Post by omnomberries on Jan 31, 2018 16:33:27 GMT -5
March 10 2020 edit: updating some old irrelevant info.
This is information for both new exhibitors, those new to Anime North exhibiting, or experienced people looking for tips.
For those new to Anime North/exhibiting: Welcome!
I'm om-nom-berries. I've been tabling on and off in the Anime North Comic Market since 2007, and have experience tabling at other shows like Otakon, TCAF, Fan Expo, and Otakuthon. This is my Comic Market survival guide, useful for anyone new to tabling in general or at Anime North!
Make sure you read the requirements for exhibiting carefully and prepare accordingly. Feel free to ask questions if something isn't clear! Prepare your application ahead of time, so that you're not scrambling at the last second and make mistakes. Everything you will need is explained in the information posted on the website.
You can also follow AA Toast on Tumblr, which is not affiliated with Anime North but is run by artists in the Toronto area who have tabled at Comic Market for years. They'll absolutely make posts when they see Comic Market applications open.
If you are successful in getting a table: Yay!
There will still be paperwork! As of 2020, paperwork is digital. However, don't wait until the last minute to send it in. Take your time, fill it out, and remember to send in your request if you need to add an artist or helper to your table.
Paperwork in - Time to prepare!
You should absolutely check out AA Toast. AA Toast is a highly informative collection of resources and discussions on everything related to artist alleys with a specific focus on Anime North. Especially check out the resources page.
If you're new to exhibiting, here's some things to ask yourself:
How will you decorate your table? You can get a plain white tablecloth for a deposit at the convention, but wouldn't you rather have something nice that represents you? I bought a bolt of fabric that I liked and that was on discount. Pick something easy to wash and that doesn't dirty too badly (you'd be surprised how often you and convention attendees will spill stuff on it). Fabric stores usually have discount bins where they have remnants on sale or recycle an old bedsheet or something. Make sure it is big enough, though. You're covering a table that is 6 feet by 2 feet (or 3 feet by 2 feet if you're sharing with someone).
How will you transport your stuff? Something with wheels is recommended. A lot of people use suitcases. You can also get fold up carts if you have the budget. Google "folding carts" to see your options. Probably the cheapest is the Staples rolling folding crate (I have one of these - they are great!)
How will you display your stuff at the table? Most important: Make sure to follow Anime North's guidelines for displays! Every rule I've seen in place was to ensure the safety of all of us according to Ontario's workplace health and safety guidelines. This may be fun for us, but remember that Anime North is still a workplace and we don't want anyone to get hurt!
Whatever you devise for your display, TEST IT FIRST.
Hanging displays are very popular, but make sure your display is sturdy and won't constantly fall on you/your neighbours/attendees. Displays falling and hurting people or ruining the merchandise of others is not cool. Please, for the love of god, take the time to think through your displays. If something is beyond your means, don't do it! A simple, well stocked table can attract just as much attention as a big one.
For table top displays, I've bought from Displays 2 Go and you can get a really simple, light, foldable wire display for like $20, and they ship fast.
Dollarama and other dollar stores usually have cute, cheap little baskets and frames to display smaller items, and other little trinkets and things that you can use to enhance your display.
People will be attracted to your table if you have full-looking, clean, colourful displays.
Try to have a clear price list displayed somewhere. I can't guarantee people will ever read it, but it's good to have.
How much money should you bring and where should you keep it? You'll need some cash to start your selling so that you can make change for your customers. This is called a "float". I find having a few $5 and $10 bills, plus some loonies and toonies is sufficient, but it really depends on what you're selling. If you've got prints priced at $15 each, for example, it's best to have several $5 bills to start.
And there is a volunteer with Anime North who comes around a few times during the weekend to ask if you need change. This is a courtesy service provided by the convention, so you shouldn't expect it. It's just a nice thing they do.
WARNING! In 2018, a trio of thieves was hitting major conventions in Ontario and Quebec, stealing money and phones from artists! I can't tell you the number of times I've seen artists leaving their phones out on their tables. If you're not using your phone, keep it safely hidden on you somewhere, like a pocket or a small purse. I would also recommend the same for your money. I use a small fanny pack I bought at Bentleys. It's a bit nerdy, but if a thief wants my money they're going to be trying to grab me in the crotch and I WILL know about that!
I would also recommend avoiding travelling alone after hours. If a thief is watching you make cash all day, it could make you a target. After each day, take out any additional cash you don't need (especially large bills) and either leave that cash safely at home or locked in a hotel room safe. Just bring whatever you need for spending/your float. Carrying as little cash as you need means less to potentially lose. I hope this hasn't scared anyone, but please don't panic about Anime North being unsafe. It's very safe. Stay calm, plan ahead.
What kind of payments will you accept? The majority of artist alley transactions are made in cash. However, as technology improves, you may get asked if you accept debit or credit card. Nowadays, you can accept credit cards and debit cards via Square. However, for things like Square to work you will need data. When it gets really busy at Anime North, the data can be limited. Keep that in mind.
On counterfeit bills, American money, etc: I haven't had American money in a while. I think people come more prepared than before.
Is there electricity at the convention? Convention centres usually have electrical drops available to people exhibiting at conventions. You can order these drops for the duration of the show. However, I don't really believe they are worth it for the cost and effort involved. For a drop at Toronto Congress Centre, you'll actually have to call a contractor. Sounds like a pain. If you need to power a tablet or something, just get an extra battery with a USB port. Way cheaper, and you probably won't have to pick up a phone.
What will you eat? If you've ever been to Anime North, you know all the food places around there get stupid busy during the convention. The addition of food trucks has certainly helped ease the load. However, I recommend packing a non-perishable lunch and hand wipes, and/or grabbing your lunch at local restaurants/food trucks outside of the lunch/dinner rush.
How will you get to the convention? Consider rooming with friends in a local hotel (especially those also exhibiting so you can keep similar hours). There are still hotel rooms around the area that have available rooms, and some are within reasonable walking distance. If you have a friend with a car who can help, that's even better!
If you have your own car, use it. Taking TTC is kind of a pain, depending on where you are in the city. And with all your equipment it will be very hard.
I've both commuted by car and stayed at a hotel while exhibiting, and there are pros and cons to each. I liked saving money and being able to sleep in my own bed each night, but I felt like I missed out on the atmosphere. Again, if you're local and have options, you do what you feel is best.
How will you package your merchandise? When your customers buy prints and buttons and such, will you have bags for take away? People buying buttons and comics and the like usually aren't too worried about bags, but people buying prints will love a bag to protect their new purchase. You can buy print sleeves via Clear Bags Canada.
Do you have business cards? You should have business cards. You can make your own at home using Microsoft Word, a printer, and business card paper (you can get this paper anywhere, even Walmart!). Word has Avery brand templates built into it and the products usually walk you through how to use them. If you want something a little more pro, consider Vistaprint. They have a decent service with all the bells and whistles if you really want to impress people...
Do you know your prices? Pricing your items is something a lot of artists struggle with. This may even be your greatest battle. You want to charge something that's fair to you and your customer. Don't sell yourself short. Give it some thought, talk to others (my family and artist friends have helped me with prices), and read the resources here, and you'll figure it out.
How will you stay comfortable all weekend? Being a Comic Market exhibitor means long hours interacting with lots of people in a big event space with a climate that Anime North doesn't have complete control over. If it gets hot, you need to keep yourself cool. If it gets cold, you need to stay warm. I usually bring a blanket, but I'm always cold. Bring drinks and throat lozenges to keep your throat in good shape (you'll be talking a lot). Remember your medications, if any, and to take them when you're supposed to. If you wear contacts, keep your glasses handy. Have hand lotion, hand wipes, band-aids, and anything else you think you'll need to keep you happy and healthy for your long days. Remember: your health is important!
Are you taking commissions? Commissions can bring in a lot of extra money. If you are going to accept commissions during the convention, decide ahead of time what kind of commissions you will accept, how much you are going to charge, how you will track commissioners, and how many commissions you think you'll have time for.
Remember: you still need time to eat, sleep, and bathe! Don't take on more than you can handle, and do make sure you have a sign displayed on your table letting people know you're accepting commissions and what your prices are. Also make sure you exchange information with your customers at the time of the order, and consider requiring a deposit for any commissions you take (a deposit of 50% of the final price is good). You can buy pre-made invoice/order slips from places like Staples, and there's even an Android app for taking commissions. You can even use the back of your business cards (just remember to take a copy of the information for yourself).
How will you eat, go to the bathroom, etc? Sharing your table with a friend, helper, or another artist will ensure that you have time to leave your table to go take care of yourself. The staff have been pretty clear in the contracts that they cannot provide table-sitting services for you. If you absolutely don't have anyone to help you, don't worry. Get to know those around you, and if you must leave your table then pack up your valuables and take them with you if you leave for a bathroom break or to get some food.
Do you have something to identify your table? Based on my own experiences, the best way to help people locate your table is to have some kind of poster or banner that you can post online ahead of time and/or that matches your title in the program book. Keep in mind that table numbers are not marked on tables once everything is set up and attendees have their guidebooks in hand. Visuals work best.
Need more information?
Things are always changing, so there's never a complete list for any exhibitor that's gonna tell you exactly what you need to know. I'm just sharing here what I know. If you have a question, there's gonna be someone on here that has an answer or, at least, sound advice to offer. If you have good stuff to add, post it!
This is information for both new exhibitors, those new to Anime North exhibiting, or experienced people looking for tips.
For those new to Anime North/exhibiting: Welcome!
I'm om-nom-berries. I've been tabling on and off in the Anime North Comic Market since 2007, and have experience tabling at other shows like Otakon, TCAF, Fan Expo, and Otakuthon. This is my Comic Market survival guide, useful for anyone new to tabling in general or at Anime North!
Make sure you read the requirements for exhibiting carefully and prepare accordingly. Feel free to ask questions if something isn't clear! Prepare your application ahead of time, so that you're not scrambling at the last second and make mistakes. Everything you will need is explained in the information posted on the website.
You can also follow AA Toast on Tumblr, which is not affiliated with Anime North but is run by artists in the Toronto area who have tabled at Comic Market for years. They'll absolutely make posts when they see Comic Market applications open.
If you are successful in getting a table: Yay!
There will still be paperwork! As of 2020, paperwork is digital. However, don't wait until the last minute to send it in. Take your time, fill it out, and remember to send in your request if you need to add an artist or helper to your table.
Paperwork in - Time to prepare!
You should absolutely check out AA Toast. AA Toast is a highly informative collection of resources and discussions on everything related to artist alleys with a specific focus on Anime North. Especially check out the resources page.
If you're new to exhibiting, here's some things to ask yourself:
How will you decorate your table? You can get a plain white tablecloth for a deposit at the convention, but wouldn't you rather have something nice that represents you? I bought a bolt of fabric that I liked and that was on discount. Pick something easy to wash and that doesn't dirty too badly (you'd be surprised how often you and convention attendees will spill stuff on it). Fabric stores usually have discount bins where they have remnants on sale or recycle an old bedsheet or something. Make sure it is big enough, though. You're covering a table that is 6 feet by 2 feet (or 3 feet by 2 feet if you're sharing with someone).
How will you transport your stuff? Something with wheels is recommended. A lot of people use suitcases. You can also get fold up carts if you have the budget. Google "folding carts" to see your options. Probably the cheapest is the Staples rolling folding crate (I have one of these - they are great!)
How will you display your stuff at the table? Most important: Make sure to follow Anime North's guidelines for displays! Every rule I've seen in place was to ensure the safety of all of us according to Ontario's workplace health and safety guidelines. This may be fun for us, but remember that Anime North is still a workplace and we don't want anyone to get hurt!
Whatever you devise for your display, TEST IT FIRST.
Hanging displays are very popular, but make sure your display is sturdy and won't constantly fall on you/your neighbours/attendees. Displays falling and hurting people or ruining the merchandise of others is not cool. Please, for the love of god, take the time to think through your displays. If something is beyond your means, don't do it! A simple, well stocked table can attract just as much attention as a big one.
For table top displays, I've bought from Displays 2 Go and you can get a really simple, light, foldable wire display for like $20, and they ship fast.
Dollarama and other dollar stores usually have cute, cheap little baskets and frames to display smaller items, and other little trinkets and things that you can use to enhance your display.
People will be attracted to your table if you have full-looking, clean, colourful displays.
Try to have a clear price list displayed somewhere. I can't guarantee people will ever read it, but it's good to have.
How much money should you bring and where should you keep it? You'll need some cash to start your selling so that you can make change for your customers. This is called a "float". I find having a few $5 and $10 bills, plus some loonies and toonies is sufficient, but it really depends on what you're selling. If you've got prints priced at $15 each, for example, it's best to have several $5 bills to start.
And there is a volunteer with Anime North who comes around a few times during the weekend to ask if you need change. This is a courtesy service provided by the convention, so you shouldn't expect it. It's just a nice thing they do.
WARNING! In 2018, a trio of thieves was hitting major conventions in Ontario and Quebec, stealing money and phones from artists! I can't tell you the number of times I've seen artists leaving their phones out on their tables. If you're not using your phone, keep it safely hidden on you somewhere, like a pocket or a small purse. I would also recommend the same for your money. I use a small fanny pack I bought at Bentleys. It's a bit nerdy, but if a thief wants my money they're going to be trying to grab me in the crotch and I WILL know about that!
I would also recommend avoiding travelling alone after hours. If a thief is watching you make cash all day, it could make you a target. After each day, take out any additional cash you don't need (especially large bills) and either leave that cash safely at home or locked in a hotel room safe. Just bring whatever you need for spending/your float. Carrying as little cash as you need means less to potentially lose. I hope this hasn't scared anyone, but please don't panic about Anime North being unsafe. It's very safe. Stay calm, plan ahead.
What kind of payments will you accept? The majority of artist alley transactions are made in cash. However, as technology improves, you may get asked if you accept debit or credit card. Nowadays, you can accept credit cards and debit cards via Square. However, for things like Square to work you will need data. When it gets really busy at Anime North, the data can be limited. Keep that in mind.
On counterfeit bills, American money, etc: I haven't had American money in a while. I think people come more prepared than before.
Is there electricity at the convention? Convention centres usually have electrical drops available to people exhibiting at conventions. You can order these drops for the duration of the show. However, I don't really believe they are worth it for the cost and effort involved. For a drop at Toronto Congress Centre, you'll actually have to call a contractor. Sounds like a pain. If you need to power a tablet or something, just get an extra battery with a USB port. Way cheaper, and you probably won't have to pick up a phone.
What will you eat? If you've ever been to Anime North, you know all the food places around there get stupid busy during the convention. The addition of food trucks has certainly helped ease the load. However, I recommend packing a non-perishable lunch and hand wipes, and/or grabbing your lunch at local restaurants/food trucks outside of the lunch/dinner rush.
How will you get to the convention? Consider rooming with friends in a local hotel (especially those also exhibiting so you can keep similar hours). There are still hotel rooms around the area that have available rooms, and some are within reasonable walking distance. If you have a friend with a car who can help, that's even better!
If you have your own car, use it. Taking TTC is kind of a pain, depending on where you are in the city. And with all your equipment it will be very hard.
I've both commuted by car and stayed at a hotel while exhibiting, and there are pros and cons to each. I liked saving money and being able to sleep in my own bed each night, but I felt like I missed out on the atmosphere. Again, if you're local and have options, you do what you feel is best.
How will you package your merchandise? When your customers buy prints and buttons and such, will you have bags for take away? People buying buttons and comics and the like usually aren't too worried about bags, but people buying prints will love a bag to protect their new purchase. You can buy print sleeves via Clear Bags Canada.
Do you have business cards? You should have business cards. You can make your own at home using Microsoft Word, a printer, and business card paper (you can get this paper anywhere, even Walmart!). Word has Avery brand templates built into it and the products usually walk you through how to use them. If you want something a little more pro, consider Vistaprint. They have a decent service with all the bells and whistles if you really want to impress people...
Do you know your prices? Pricing your items is something a lot of artists struggle with. This may even be your greatest battle. You want to charge something that's fair to you and your customer. Don't sell yourself short. Give it some thought, talk to others (my family and artist friends have helped me with prices), and read the resources here, and you'll figure it out.
How will you stay comfortable all weekend? Being a Comic Market exhibitor means long hours interacting with lots of people in a big event space with a climate that Anime North doesn't have complete control over. If it gets hot, you need to keep yourself cool. If it gets cold, you need to stay warm. I usually bring a blanket, but I'm always cold. Bring drinks and throat lozenges to keep your throat in good shape (you'll be talking a lot). Remember your medications, if any, and to take them when you're supposed to. If you wear contacts, keep your glasses handy. Have hand lotion, hand wipes, band-aids, and anything else you think you'll need to keep you happy and healthy for your long days. Remember: your health is important!
Are you taking commissions? Commissions can bring in a lot of extra money. If you are going to accept commissions during the convention, decide ahead of time what kind of commissions you will accept, how much you are going to charge, how you will track commissioners, and how many commissions you think you'll have time for.
Remember: you still need time to eat, sleep, and bathe! Don't take on more than you can handle, and do make sure you have a sign displayed on your table letting people know you're accepting commissions and what your prices are. Also make sure you exchange information with your customers at the time of the order, and consider requiring a deposit for any commissions you take (a deposit of 50% of the final price is good). You can buy pre-made invoice/order slips from places like Staples, and there's even an Android app for taking commissions. You can even use the back of your business cards (just remember to take a copy of the information for yourself).
How will you eat, go to the bathroom, etc? Sharing your table with a friend, helper, or another artist will ensure that you have time to leave your table to go take care of yourself. The staff have been pretty clear in the contracts that they cannot provide table-sitting services for you. If you absolutely don't have anyone to help you, don't worry. Get to know those around you, and if you must leave your table then pack up your valuables and take them with you if you leave for a bathroom break or to get some food.
Do you have something to identify your table? Based on my own experiences, the best way to help people locate your table is to have some kind of poster or banner that you can post online ahead of time and/or that matches your title in the program book. Keep in mind that table numbers are not marked on tables once everything is set up and attendees have their guidebooks in hand. Visuals work best.
Need more information?
Things are always changing, so there's never a complete list for any exhibitor that's gonna tell you exactly what you need to know. I'm just sharing here what I know. If you have a question, there's gonna be someone on here that has an answer or, at least, sound advice to offer. If you have good stuff to add, post it!