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Post by The Chris McKenna on Jan 14, 2016 7:21:39 GMT -5
The problem with this idea is with the number of people standing on the numbers they'd still be hard to see.
Also putting any tape on the floor where people walk creates a tripping hazard if the tape comes loose, or it could get so pressed into the ground that the tape leaves a sticky residue when removed and that'd be a very big problem.
Finally, if we go with a layout similar to the one we used last year, then all the tables will be arranged into a series of islands with no tables pressed against the walls.
We support the sign, pin, and flag ideas. However, the responsibility to make and do that rests with the sellers. If you can think of a better way to ask sellers to do this please let me know.
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Post by Joe on Jan 14, 2016 20:31:52 GMT -5
well the resadue could be removed fairly easily with Goo Gone or Magic Erasers but the tripping is a valid point. is it possible to just have a bristol board or similar hanging from the front of the table with the number?
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Post by darkinsanity13 on Jan 15, 2016 2:08:56 GMT -5
well the resadue could be removed fairly easily with Goo Gone or Magic Erasers but the tripping is a valid point. is it possible to just have a bristol board or similar hanging from the front of the table with the number? It still takes time to remove tape residue even with those things; no one wants to stay later than they have to trying to scrub adhesive off the floor, especially since the TCC is rented space that needs to be left more-or-less the same state it was before AN. Having tape stuck all over the floor just adds another cleanup task to be dealt with at the end of the night or end of the weekend. A large part of the problem with that (which has been discussed before) is signs hanging from the front of the tables still get blocked by buyers and browsers. The most effective method of signage is to have signs from above displaying table numbers, but as Chris has explained, the usage of signs is entirely dependant on the sellers as the table numbers are - at the heart of it - there for organizational purposes. The fact many sellers choose to post lists and photos of their wares here on the forum (and elsewhere) is likely something started to help garner interest and increase the likelihood of things being sold. The organizers allow it, and in fact they've shown to encourage it, but it's purely on the optional basis. If sellers want to bring more attention to their table or have it be found by people who have reserved items, it is up to them to make that possible.
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Post by Michelle on Jan 17, 2016 18:57:42 GMT -5
I’d be happy to buy a few packs of self-adhesive blank labels and leave them with some permanent markers at the sign-in table for sellers to put their name/table numbers on. Wearing name tags seems to be the best suggestion discussed so far.
…or not?
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Post by SalisofKnight on Jan 21, 2016 20:57:02 GMT -5
I have to agree with Michelle here nametags are probably the way to go for this. Buyers should also keep in mind that even if they can't find the table they are looking for they can count based on the table numbers they do see and make an educated guess as to the approximate location of their table. Flags for each table however is just not feasible. Stand up flags are pricey even if you make them out of pvc pipe a sheet and a kids paint set it's still about 20$ or more per flag (I know I made the old pre-reg flag a few years back). Furthermore they take up space as someone either has to hold the flag, good luck finding a friend to hold it for 4 hours, or bring in a big hunk of cement or similar to prop it up. Attaching them to the tables themselves means they'll just get in the way be that much more likely to get knocked over and lost in the rush. I wonder though, if it might be possible to set up lane flags that note what tables are in each isle or island of tables.
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Post by taurus17 on Jan 21, 2016 23:35:38 GMT -5
Hi Chris..... some constructive ideas from a full time vendor....
It's already near impossible to get a table in the dealer's room (I've been trying and failing for six years...). Also, I need to commit to the Pro Plaza in February, which negates any chance of the dealer's room if I need to wait until March! Are there a certain number of new vendors allowed every year? The general feeling I got last year was that the dealer's room was becoming stale with the same vendors every year.
As a business person, waiting until March to find out if (magically) there is a booth also makes it hard to plan. I usually have all my annual shows booked and paid for nearly 8-6 months prior so I can stock and advertise.
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Post by darkinsanity13 on Jan 22, 2016 1:07:28 GMT -5
Hi Chris..... some constructive ideas from a full time vendor.... It's already near impossible to get a table in the dealer's room (I've been trying and failing for six years...). Also, I need to commit to the Pro Plaza in February, which negates any chance of the dealer's room if I need to wait until March! Are there a certain number of new vendors allowed every year? The general feeling I got last year was that the dealer's room was becoming stale with the same vendors every year. As a business person, waiting until March to find out if (magically) there is a booth also makes it hard to plan. I usually have all my annual shows booked and paid for nearly 8-6 months prior so I can stock and advertise. I think you may be slightly confused? The Nominoichi/Fashion Swap is not the dealers room, just essentially a giant nerdy garage sale that happens for a couple hours on Friday night. Your average seller for the Nominoichi is not a vendor intending to make a living off what they're selling, but just a congoer who has some stuff they no longer want and wish to pass on to a new home at a price. Because of these two factors, most people don't consider getting a table in the Nominoichi a determining factor on whether or not they go to the con (though there are some that just get a Friday pass for that reason), so having people reserve tables half a year in advance doesn't really make sense.
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Post by The Chris McKenna on Jan 22, 2016 8:56:24 GMT -5
Dear taurus17, To be clear: The Nominoichi is not a part of, nor is it competing against, the dealers room. The Nominoichi is a four hour event on Friday night and sellers are only allowed to reserve a single table. They are not professionals, but just fans selling their own personal used anime items. Furthermore, the customers at the Nominoichi expect all items sold to be used and therefore they will not pay full price for things that are also available in the dealers room. Finally, only the information on when and how to reserve a Nominoichi table should be on the website by the end of March. The reservation process will not even start until a few weeks after that. This is done to give people enough time to read the rules, understand the instructions, and ask any questions before the first table is reserved. If you are interested in the Anime North Dealers room, and I suspect that you are, then I'd recommend that you contact the head of the Dealer's Room, Etuska Varga dealers@animenorth.com She should be able to answer your questions and assist you.
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Post by Dragongoose on Jan 27, 2016 13:55:49 GMT -5
maybe you should had out cheat sheets to staff and volunteers that lists important information like where things are located, it could even be a map with legends-like list. So they aren't confusing people with misinformation, it would easier on them when asked questions.
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Post by direkitty on Jan 27, 2016 19:56:06 GMT -5
maybe you should had out cheat sheets to staff and volunteers that lists important information like where things are located, it could even be a map with legends-like list. So they aren't confusing people with misinformation, it would easier on them when asked questions. That would essentially be the pocket program book, which every attendee gets. Also, the guidebook app. Specifically in regards to the Nomi, really name tags are the best bet. Staff/volunteers wouldn't have any easier of a time navigating the area.
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Yoru
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Post by Yoru on Feb 3, 2016 0:03:04 GMT -5
is there any way of getting a notification of when the tables will be available other than having to check here every day?
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Post by The Chris McKenna on Feb 3, 2016 21:29:04 GMT -5
We are in the process of drafting the new Nominoichi rules and planning details about the event now.
Once all that is sorted out and confirmed the new 2016 information will be available on the Anime North website. I'll also make an announcement post here and ask our Facebook and Twitter people to make announcements there as well. All of this is expected to happen sometime before the very end of March. Hopefully sooner, but I don't expect it any later.
After new information is posted there will still be some time before table reservations start. We want to give everyone a chance to read the new rules and ask any questions before the reservations begin.
So if you check the Anime North website at the end of March, you should find the new information and details on when and how to reserve a table before the process actually starts.
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ivysun
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Post by ivysun on Feb 24, 2016 23:48:00 GMT -5
hello. reading though each and every comments Table ID is the main issue. Having been both, a vendors for many years and a nomi attendee with reserves I understand this issue. my suggestion is to block the tables and give them colours in logical order (like a rainbow) on a map by the door. ie tables 1-20 are in a Red box table numbers are such ie: R15. tables 21-40 are orange # is O35. etc. the red table group are the closest to the door, the orange table group is the next beside it. with this you can suggest to the sellers to get coloured table cloths in there colour thus the group of tables is identifiable even with all the stuff on the table. Having been a seller displaying on a sticker on my person is not really an option when your cosplaying. the last time I was a seller I was in costume and was asked ever so often to have my picture taken. my partner was cool with it as we had talked about it before hand but some dont have this option. I did tell the people reserving from me to look for the table with the cow print and it mostly worked as that year the AC broke and leaked all over our spot and we had to be moved. (Chris: totally NOT blaming you for this, poop happens, you make ice tea. . or something.) well that's my suggestion, take it as such.
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Post by ashleyk on Feb 25, 2016 14:13:30 GMT -5
I haven't done the nominoichi in a few years, but the last time I was there, I noticed there were a bunch of dealers selling merchandise.. (you could tell they were dealers, because they had a bunch of multiples, and a lot of new and sealed items) Is there anything being done to prevent dealers from taking advantage of the nominoichi, and treating it as a cheap space to sell? If a dealer does manage to make it in, can they be kicked out and not given a refund (And possibly be banned from selling at anime north ever again?) Dealers taking away tables that aren't meant for them is totally not cool, and I feel like unless the consequences are high (like a lifetime ban) they'll have no reason not to do it.
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Post by alluringhunter on Mar 2, 2016 0:55:28 GMT -5
I haven't done the nominoichi in a few years, but the last time I was there, I noticed there were a bunch of dealers selling merchandise.. (you could tell they were dealers, because they had a bunch of multiples, and a lot of new and sealed items) Is there anything being done to prevent dealers from taking advantage of the nominoichi, and treating it as a cheap space to sell? If a dealer does manage to make it in, can they be kicked out and not given a refund (And possibly be banned from selling at anime north ever again?) Dealers taking away tables that aren't meant for them is totally not cool, and I feel like unless the consequences are high (like a lifetime ban) they'll have no reason not to do it. I think quite a few people take trips to Japan and bring back a lot of stuff for people who might not be able to get otherwise. So I don't think they are necessarily dealers/sellers or at leasy dealers/sellers on a large scale.
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