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Post by bambam on May 28, 2019 12:02:23 GMT -5
A huge improvement for people picking up reserved items would be to have the signs for each table hung up high so that we can see them over the crowds of people. It's not too bad once you see one table sign, but it can be very difficult to navigate when you have a ton of people in front of every table number sign.
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Post by straywind on May 28, 2019 12:57:55 GMT -5
I've been debating for weeks about what to say as my feedback about the event in regards to the big changes to the Nomi. Honestly, I don't see things going back to first come, first served. The lottery system is a staple of other areas of the con and just comes with the territory of being popular. Do I personally like it? Of course not. I mean, with the old system you had some control over getting a table. I never quite understood the backlash about the old system since tables never sold out immediately. It took a few hours for all the tables to be claimed. Of course, there were some issues with e-mail errors that I do agree is not very fair. The new confirmation email system when you submitted an application this year was a nice comfort. I know the ratios to get a table this year were not as favourable either because the bigger window of time allowed more people to apply. It was disappointing to have a lower chance of getting picked and I actually didn't. I felt terribly, but it is just an event and sometimes life gives you a lemon. It was very kind of another seller to offer me table space.
The day of the event was so smooth behind the scenes! I lined up with another member of my table at just before 4 and we were stuck in the sun outside, but the seller waiting area inside opened up after just a few minutes and that was fantastic. Very comforting to be organized inside and to be able to appreciate the air conditioning. The set up period went really well and the Nomi staff were all very friendly and helpful.
I mean, I also would love some sort of ramp at that entrance area to the waiting room. I totally took the step wrong and made my dolly tip but there were plenty of kind people helping sellers so either way is probably fine. A ramp would probably be a bit more dignified though. XD
I honestly didn't mind the hours of the event. I have almost no experience with heavy traffic at the Nomi. My tables have pretty much always been in the far corners. I mean, this year I was facing the back wall right where sellers checked in so I never noticed a tremendous dip in foot traffic because it was pretty moderate most of the evening. I barely made any sales in the last 30 minutes or so but people were still looking and I enjoyed some breathing room. I don't know if changing hours would hurt some people. Making it earlier might be tough for people who work if they can't come down for an earlier setup time. Hasn't been a problem for me yet, but I'm never sure if I might change jobs in the coming year or so and my flexibility might go down.
I do have one comment for clarification. I was speaking with another seller and they were under the impression that the section you apply to be part of changes your chances of being selected in the lottery if you want to be in a more specific section that has a smaller number of tables. That doesn't make sense since that contradicts the point of the lottery since it's supposed to be completely equal chances and the section is just secondary. Maybe make that a bit more clear since it seems to be confusing. Having said that, I did apply to be in the Figure section and wasn't selected so maybe I'm the one that's wrong. XD
I am pretty torn on the new lottery system, but it is what it is. It's true that no one should be entitled to a table. I guess it's just jarring to get used to since it was so easy to get a table previously with minimal work and now it's stressful. I still love the event. I appreciate the staff who work on it and the other sellers and regular buyers who populate this forum and make it feel like the event has a sense of community. I've gotten to know and recognize some of you guys and it's fun to see people each year. Hopefully I make it back next year, but if not it's been a wonderful year for the event and I appreciate all the hard work that goes into making it succeed each year.
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mikan
Oro?
Fukurou ga suki!
Posts: 160
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Post by mikan on May 28, 2019 13:01:56 GMT -5
This was my third time selling and I feel things went smoothly this year. The line seemed to be under control when we were being let in (I was asked if had an odd or even number and was directed to the right line). I agree there should be a ramp at the door coming in from outside. I had to ask a nice gentleman to help me get my cart into the entrance. I agree the event goes till late, but we started packing up a quarter to 11 so all was well. I think the lottery system is fair enough. I was glad I got a table because this was my last year participating in Nominoichi. In all, I think Nominioichi is a wonderful event to have at Anime North. Thank you to everyone who was involved.
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Post by missezri on May 28, 2019 15:07:50 GMT -5
Another first-time seller and the Nomninoichi was great this year! I do have to say, going till 11 was a bit long, especially considering I lined up at 530 and headed in to set up my table then, missing the dinner hour. I ended up packing up at 10:30 pm, one being starving and two the traffic had really died down. Also, finding the table was something confusing as I was walking down the rows trying to see what numbers tables were to guess where mine was. I never got any info or map (I think there was one in the program guide?), my suggestion would be to have the person at the table give some direction where your table is or point it out on the map just to avoid wondering up and down the aisle to look for the table.
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Post by redstars on May 28, 2019 22:53:06 GMT -5
Nomi was great again this year. I liked the amount of space in the aisles between tables, and either due to lower temps outside or AC working better, it wasn't nearly as hot in there this year.
My only suggestions would be what others said: -make the table numbers visible from above in some way. Even if it's just a sign at the end of each row stating which numbers are in which aisle, it would help a ton for those of us who had reserves to pick up. The tables get crowded VERY quickly and it was actually impossible to see a number sometimes... when you have 45mins-1hour to pick up reserves it gets stressful when you spend 5 mins looking for 1 table out of 30 you need to hit.
-have staff available to prevent line-cutting. I lined up at about 5 and there was already a huge line ahead of me, but I saw many people just join with friends, cut in line etc. which seems pretty unfair. I know realistically once the doors open everyone is in pretty quickly anyway, but it's a courtesy thing.
Other than that, great event as always and I can't wait for next year!
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Post by Istoria on May 29, 2019 22:57:18 GMT -5
I guess I could be considered as a veteran seller since this was my fourth year. I think overall this year was one of the best I have ever experienced! I don't know if it was due to the weather/less people than last year/better AC or just a combination of all, but it was definitely 'breathable' and did not feel like I'm sitting in a steaming pot lol This year was also good in that everyone at my table all managed to pick up their reserves...except one. Oh well, nothing's perfect but I really appreciate the turnout and people being responsible. It was also a pleasant surprise that the line-up and registering went really smoothly this year. Maybe this was due to me already knowing where the waiting area is, so a sign that says 'Nomi seller waiting area' could be nice for first-timers? I also noticed that many volunteers being very helpful and friendly to sellers, which was really nice to see. Ah, and the lottery system. It's been a hot potato for this year but personally, I say we keep it like this. I also had doubts about it at first and maybe me getting a table gave me some assurance, but in the end, it is really about being fair for everyone. I noticed that there were a lot of first-time sellers at this year's forum, which is a nice addition to a long-run event like this. Moreover, there was no stress over being one of those 'first ones' to send an email, and all those mishaps that happen every year. I'm sure that this was a nice change for staff too since they didn't have to deal with the problems associated with using the emails. Of course it's a shame that some veteran sellers missed out on getting tables, but I noticed this being solved by people sharing tables. I think the lottery system is a great way to get people engaged and be cooperative, and not wasting a single extra space on the table but instead use it for those in need. Furthermore, as I said this was my fourth year, and I noticed just how much other stuff I'm missing out on Friday @ AN because I'm occupied with Nomi all day. I don't know how my luck will be for next year's table draw, but it'd be nice to be a full-time buyer for a change. I read some of the other posts and although I don't mind 7-11pm time slot, 6pm-10pm could be better. I hope this could be put into consideration for next year? Overall, I was happy with this year's experience at Nomi. See you all next year, either as a seller or a buyer!
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Post by ghospie on May 30, 2019 16:09:58 GMT -5
I still think that the lottery works just we need to be given notice of results a lot sooner than a month before. I make travel plans when everything goes for sale in January but if I can't sell at the nominoichi I don't want to put all this money forward for the event and convention if I can't get in. This is considering I fly down and use table proceeds to cover my costs.
Have the sign ups done and results given out by the time tickets go for sale is all I ask!!
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Post by Djinnwolf on May 30, 2019 22:51:20 GMT -5
I think everyone covered a little something I would've said about the nomi especially those cutting in line. It would not be fair for those who waited for hours to watch others cut in to join friends. What's worse is their friends will not say anythinig and those affected may be too aftraid to say anything or not have anyone to tell. I also liked the lottery system. Don't agree with it 100% but I did get to see alot of new people in the nominoichi so that was nice. I actually like the nomi being as late as it is, most people are gone and it makes it easier to snag a few deals you may have passed or a table missed. I would suggest though that sellers try to be a little more flexible on haggling at this late hour especially if they really do want these items gone. Buyers want your stuff but if it was the same price at 7pm they may pass it. Not telling anyone to give your stuff away but the point is to walk away with less significantly than what you came with. Other than that I do hope to join nomi again next year...who knows may be as a seller
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Post by Michelle on Jun 1, 2019 8:40:57 GMT -5
Chris & Nominoichi team, thank you very much for all your hard work organizing the flea market! As a veteran seller, I love feeling how much lighter my suitcase is at the end of each Nominoichi, having almost everything I brought found new homes. Probably just luck that I ended up with one of the best table assignments in my five consecutive years of selling.
The whole event was par for the course, no major issues. Portable fans are lifesavers, and I suggest bringing them be mentioned on the webpage.
After last year’s email reservation fiasco, I was already wishing an online form/reservation system would be implemented, and the transition to the new method was perfect timing. Not securing a table really sucks, but I agree the lottery system gives everyone a fair chance at being selected. Given the initial stats Chris shared after the first day of seller registrations alone, reducing the application window by half could easily fill up all spots while lowering the rejection rate.
Moving up the Nominoichi start time while keeping it a four-hour event is a good idea too. And yeah, a temporary ramp for the sellers’ entrance would be appreciated.
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Post by The Chris McKenna on Jun 1, 2019 10:37:12 GMT -5
Dear everyone,
Thanks very much for taking the time to respond in this thread. It is much appreciated. Many of you touched on the same topics, so here's our take.
1) The Hours: While it's possible we could move the event forward or backward an hour, I'm not sure we'll be doing that next year. For one thing the Nominoichi staff is busy with another part of the con until just before 5:00, so moving everything forward an hour would create headaches in other departments as well. Furthermore, we have a long established start time of 7:00. That's when people expect the doors to open, and shifting the time may cause more complaints then it solves. Also, when all the other halls (D+E and F+G) closed at 10:00 we did get a final bump of customers, as the last of the people from there came in.
However, to be clear, sellers do not have to stay until the end. Sellers are free to pack up and leave at anytime, we only ask that those who wish leave early stop at the Staff tables and let us know.
2) The Lottery: There have been a few complaints, and some are very upset, about the lottery system. However, from our end it's superior to the old email system. The old system was causing issues when people provided incomplete data or when emails were not received. Additionally, it caused a very high workload for our staff. This year all that work was done with just one click. It is a huge relief and time saver for us behind the scenes.
Additionally, it's fair for all those who apply, and it allows us an opportunity to help those who are having problems with registering. I know there were a few issues with the system this year, but overall I'd say it was a success. Hopefully with the improvements planned for next year you'll find the process better and smoother than before.
Finally, as I've said before, the selection is totally random. The time you apply, The section you request, The number of sellers you have, or the tables you want to be 'next to' are all irrelevant to your chance of being picked. All applications, from all sections, have an equal chance of being picked for a table or the stand-by list.
3) The Application period: Over the last number of years we have done the table application period in the first 2 weeks in April. That is when people expect to apply for a table. There's a concern that if we move it too far ahead of that date people will be caught unaware of the change. Also, we feel that reserving the tables about 6-7 weeks before the con is long enough to get ready, but not so far in advance that you'd forget about it.
This year we kept the application site open for 4 days, from Friday to Monday. One of the issues we were trying to change was the pressure to apply on a specific day and time when not everyone would be available. We also felt that having a longer time allowed those who had problems an opportunity to resolve them. If we cut that time down, we'd loose that opportunity.
4) The Table Numbers: In the letter sent to every seller we included the instructions...
Your table number is: N000
This table number is important, don't forget it. There should be a very small sticker with this number on your table.
However, if you are promoting your items for sale on our forums (something we recommend) then you really should also make a bigger and better sign for your table with this number, and even consider wearing a pin or flag with this number so others can find your table easily. We encourage you to promote your stuff, and making your table number visible is a part of that, but it's entirely up to you.
Therefore it is, and always has been, the responsibility of the seller insure others can see their number and find their table. If you can think of a better or clearer way to express this please let us know.
5) The Ramp: We did try to insure a few volunteers and staff were available to assist sellers bringing in hand carts. In the future we'll look at getting a small ramp or something else. Not sure how likely it is to happen, but we'll try.
If anyone wants to provide us with a ramp please send me a message or email.
6) The Line: I wasn't aware that people were cutting in line. I'll mention it to the appropriate department and see if they can get some staff to watch the line as it forms
I think that's about it.
Thanks again to everyone who left a comment. Please don't think of what I've said above as final decisions, they're more like first impressions. We come back to these threads again during the planning of next years event and we re-consider all the points and requests made again.
Please feel free to continue to leave comments or send them to me in a PM or email.
... and I know I say this a lot, but sincerely.... thanks for your interest in the Nominoichi!
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Post by twobluetails on Jun 3, 2019 22:06:17 GMT -5
Chris,
Instead of putting each piece of paper with the table number square in the middle of the table, attached by adhesive tape, I think hanging the papers with table numbers off the front edge of each Nomi table with some adhesive tape would largely solve the "making table numbers more visible" problem, because short of a crowd gathering at a table, the piece of paper with the table number on it won't be obscured (especially not by the table's merchandise, which it normally would be once merchandise is piled on top of it). Not all of us have flags or poles to attach signs to (a lot of us didn't even have those very-useful wire cages to display our stuff in) in order to make them more visible above a crowd of people.
I noticed some police officers patrolling Nominoichi. Are they responsible for the relative lack of complaints about thefts in Nomi 2019? I remember some people complaining about thefts in previous years.
As for the lottery system, is there a middle ground? Maybe using the "first come, first served" old system for half the tables and the latter half of the tables and standby list get their sellers randomly picked, so people who get in early are still rewarded for their efforts? That might satisfy both camps.
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Post by ajthecollector on Jun 10, 2019 4:12:31 GMT -5
I think my only complaints right now would be these:
1. If three people have signed on for a table together, I think there should be three chairs provided instead of two.
2. I feel perhaps sellers should be allowed in a bit earlier, to reduce the hectic rush for those with a lot to set up or who've made a lot of reservations to pick up.
Other than that, I can't really think of any pros or cons that others haven't mentioned yet.
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Post by leafari on Jun 26, 2019 21:19:41 GMT -5
Jeez, I'm so late to post here this year! Sorry about that! ;u; This was my 4th year at Nomi, and it was especially great this year! I read through the thread so I can kind of get a feel on what people have already added to the conversation so I'm not saying the same things over again. Here goes nothing! The Good:I agree with most people on here about the lottery system being a much better alternative than what was being used previously. I can't really speak on it as a seller, but as a buyer, letting new sellers have an equal shot helps pumps new lifeblood into this event. Though I'm sad that a lot of old sellers couldn't come, that sadness was immediately replaced with joy over tables that were full of new stuff that's never been sold at Nomi before. It's so refreshing and is the main thing that keeps bringing me back to this event each year. The heat was a lot better this year too, though I'm not sure it's because the air conditioner was working full-time or the larger amount of space between the tables. In either case, I think the table spacing helped in the long run. The "Bad":This was a small problem for me last year but it's still here and hasn't gone away: line-cutting. Mostly it seems to be friends getting in line with their friends, which wouldn't be such a big deal to me if it wasn't groups of 3+ people cutting in front of me with almost a good 100+ people behind me. Simply put: it sucks. :C Speaking on the topic of the line, maybe it was just me, but I noticed it was really messy this year. I was halfway down the line this time, so it probably goes to explain why. At the middle point, the line kind of wound itself around the bend at the end of the parking lot and then just scattered into a big mess on the grassy hill beside the curb and around the cars in the lot. There was no end line sign at all when we were lining up either, which seemed to be very confusing for other people who kept walking down to the end of the lot and then back again. On top of that, though I'm not sure if anyone else noticed this, I saw a few people putting their drinks on the hoods of cars in the back of the lot and leaning their stuff up against said cars. :0 If it was their cars I'd understand, but it's really hard to tell, and since I'm pretty sure the parking lot connected to Hall C is specialized parking (correct me if I'm wrong) for people like staff/Nomi sellers, the chance of those cars being theirs to me feels very slim. :/ Honestly, I think most of the line issues could be solved by having people patrol the lines in a similar way that they do with the dealer's room entry line, or at least having a few staff in the middle point/farthest point away from the entrance to organize the line and bring some order to it. Away from the topic of lines, there was also a bit of confusion for me this year in regards to the guidebook. It said Nomi started at 7pm and went to 10:30pm, which obviously wasn't true... Definitely gotta avoid that for the future! :3 Other Suggestions/Things to Improve on:There really needs to be time call-outs for the hour and 30-minute mark, as well as maybe the 1-minute mark. There were time call-outs this year, but only for the 15-minute and 5-minute marks but nothing else, which I found somewhat strange. Nominoichi is one of those events where it's really easy to lose your sense of time, and considering how late it runs, (and how difficult it would be to change that late time) I think it might be beneficial for some people who have to catch public transportation, as well as to warn people to start hurrying up with their purchases. :0 I'm glad that the water station is back, but having only one that's on the far end of the Nomi is a little bit awkward. I dunno if this would be possible, but having water stations on each of the ends of Hall C might be helpful to not just buyers but sellers who want to go have a break and get a drink with tables that are unfortunately the furthest point away from it. The last suggestion I got is maybe having rule about stating certain qualities of items on the forums, specifically if they're damaged or broken. What someone said earlier about this really struck a chord with me and I honestly agree. In the same way that bootlegs aren't allowed, objects of that quality shouldn't be allowed with the only exception being that they're claimed as broken/damaged. Sometimes you really can't tell in pictures (same goes for bootlegs), and having that rule might help a little bit more with quality control. :< (Speaking of bootlegs, I'm pretty sure someone sold me a bootleg at Nomi and I didn't discover this until a week ago when I received an item from the same set and compared the quality of the two of them. Am I still allowed to report it so that they don't try to sell bootlegs in the future?) --- And that's all I gotta say. Thank you to all staff members, volunteers and sellers who made this another amazing year full of fun. I'm enjoying all of the things that I reserved, and I'm so very thankful for each and every one of you on the forums! I had a fantastic time, and I'm hyped up to have a just as great, if not even better experience next year! See you then! ^u^
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