Official Swap Meet Thread for Sellers 5/16/2012 *FINAL LIST / E-MAIL*

[Eurobeat King]

I'll admit though, it's nice to have some set-up time.
...But, it's nice to sell at the same time too. xD

True, the set-up time will be nice. :)  Getting all your items neatly arranged, making-sure every item is priced/labelled, and using the restroom and/or get something to eat before the attendees are let in.

I probably will take a picture of my set-up area once it's all ready to go on Thursday.  ;)

[jen_kat]

In past years, I have always brought some extra plastic bags to hand out to buyers so that they have something to carry the stuff they buy from me with, but a friend just pointed out to me that San Jose has had a bag ban in effect since the beginning of this year. Would that be something to make the swap meet attendees aware of or are we expecting them to know about the ban already?

[yotsuba]

I understand the people towards the end of the line/higher numbers won't get as much time to set up though.
Might just have to deal with it and enjoy the moment, setting up and of the sort. :D

Yeah, I'm in the top 15 for Friday... so I have a feeling I might just be sitting around for a while if it's as we're imagining it. D:

I'll admit though, it's nice to have some set-up time.
...But, it's nice to sell at the same time too. xD

True, the set-up time will be nice. :)  Getting all your items neatly arranged, making-sure every item is priced/labelled, and using the restroom and/or get something to eat before the attendees are let in.

I probably will take a picture of my set-up area once it's all ready to go on Thursday.  ;)

We might actually get a chance to shop with each other for once. :D lol
First pick of the goods!

[CosplayDevotee]

In past years, I have always brought some extra plastic bags to hand out to buyers so that they have something to carry the stuff they buy from me with, but a friend just pointed out to me that San Jose has had a bag ban in effect since the beginning of this year. Would that be something to make the swap meet attendees aware of or are we expecting them to know about the ban already?

This.

Ya honestly I had no idea about the ban until I saw a forum in serious business regarding it. I highly doubt most fanime attendees know about this, which could potentially cause problems for both swap meet sellers and buyers alike.

[angeljibrille]

In past years, I have always brought some extra plastic bags to hand out to buyers so that they have something to carry the stuff they buy from me with, but a friend just pointed out to me that San Jose has had a bag ban in effect since the beginning of this year. Would that be something to make the swap meet attendees aware of or are we expecting them to know about the ban already?

I'm still trying to get an answer from Facilities about this. I'll send out an e-mail to all the registered users as soon as I know!

[angeljibrille]

How does the new San Jose plastic bag ban affect me as a seller?

The Bring Your Own Bag Ordinance is currently effective since January 1 of this year.  For sellers the new law states: "You are unable to provide free single-use carryout plastic bags to customers at check out. You may sell reusable bags or 40 percent post-consumer recycled content paper bags. Post-consumer recycled content paper bags must be sold for a minimum price of 10 cents each, and the sale must be itemized separately on the sales receipt."  For more information please check the following link: http://www.sjrecycles.org/bags/PDFs/RetailersBagFAQs_09-09-11.pdf

[Avairrianna]

I'm sorry but that plastic bag law is so stupid.... :'(

There goes months of saving up plastic bags for my buyers....

[Michi]

Should we expect to show up at 5 pm Friday and have to stay until the swap meet starts at 7 pm?

[angeljibrille]

Should we expect to show up at 5 pm Friday and have to stay until the swap meet starts at 7 pm?

Yes. If we call your number and you are not there, we will *not* save a space for you.

Once you are in your space, you can go to the bathroom and such - or have your space partner go get food - but one person needs to stay in that space. You cannot bring in more goods either, you must have all your stuff with you when you check in.

Thanks!
Marisa

[Xeluu]

Hey Marisa,
So, I know we need proof we've registered for Thursday night this year, I actually am a bit concerned since registration isn't opening til later. I know myself and someone else selling this year registered last year on Monday, so without getting in line early to ensure I get my badge, is there any way I can prove I registered? I'll likely e-mail registration again, but I still haven't gotten a reply after my first e-mail.

Just trying to get things finalized before the convention next week. I'm getting excited~!

Also, thank you for looking into another venue for the swap meet. I know I'll personally feel a bit better about going to the Fairmont than going to a building behind the theater.

-Xeluu

[angeljibrille]

Did you get some sort of confirmation e-mail after you registered? That should be enough, just bring that :)

Marisa

Hey Marisa,
So, I know we need proof we've registered for Thursday night this year, I actually am a bit concerned since registration isn't opening til later. I know myself and someone else selling this year registered last year on Monday, so without getting in line early to ensure I get my badge, is there any way I can prove I registered? I'll likely e-mail registration again, but I still haven't gotten a reply after my first e-mail.

Just trying to get things finalized before the convention next week. I'm getting excited~!

Also, thank you for looking into another venue for the swap meet. I know I'll personally feel a bit better about going to the Fairmont than going to a building behind the theater.

-Xeluu

[Xeluu]

Did you get some sort of confirmation e-mail after you registered? That should be enough, just bring that :)

Marisa

I actually have not gotten any sort of e-mail confirmation. When I e-mailed registration for another issue (getting my sister's and my badges paired for easier pick up since we both registered last year at con) I never received any response.
I'll be doing my best to try and get my badge, but as the convention draws closer, I'm definitely getting a bit worried.

Update!
For those of you who may have registered at con last year and have the same issue, go as though you're going to log in to the registration page, and use the lost password option with the e-mail you registered with.

[angeljibrille]

Update!
For those of you who may have registered at con last year and have the same issue, go as though you're going to log in to the registration page, and use the lost password option with the e-mail you registered with.

Here are the links for others with this problem:
Forgot password:
http://registration.fanime.com/forgot_password

Forgot username:
http://registration.fanime.com/forgot_login

Thanks!
Marisa

[yotsuba]

Did you get some sort of confirmation e-mail after you registered? That should be enough, just bring that :)

Marisa

Hey Marisa,
So, I know we need proof we've registered for Thursday night this year, I actually am a bit concerned since registration isn't opening til later. I know myself and someone else selling this year registered last year on Monday, so without getting in line early to ensure I get my badge, is there any way I can prove I registered? I'll likely e-mail registration again, but I still haven't gotten a reply after my first e-mail.

Just trying to get things finalized before the convention next week. I'm getting excited~!

Also, thank you for looking into another venue for the swap meet. I know I'll personally feel a bit better about going to the Fairmont than going to a building behind the theater.

-Xeluu

It's probably a bit redundant for me to ask this, but... for some peace of mind and just to clarify...
I can bring in my per-registration confirmation print out/email/paypal reciept/etc as proof for Thursday to get in to sell?
And then, I could just pick up my actual badge on Friday?

[angeljibrille]

It's probably a bit redundant for me to ask this, but... for some peace of mind and just to clarify...
I can bring in my per-registration confirmation print out/email/paypal reciept/etc as proof for Thursday to get in to sell?
And then, I could just pick up my actual badge on Friday?

Yes, you can.

This is more directed at all sellers:
We're not SUPER paranoid about Thursday, if some mishap comes up, we'll work with you on it. However, we will probably note names of people who don't have badges and/or receipts, and if they don't show up on the official Registration list over the weekend, you will be blacklisted for next year.

On FRIDAY, please have your badge, or we won't let you in at all.

Thanks :)

Marisa

[HungryTwins]

Hey there everyone,

We were just wondering if any one had any tips for first time sellers of the swap meet

[mlarad]

Should we expect to show up at 5 pm Friday and have to stay until the swap meet starts at 7 pm?

Yes. If we call your number and you are not there, we will *not* save a space for you.

Once you are in your space, you can go to the bathroom and such - or have your space partner go get food - but one person needs to stay in that space. You cannot bring in more goods either, you must have all your stuff with you when you check in.

Thanks!
Marisa

So, this means we cannot check in lets say at 6pm if we are number 20 because those were the first people to be call?

What if once we get there my number has just passed? Do I get to wait until all the other registrations have
been processed and then I can check in or I will completely lose my spot?

[angeljibrille]

So, this means we cannot check in lets say at 6pm if we are number 20 because those were the first people to be call?

What if once we get there my number has just passed? Do I get to wait until all the other registrations have
been processed and then I can check in or I will completely lose my spot?

At 6pm on Thursday, I will open the room (I literally can't open the room until 6:00pm). I will get everyone inside and lined up.

We will start by calling "1" and they will have to come up to the table, show ID, show your form, be verified, have any potential partner on the space verified, and get your authorized sticker.

One of the staff will then escort #1 to the Imperial Ballroom to your assigned space, where you will be able to start setting up.  A staffer or volunteer will be by to check your goods before we open to make sure that you are following the rules (no weapons, maximum 1 box of labeled adult stuff, no bootlegs, etc.).

While this is happening with #1, we will be processing #2, and so on. If we get to #20 and you aren't there... we will move on to #21.

Thanks!
Marisa

[Ecchi ja Nai]

While this is happening with #1, we will be processing #2, and so on. If we get to #20 and you aren't there... we will move on to #21.

I think mlarad was was specifically wondering what the consequences were in that situation.  Say a seller is number 20, and you've already moved on to 22 by the time they get to the Fairmont.  Does that mean they've lost the opportunity to get a guaranteed (confirmed) spot all together?  They now have to wait for you to finish processing everyone else before you get to the wait list?

I think you've already covered the answer in this response:

Should we expect to show up at 5 pm Friday and have to stay until the swap meet starts at 7 pm?

Yes. If we call your number and you are not there, we will *not* save a space for you.

It's just not entirely clear if someone coming in late could check in with a staffer and get processed with another batch of numbers.

Though this may seem a bit harsh, believe me, I understand why you would have things set up this way after the mob of the last couple of years and all of the changes made to swap meet this year.  Not really complaining, just sayin'.

So, to my fellow sellers: better make sure you get your boxes and behinds over to the Fairmont at 6pm.  5pm on Friday.

[BunofGovt]

I can't find this in previous posts but may have missed it, if I have someone as a helper, she needs a badge (or be pre-registered) right?  Do I list her as the secondary seller on the form?  she'll be helping set up, and watch my space if I have to run to the restroom.  I will probably ask this when in line tonight as well, since I'm not sure I'll be able to check for a response here (on my way!) 

Thanks.