Jul 2022
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Jul 2022
Aug 2022
Rai_Muffin
Jul '22

I’m attending my first convention as a seller in November, and I’m not sure what to sell.
I have my books and some free samples,
But if you were passing by my booth, what would you buy?

My ideas include stickers, buttons, art prints and t-shirts.
I’m looking for just a couple of other items to keep things small; it’s my first time so I’m keeping low expectations.

Anything else I should sell instead?
Anything I should avoid?

Also, feel free to plug your comics below too, so long as you provide an answer.

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darthmongoose
Jul '22

Since you're UK-based, I assume you're probably doing TBubs? I'll be there too! I've been to a fair few cons in my time, and here are my best bits of advice.

Most people at the event will have some sort of budget, and a lot of them are keen to buy at least something from lots of different tables. So an average person will probably spend somewhere from £3-10 at your table. Make sure you have products that can provide for that.

Make sure your books have pride of place on the table as the "main product". You want people to buy the book and become fans, so the books should have pride of place. Make sure to have one designated "Look through me!" copy on the table and to keep the others back to avoid multiple copies being sacrificed to sticky-handed children and the like.

Have something on your table that somebody can pick up for a low cost. Stickers are a solid bet for this if you can get them made for cheap. Some people will hesitate on stretching to a book, but do want something to remember you by and might pick up stickers, especially if the designs are cool or cute even without knowledge of your work. Art prints and buttons can also work for this.

Since you're a webcomic, you might find getting some business cards or flyers printed with a nice piece of art, your comic's name and the URL (maybe even a QR code?) is a good investment, something to remind people when they go through their con bags about your table and then they'll look up your comic.

T-shirts... unless you have some really great designs in mind, don't bother. Very few people are gonna drop like £20-30 on a con table for a comic they're not already familiar with. If, however, you're a skilled graphic designer and your t-shirts don't require knowledge of your series to work... maybe this is okay?

Totes on the other hand.... can be a solid bet for a "bigger product", especially at a good price point and design, because you know what people will want while they're going around this crowded con picking up more than they thought they would? BAGS.

If you want to make money and you have the energy for it, drawing cartoon or manga sketch portraits of people is a fantastic way to maximise profits and attract people to your table to see what you're drawing. All you need is a stack of A5 card and some drawing materials. People will happily pay about £10 or more for these. It's exhausting work though.

Final piece of advice: Have a bottle of water and stand up! Standing up always makes you more visible and makes you look more engaged.

Azifri
Jul '22
1

These are my personal preferences:

  • Books (compilations are preferred).
  • Useful things like print glasses, coasters, lanyards, hair accessories, notebooks/notepads, etc.
  • Clothing items tend to be rather expensive so I'll only buy them if I really like the story and the art looks well-made and is something I could wear to work.
  • Prints, usually small size (I have a collage picture frame where I display them at home).

I rarely buy keychains, stickers, or large prints, and I definitely don't buy things with logos (except the book of course).

conventurecomics
Jul '22

When I attended anime conventions, I'd buy a few comics, posters, hard to find video games, and have some items signed by my favorite voice actors. Also I made a comic here on tapas and webtoons since I have been taking a convention break due to covid. I'll be going back soon.


Chaz
Jul '22

I would include magnets as well as free bookmarks with your characters and social media on them.

Legendofgenii
Jul '22

Small light things (or prints that can be rolled up). I don’t like to carry a lot, especially if dressed up. :sweat_smile:

I usually buy prints, comics and plushies.

TheSingularitySeed
Jul '22

I like to buy comics and original works but that's because I like to see what my local art community is up to.

My non-artist friends buy lots of stickers and stationary. They're mainly looking for things that are cheap and portable.
Once in a while they might buy a custom drawing if the wait isn't too long.

CosmicLeon
Jul '22

As someone who as sold at a few shows, I would like to say that bookmarks have been going really well for me. You can get a cheap laminator and sell them for pretty cheap. Because you can get about 4 bookmarks per 1 standard sheet of cardstock (8.5 x 11). I noticed that these are popular with the younger adults (roughly 15-25). I think this is because these people are more interested in reading comic and other novels, and the print has an utility use which is nice. Not many young kids I noticed buy book marks.

Sticker are hit and miss I have noticed. According to my sales records their sales spike every other year. Adding new designs to your lot will help, but I noticed that younger people tend to buy stickers. I am thinking of doing a sticker purge sale to clear out my inventory. Demographic (roughly ages 9-14).

Commission are my biggest seller, and if you can draw something decent in about an hour to and hour and a half, you should be pretty good to go. People will flock to cheaper commission though. I have set my commission to $10 once and....I was really exhausted. I ended up getting about 30 requests, and had to mail a few. So, make sure you set your price in accordance to how you see your worth. And you can always increase your price as your skill does.

I would avoid postcard sized prints. It does well for some people, but I have only sold 1 postcard sized print. Most people I noticed are looking for posters. And setting up poster is a commitment. Remember to think about the storage of your stock as well.

Other random things that will help:

Greet people as the walk by. Seriously it makes a difference. Stand when speaking to people if you can, it show you are more engaged.

If you can, get to know the convention staff. If they like you, it will be easier to get a table next year.

Bring other small stuff, not to sell, but trade with other vendors. Its a good way to may art friends, and you can get something cool in return. I got a deck of dnd magic items, because I gave a print to someone. Also, if you are friendly with the other vendor, they will help watch your table when you are gone for lunch, bathroom etc... they may even offer to go on a food run for you. So, if you set up quickly talk to them. Seriously.

Vertical Signage.

And the free stuff you have is a good attention grabber, but you can also do something interactive. I like to have a "sign Me" card on my table to see who decides to write on it. Its integrative, free, and add to their experience and mine. You don't have to do that (a lot of people don't have something like that) but I think it's neat, and if its consistent, you will be remembered for it.

Other other advice: XD
Your first show may not go so well. And that is ok. Mine didn't even make me any profit. Scary I know. But, people don't know you, but if you come back, they will be more likely to buy from you because they know you. Half of sales is relationships. So don't give up.

1 month later

closed Aug 29, '22

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