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Post by The Chris McKenna on May 17, 2018 19:55:16 GMT -5
Hello everyone. We would really appreciate it if you would please come back here after the Nominoichi and let us know how we did. This will be a thread where people can share their experience at the Nominoichi. We want to hear about things that you thought we could improve upon. Any problems you noticed, and also anything we got right that you don't want to see change next year. Please tell us if you think we did a good or bad job, and what you think we should do different or the same next year. We've also introduced a new system of sections this year. We are very interested in your experience of these sections. Did you find them useful? What other sections would you like see? Do you have any thoughts or suggestions on how to improve them? This is not for problems or improvements in other areas or departments of the convention, unless it is something directly related to your Nominoichi experience. Finally, although we can't implement all the ideas, we do read all of them. ...and thanks for your interest in the Nominoichi!
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newtypechris
Gotta post them all!
Hunter of Oddities
Posts: 83
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Post by newtypechris on May 26, 2018 6:52:15 GMT -5
Hello Chris
I think there needs to be improved signage outside, as those of us that arrive early enough to come to the front of the buyers lines still need to explain to others what event the line is for, to direct people to the sellers line further along, and where the line ends.
With regard to the sectioning, I honestly did not notice a significant change, as the shuffle from one booth to the next was not especially a stark change, though I may be in the minority there.
With how Nominoichi has continued to expand and its customers line up for four hours in advance, I think it should be worth considering making Nomi extend to multiple con-windows as well. When the room you are hosting the event in practically forms its own weatherfront of dense humidity just from its attendees, I think it's clear that this is a popular enough event to handle a 2nd window of time to cater.
From a financial standpoint, this would also benefit the con, as you illustrated in the Secret Dealers thread that Nomi was technically pricier than buying floor-space on the dealer's room, would allow further opportunities for people to engage in the opening ceremonies instead of waiting in line for Nomi, and present further chances for those intimidated by the line wrapping around the building to try out the experience for themselves.
Finally, There also needs to be an increased staff presence outside as well. This year, there was a substantial group that caused a scene when they went directly to the front of the line. Those familiar with con policies would know that this is not uncommon in individuals when they have the disability access. I'm fine with this when it follows the con regulations.
The problem comes when these individuals claim to the volunteer staff that they have been there for hours, that their disability notices are supposedly on the backs of their passes (Which in and of itself is a no-no, because they are supposed to be at the front and visible), and a plethora of other excuses that for anyone whom actually invested their time to be at the front was simply a slap in their face.
Having said this much, I do not want to give the impression that this event was by any means a train-wreck. It is honestly one of my favourite events to seek old and esoteric goods and I will be in line again next year at 3:30 in the afternoon, however I believe the point of the thread was to show ways to continuously improve the convention for the enjoyment of all.
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Post by mymelo on May 26, 2018 8:01:22 GMT -5
It was a good location - It didn't feel cramped in the aisles, better ventilation, less sweaty. I also liked the range of figures and series available .
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Post by homefree on May 26, 2018 8:41:35 GMT -5
Pretty good, in my opinon
Some of the volunteers did not have their volunteer ribbon strapped so that is somewhat confusing but overall the nomi went smoothly.
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Post by frettiko on May 26, 2018 22:32:37 GMT -5
Someone stole from my table within the first 15 minutes of the show, when the first swarm of people came in and there were large crowds of people pushing to see the tables. I'm not sure there is any way to fix issues like this unfortunately. Maybe staggered entry or something. Just wanted to share a "bad".
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Post by kittyjordz on May 27, 2018 9:43:53 GMT -5
Much like last year everything went quite nicely but I still find ventilation an issue. After we were done, despite keeping hydrated etc I nearly fainted from overheating. Otherwise for the first time in a little while no thefts! Yay! Great time despite the over heating. Keep up the great work Chris and Co
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Post by kotoshin on May 27, 2018 14:21:40 GMT -5
The problem comes when these individuals claim to the volunteer staff that they have been there for hours, that their disability notices are supposedly on the backs of their passes (Which in and of itself is a no-no, because they are supposed to be at the front and visible), and a plethora of other excuses that for anyone whom actually invested their time to be at the front was simply a slap in their face. I just wanted to say that I'm a chaperone with a friend who has accessibility sticker and it was STAFF who'd put the sticker on the back without promoting. I asked if it was an issue it wasn't on the front and they told me no. (And I didn't go to front of line, just parked friend in AC seat area while rest of table lined up as usual.)
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on May 27, 2018 19:53:51 GMT -5
My single major issue was with a volunteer who was at the exit door to the Nomi. I was given incorrect instructions on how to get to the buyer's entrance, and wound up going all the way around the building the long way, which is not easy to do with a physical disability. I was also informed that in the time it took me to get to the "correct" entrance, the exit had begun allowing people to enter (I had been told this would happen after an hour of the event being open, but it was fifteen minutes).
My main suggestion would be to allow people with accessibility badges immediate entrance through the doors located inside the building (like I have been in previous years), and also making sure that only volunteers with intimate and thorough knowledge of the layout of the convention be posted at doors to properly direct people in the correct way to get where they are going (or at least provide them with maps with the correct route outlined).
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Post by cresstrevelyan on May 27, 2018 21:47:45 GMT -5
First off thank you Chris and everyone else for running the Nomi! It’s such a great idea to hold this unique event where people can pick up amazing items! (I myself scored two figures for the price of one that others were selling it for).
I really only have a couple problems, but they were major ones, for myself and others comfort. The first is the lineup outside was very disorganized. My group and I came from the Subway restaurant to line up at the Nomi (1/2 hour before open) and the line was completely straight and was wound all the way to the side of the building. Now, normally I don’t mind walking. But I had heels on for my cosplay and all that irrelevant walking in sore feet to only walk back that way shortly after seemed entirely pointless.
I don’t know how the AC is in that room, but it was honestly stifling in there with the amount of people. I also missed most tables due to traffic and the pushing and shoving (I only picked up my reserves and that’s all I was able to see). I don’t know how many times I was stepped, shoved, or elbowed in there. I have bad anxiety and my best friend worse, we ending up having to leave because it was too much and people were being so inconsiderate. I think most don’t think about those who have problems like that and what experiences like that are like, just because we don’t have a visible disability doesn’t mean we’re ok. Maybe capping and limiting the amount of people that go inside would be best. That way everyone can look and take their time and not pass out from heat?
Is there any way the Nomi could be held in a different location? Like perhaps the north building or something. It just seems like it’s a big event but kinda put in a small space
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Post by print24 on May 27, 2018 23:01:36 GMT -5
As a participating seller and buyer at this year's Nominoichi, huge thanks from everyone at my table to you, Chris and your entire team. It was a great experience for everyone at my table at how organized everything seemed to be as soon as we came at 5:45. Everyone was lined up and processed in less than 15 mins as far as I could tell, I probably spent less than 10 mins waiting to be directed to my table. The venue was very spacious and and luckily my table was very close to the open doors, so there was some relief from the heat. I am unsure about whether there was or was not AC in that part of the TCC, but if there was I certainly did not feel it. Aside from the heat I have no complaints honestly.
And another thank you shoutout to all of your crew handling the sellers waiting to get their tables because two of them even gave us a hand in carrying the stuff inside the doorway!
Already cannot wait for next year! Thanks and best of luck!
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Post by libbyn on May 28, 2018 13:14:16 GMT -5
It was really well organized this year, and we were let in promptly to start setting up. While the crowds make it impossible to determine if the AC is on or not, to be very honest, I would rather have the buyers than the AC. But both would be even better. My only issue is that with a full table it is not always easy to get organized in 1.5 hours. If I were to come back, 2 hours of set up time would be fantastic, as I would also have time to pick up my reserves (I really would not have been able to go to every table I had reservations with this time if it were not for my friend's help).
Edit: I don't know about other sellers, but the extra hour did help me. A lot. I moved 2 well-priced figures during that time. I also noticed people coming back with money they had left over to look at and buy items they couldn't justify buying before. So I did see the benefit of the extra hour and would like to have it next time as well. I have a friend who sells at Fanime sometimes, and apparently their version of the Nomi does run for longer than 1 night (according to the info I have from her), and gives the sellers more opportunities for getting rid of stuff). I think once people make a round of the vendor's hall, the Nomi prices start looking very fair by comparison. It must certainly be hell to organize, but given the space and time, it would be nice to see the Nomi run for at least 3 con days in the future. Also yes, props to the volunteers this year for helping us with our stuff, but the space could be more accessible/accommodating for people with disabilities.
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Post by eclipse_cosplay on May 28, 2018 13:17:37 GMT -5
Good: The processing times seemed to be WAY faster this time. I remember waiting in line for a really long time. Things were organized and your team is always as helpful as always.
Bad: It was hot. I wish we could just get a huge wall of fans. Invest, Chris /definitely joking. The extended hour though didn't seem that helpful. The place was pretty empty by 10pm and I think most people are used to it being closed by then. I just don't think it was necessary and keeping it to 7pm-10pm seems just fine.
I read in someone's comments that having a second Nominoichi selling time would be advantageous and there are pros and cons to that. This is probably a nightmare to run as it is and having to do it twice and keeping track of everyone would probably make it worse.
After 5 years of selling, it's still really fun and hopefully, I won't have to next year XD I kind of want my Friday night back.
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Post by Istoria on May 28, 2018 13:19:42 GMT -5
First of all, thank you to Chris and the other Nomi staffs for providing us with another year of wonderfulness! I was both a seller + buyer, and here are few things I've noticed this year. Although it was a bit confusing at first to get into a seller's line because it was divided into two lines with people sitting on the side, as soon as the door opened everything proceeded smoothly and super-fast, in my opinion at least. It was nice to see many volunteers in place who were definitely contributing to moving a huge crowd of sellers with their bulky items. I'm seeing many mentions of the overheating and yes, I have something to add on there as well. Compared to last year's experience, it WAS definitely hotter in there. Thankfully my table placed near the entrance and once or so we'd get a nice breeze, but even with that, we had to constantly fan ourselves, wiping out the sweats running down our faces. I honestly did not feel any huge change in the volume of the buyers, and considering that the time expanded to 11pm, the buyers should not have been cramming in that much. It's only my guess though. Very fortunately, different from last year, I did not experience any thefts from my table. Probably had to do with having three sellers constantly watching over if the other is busy, or that our table was located right behind the staffs' table lol. However, I was alarmed to see that one of the sellers did have something stolen from their table within the first hour, and another case in Artist Alley where one artist was stolen of all their money and the other stolen $300+. I know the latter doesn't involve Nomi, but it is still alarming to hear these unfortunate stories and I agree with others suggesting capping the buyers to a certain degree, which could result in two benefits of preventing overheating and further thieving. Oh and I almost forgot about the sectioning! I didn't notice anything from a seller's point of view, but when I was going around as a buyer the sectioning was definitely visible, with lines of tables having more focus on a certain category of anime products. It was also easier to locate things in a timely manner, as I don't have to go through every table looking for hidden surprises, or if I'm short on time I'd just have to quickly scan one section that I'm most interested with. Moreover, it was interesting to take note of how the other people in the same section displays their products, which I quickly caught on and adapted to my own display of products. With these being said, it was another fine experience for me this year. Huge thank you again to everyone participated this year to make it happen!
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Post by darkaura on May 28, 2018 19:17:23 GMT -5
Hi Chris,
First off, thanks for putting in a great effort to better the Nominoichi. I have been both buyer and seller at this event in the past and I've always had fun attending on both sides of the foil.
I like the new space that the Nomi has been in this year and the previous. However, I honestly think (as do other people in this thread) that the space is honestly too small for such a popular event. I don't know if there are bigger rooms that could be used in the TCC North building, but it might be something worth looking into.
Line management for the Dealer's Room was what I was hoping for for the Nomi, i.e. segmented lines where you filter one line through, then let the next line go (kind of taking after a lot of well-organised Japanese con-line systems). Unfortunately this was not the case. I believe a couple more staff to organize the line like this would be very beneficial and prevent a lot of headaches for those lining up.
Regardless of whether or not the Nomi will stay where it was this year, or move to a bigger room next year, I think one large issue should be addressed. The heat. As another poster commented here as soon as the doors open and people flood in the humidity and temperature change to that of a sauna in the middle of the Amazon Rainforest. I understand that there's a large amount of people in a very small space, and it fills up really quickly. All the times I've been either a seller or a buyer there it's been intensely hot. I forget if sellers need to pay for their table (as it's been a couple of years), if they do, maybe charge a touch more and invest in some industrial box fans to get the air moving in there. If it stays where it was this year maybe an exhaust into the weapons check and badge redeeming area (as it was nice and cool there) with an intake where the artist alley was? If it were to move, I still think a system like this would be a good idea, and would help the A/C with compensating for the influx of body heat.
My last, and biggest suggestion to better the Nomi is to move it to a Saturday to an earlier time slot, and to allow for more time for the event. On Friday it's usually a busy day, especially for people who can't make it on Thursday to pick up their badges beforehand. Stand in line to get our passes. Stand in line to get weapons check done (if needed). Then (depending on the person) it usually goes a couple ways: Get food, or Get in Line for an early shot at the Dealers Room, or Get in Line for Nominoichi. By the time this decision rolls around after getting passes and weapons check you basically have to say "Do I want to get in line early for the Nomi so as to not miss out on potentially amazing deals, or do I want to do *other thing* first and get to the Nomi late?" There's always going to be that rush on the Friday if the event were to remain there. Moving it to the Saturday would take a lot of stress off of the sellers as well, especially if you were to allow for set-up the night before (if at all possible).
Thanks for taking the time to read this, and please don't hesitate to ask me questions.
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Post by darkinsanity13 on May 28, 2018 20:54:28 GMT -5
Thank you again Chris and everyone for putting on such a great event! I did pretty good in sales this year, both in reserves and sales during the event, and only had one person not show up to pick up their reserve (which didn't entirely surprise me as they never replied to the confirmation PM I sent them), but that was no problem as the items they reserved ended up sold anyway. From what I can tell, I had nothing stolen even though there are a couple items I don't remember selling, but weirdly I have more money than I should even when I gave a couple discounts. No complaints, but confused.
I'm in agreement that the processing times for sellers were very quick and efficient this year. My group got in fairly early, so we had plenty of time to get setup and run off to pick up our reserves. We were surprised to see there were three chairs, as we were sure that the info had said only two would be provided. I also found I had more room to place my things that weren't on the table (like the boxes I had brought stuff in), but I think that might've been because I was at an end table instead of a middle one rather than having more space in general.
As for the problem with heat, I came fully expecting to be hot. It's always hot as Hades in there, there's even a warning on the Nomi page on the AN site about it, so I brought a little battery-powered fan with me to keep myself as cool as possible. It was still pretty warm, but between the fan and the water station I didn't think it was all that bad.
With regards to the extra hour and sections, I didn't see much of a difference. Most of my sales dropped off by the time 10pm hit, and while I did have a couple people buy things after that, they weren't really substantial purchases. I also didn't have a chance to wander the hall besides when I dashed around to pick up reserves, so I didn't really get to browse and see the difference.
Personally, I like having the Nomi on Friday evening, and just the one day. Yes, Friday may be a bit harried in the rush to pick up badges and do weapons check and that sort of thing, but since I often do panels over the course of the rest of the weekend, I think Friday's a pretty good day to do it as it leaves the rest of my weekend free. There's few other major events going on that night, so people don't have to choose between going to the Nomi or checking out the Masquerade/Fashion Show/concert/etc (though there was the one year when the Nomi and the concert were the same night and neighboured each other; as someone who had a table right next to the shared wall, I had a massive headache by the end of that night).
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