRED AT KOBEY'S DISCRETION.

Vendors must vacate the Sports Arena premises no later than 4:30 p.m., unless Management announces otherwise throughout the day.

Kobey's hopes that this Information will help make your selling day at Kobey's Swap Meet safer and more enjoyable. Kobey's is committed to constantly improving its operation making it the premier Swap Meet in San Diego. Therefore, if you have further questions or comments regarding any of the information contained herein, or need more information regarding the rules and regulations, please contact any one of Kobey's personnel at the Sellers Reservation Office at (619) 523-2700 or call (619) 226-0650 for 24 hour information.

For a more detailed description of Kobey's Rules and Regulations click here.

Thank you.

MANAGEMENT OF KOBEY'S SWAP MEET AT THE SPORTS ARENA

General Info, Before You Purchase, Kobey's Philosophy, California Seller's Permit, San Diego Tax Certificate, Other Licenses, Second Hand Merchandise, Prohibited Merchandise, Selecting a Space, Purchasing a Seller's License, Upgrading a Seller's License, The Day You Sell, In Your Space