Dealer's Den - Advice for the new guy?

I've always found that a business card with your contact info and logo is something I'd pick up to contact you with later if I want to buy extra merchandise.

Have lots of small bills.

 
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My LJ - My Website

Like Giza said .. HAVE CHANGE..

or small bills..

I'm still not used to the idea of dollars being in bills ^^;;

I would say also , it's your table .. so GUARD IT!

I don't talk about anyone in particular .. but I have seen situations in some cons were inconsiderate dealers would EXPAND their sale space over the con..

or just plain STEAL the table when they would see the other person had removed their stuff from the table..
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I love you all ..

except for the people I don't like..

Business cards are definitely a must!

What are you selling? If it's prints or anything like that, have as many out on the table as possible. A lot of people are kind of shy about going through a book of prints, but if they see something just out as they're strolling by they might stop and take a second look! I used to keep my prints in a book, but when I just covered the entire table with my prints (and taped them down) my sales (and just people stopping by to talk/look) went way up.

Try to keep random other stuff like food and drink and cameras to a minimum on the table top. It can make your table look cluttered and unprofessional.

Try to look like you're having a good time! Even if you got zero sleep the night before because your roommates all snore. If you look like Mr. or Mrs. Grumpy P. Pants people will be much less inclined to stop and look.

Have a buddy! You'll have to go to the bathroom at some point...

A cashbox is a good thing.

Have some snacks with you! It's surprisingly tiring to sit there for hours on end smiling. The hours at this dealer's room are a lot less than other cons I've been to, so it may not be so bad, but it's horrible to sit there and be hungry so a nice non-messy snack is good. And water.

Having a nice size sign on your table with a unique memorable logo is a definite plus for getting people to remember you and recognize you again later.

Be considerate of the dealers around you! You may just make some business friends too. At the same time don't let a rude neighbor step all over you... If they're doing something that's bothering you, politely talk to them about it before getting angry. They may not even know they're being annoying.

If you're a drawer, people love to peer over and see what you're doing if you're sketching at the table. Plus the shy people who don't like to talk to the dealers might sneak up if they think they won't have to talk to you because you're occupied. Some people are really that shy about it!

Don't undercharge yourself! It's tempting when you're first starting out and unsure of yourself to charge way too little for your stuff...especially at first when the sales might not be coming in too speedily. But take a look at the general prices around you, think about what you really would feel good about selling your prints for. And remember that you're work is not the same as everyone elses, so while it's a good starting point to look at the prices you do not have to charge the same thing as everyone else.

Don't get PB&J on your art. D:

frankenshoe.com

Smile at customers.
Compliment Wyldekyttin on her lovely voice over the PA.
Don't complain if the sun is in your eyes. Bring sunglasses.
Bring a sheet to cover your table after hours.
Don't forget to drink water. It's easy to get dehydrated.
Take at least a 5 minute break to walk around every hour.
Don't slouch.
A dish of candy attracts people like flies. Might also attract flies.
E-file your taxes promptly after the convention.
Keep your cash box under your chair or somewhere else out of the way.
If someone stops to chitchat, don't be afraid to excuse yourself from the conversation if a paying customer wanders by.
Buy a drink for the chairman.
Introduce yourself to the dealers around you if you don't know them.
Be cheerful, even if you're hung over.
Clean up after yourself when packing up (there's a substantial fee if you do not).
Remember to bring in only what you can carry. Anything bigger or requiring a dolly or wheeled cart needs to be dropped off at the loading dock or at the 10th St. entrance.
Read the helpful information for dealers.
Report suspicious activity to the Dorsai.
Have fun!

I'm used to other venues, so the business advice is appreciated. (Typically, I've done Ren Faires with my other Business, Potted Fox, so I'm used to having lots of change and a candy dish out.)

Comic books! Hunter's a new Anthro comic (Well, new as in it's only been in print for the last year). We're also hoping to put out some posters and other things. Mostly we're trying to promote and gain some readers.

Good advice *makes a note*

Very good advice.

I'll have to get in line, methinks.

--Gyr
Code Name: Hunter
http://www.rcsitravel.net/
Magic, Adventure and Hounds with guns.

• Remember you're there to deal, not hang out with your friends. Nothing will tick off your neighboring dealers more than your friends hanging out at your table and blocking theres and NOT spending money.
• Also, DO NOT let your friends hang out behind your table. The area behind the table is for workers. You might be comfortable with them back there, but your neighbors won't be.
• Don't Bitch. Nothing will bring others down than you grousing about lack of sales... Don't Be a Groat.
• Read up on the rules and follow them. They aren't written off the cuff. Every rule is there cause something happened in the past.
• Closing time isn't a surprise, its well posted. Get ready for it, start packing up little things so that when the bells sounds, you can gather up your last things, cover your table and get. The Staff can't leave till you do and they have work to do after you leave.
• Don't be afraid to ask question
• Have Fun!

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David M Stein, DI

"Not Unlike the Toaster, I Control the Darkness"
-- Abby Normal, "You Suck"