Convention Sellers

[Yurtle]

Hey everyone,

I will be sharing a booth at a convention (Anime North in Toronto) in May and I have no idea how much stuff to actually make and bring. I'm a card-maker, knitter and cross-stitcher and will have a variety of stuff. Right now, I have a list of projects I'd like to make. I probably have 6-8 different types of cards and was going to make 4-6 of each card. Does that sound like way too little? I've never done this before and have no idea how well things will sell. Should I be bringing 100 cards instead of 30-40?

And how many little cross-stitches or knitted guys? Anyone have advice?

Thank you!!

[funkymonkey]

My booth was next to a couple who crocheted, and they sold out of their little amigurumi really quickly and were feverishly trying to make more. I had all cross-stitch and perler items, and one of my shows the perlers hardly sold (because several other artists had them, too). The other convention I did I was one of the only perler artists, so that stuff went fast and I hadn't expected it to. I ended up bringing my supplies and making custom orders while my friend ran my table.

While 2 shows isn't that much experience, what I've learned is just to have as much as you possibly can. You never know what's going to be in demand, and if you have extras, you can just use it the next time; it's better to have leftover than to have an empty table. I'm already starting my stock for August

[Yurtle]

Yeah, I'm a little worried I won't have time to make enough but at least I'll have an idea if I do it again. I should have started last year but I was crazy busy making commissions for Christmas. So basically if I can make the 100 cards, I should be. I'll start with 4 each of each of the designs I can come up with and go from there. Hopefully I'll have time. I'm more concerned about the cross-stitches and knitting because of how much time they take to make. I have a couple already done and ready to be framed but I really need to get my act in gear!

In terms of the type of stuff (theme) to make, I'll be making as much as possible specific to games/anime. But can I also make generic items? Like random cute monster cards or knitted stuff that isn't related but is still awesome? I've been making super cute knitted ninjas and luchadors. Or will only the stuff that's from a game/movie/anime really sell?

[funkymonkey]

Unless the con has restrictions on what you can sell (like, must be anime related) then go for anything you like; I've had success selling any "geekcraft"y things that aren't necessarily game related.

[Yurtle]

That's great. Thank you!!!

[tnitnetny]

There are no restrictions at this con. Oh and guess who she is sharing with?

[wozz90]

Are there any problems with licensing when making game related items to sell?

[Yurtle]

There are no restrictions at this con. Oh and guess who she is sharing with?

WOOHOO!! So excited!

With no restrictions, I'll probably be making up some general stuff too. I'm just not sure whether they would sell quite as well. I really need to get my current commissions out of the way. I gots to get my butt in gear!

Are there any problems with licensing when making game related items to sell?

I'll let someone else address this and I think there's an entire forum thread related to copyright. There are problems with licensing and copyright. For example, some people who have sold on etsy have received cease and desist letters from companies. People seem to manage to sell things at conventions though without too much trouble, I think.

[wozz90]

Ah ok thank you, it's interesting to know. Not that I create anything fast enough yet to be able to sell

[QueenBex]

I would understand that amigurumi items sell fast, love that stuff, but I bet its time consuming.

If you pick two card designs from one geeky theme eg. Dr Who and two from another eg. LOZ then go from there, of course the themes are up to you.

There has been talk about people representing sprite stitch at Cons and other members sending stuff for them to sell, I don't know if you want to put a little something up about Sprite stitch or not on your stall?

I'm sure you'd do well if you stick to the top geeky stuff like dr who, lord of the rings, legend of Zelda, Mario etc.