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Hi Ben,

in the swap meet application , if it says " in process" underneath the Thursday/Friday space does that mean we pretty much did not get waitlisted barring mishaps with paperwork and form errors?

Yes, that means you should be good to go if you've finished up through payment.  "In Process" simply means "not waitlisted or spaces unavailable."

Is the Thursday swap meet a badged event? A friend wants to help me watching my spot but isn't going to the con this year. Just wanted to make sure

For attendees, no. 

For anyone selling or manning a booth, yes.  That means your unbadged friend would not be able to watch your space for you or sell.

I have a few questions: Can I wrap my M rated manga in plastic wrap? I probably won't bring it, just curious.
And does anyone know if Pokémon cards sell? I have all mine that I brought back in 1999(I think.) And how much do you sell them for?

In regards to the manga, Probably not, but I'd need to see it before I could give a definite answer.

So I have questions about the waitlist. While on waitlist for a spot on Friday, should we still bring our stuff to be on standby? or should we wait for a confirmation? How will waitlist be handled?

At this point, if you are waitlisted, I would plan on being there with your stuff.  The way the system works is that incomplete or abandoned Swap Meet applications take up a "spot" as far as the online system goes, but they're not actual sellers.  From how it looks to me, we should have space for everyone.  Once I process through the last few e-mails of people needing assistance to complete their applications, I'll go through and let the waitlisted people in.  If that changes, I will let people on the waitlist know on an individual basis.

So how do at-con signups work for swap meet? Is there a specific place I can go, or  should I just show up and stand in line with all the other sellers (except badge-less) and pray they let me in?

Kinda.  If I recall last year correctly, all the preregistered sellers lined up on one side of the South Hall entrance while anyone waiting for a standby spot was at the opposite end.  Once they started processing the sellers and letting us in, they worked through the line as quickly as they could after checking through our items, taking care of the paperwork and then having someone walk us to our designated selling area.  There a quite a few people who sign up for swap meet so it takes a while to get everyone processed, but as has been mentioned there always seems to be a few leftover vacant spots at the end once everyone is settled and swap meet is well under way.  Don't be surprised if they start letting other attendees in to start browsing before all the registered sellers are in the door.  Not sure who you'd be referring to as badgeless since you wouldn't be able to sell or even buy on Friday without a badge to begin with, but there is that separate line for sellers who don't register ahead of time.  And technically a third line for people waiting to buy all my stuff.

Speaking of checking sellers in, I've got a question of my own.  Will spot assignments be handled like last year at the door, or will they be assigned in advance since it looks like there's space for that on the online form.  I'm pretty sure it's like that every year and we just choose our spots on a first come, first served basis when we get there, but I just wanted to double check.

It'll be like last year.  The space on the online form as well as the seller's agreement is for our own knowledge and reference.

Do I need to prereg for the whole weekend? My plan was to only go one day this year, but the swap meet registration process asks for my prereg information.

Figured I'd answer since it seems to take a little while to get a reply back on questions right now:

In order to register for swap meet now, you do need to provide your badge number, and the only way to do that is to prereg.  And unfortunately in order to prereg, you need to pay for the entire weekend.  You could try to contact swap meet staff to work something out, but from years prior my understanding was there wasn't any way around this.

Your best bet is to bring your stuff with you anyway and hope for a stand-by space on Friday.  Keep in mind there do seem to be more people both selling and buying on Friday night so it'll probably take a while to see if you can get a spot at all.  Luckily there are a ton of spaces available in South Hall, and I don't think either day has been at capacity for sellers.  You wouldn't be able to sell Thursday night at all, since you can't buy a single day badge for Day 0.

This is correct.  You'll need a badge to be able to sell, and you can't even register until you have a badge.

Based on the numbers I have now as well as experience from past years, I'm anticipating that we will have space for at-con signups.  However, please keep in mind that they are not guaranteed and are sold on a first-come, first-served basis and only after the pre-registered people are all checked in.

So how do at-con signups work for swap meet? Is there a specific place I can go, or  should I just show up and stand in line with all the other sellers (except badge-less) and pray they let me in?

You will need to buy your badge prior to being able to sell at Swap Meet either day, so the first thing to do is to go to registration and pick up the badge.

Secondly, bring yourself and all the items you are selling to South Hall and get in line.  The line forms pretty early, so be prepared to get there before we start checking people in (which will start two hours before doors open, this year).  When you get to the front of the line, tell the person checking paperwork (probably me) that you're at at-con registering person.  You will then beessentially given a number and asked to wait with your items in a specified area until we finish the preregistered people (and, depending on time, possibly wait a little while for people running late).  After that, I'll check people in and have them pay for spots in the order in which they arrived, you'll be shown to a spot, and be free to start selling.

Are spots really an issue?  swap meet only seems to take up about half of the giant tent area.

Questions....
Do we really need a sellers permit? The other form mentioned sounds like enough (sense it mentioned accumilated items such as in someones garage they wish to sell, basically what this is, stuff we no longer want).  Also is that a form to give to Fanime or to the BOE?

Thanks.

That kind of depends on your individual situation.  Swap Meet staff really can't give you legal advice, since I'm not your lawyer.  The only thing I can do is tell you to review both the Swap Meet Application form and, for further information, the BOE-410-D form to see if the situation they describe for an occasional seller matches your particular situation.

We will be collecting the Swap Meet Application Form, the rules with your signature, and (if appropriate) a copy of your seller's permit or your BOE-410-D at check-in, so please make sure that you have a copy of each of those papers for us for each day you are selling.




On a more general note, I am working through responding to the various e-mails that were sent regarding registration.  If I haven't gotten to you yet, just know that I am working through the list and have not ignored or forgotten about you.

Do I need to prereg for the whole weekend? My plan was to only go one day this year, but the swap meet registration process asks for my prereg information.

Figured I'd answer since it seems to take a little while to get a reply back on questions right now:

In order to register for swap meet now, you do need to provide your badge number, and the only way to do that is to prereg.  And unfortunately in order to prereg, you need to pay for the entire weekend.  You could try to contact swap meet staff to work something out, but from years prior my understanding was there wasn't any way around this.

Your best bet is to bring your stuff with you anyway and hope for a stand-by space on Friday.  Keep in mind there do seem to be more people both selling and buying on Friday night so it'll probably take a while to see if you can get a spot at all.  Luckily there are a ton of spaces available in South Hall, and I don't think either day has been at capacity for sellers.  You wouldn't be able to sell Thursday night at all, since you can't buy a single day badge for Day 0.

This is correct.  You'll need a badge to be able to sell, and you can't even register until you have a badge.

Based on the numbers I have now as well as experience from past years, I'm anticipating that we will have space for at-con signups.  However, please keep in mind that they are not guaranteed and are sold on a first-come, first-served basis and only after the pre-registered people are all checked in.

And now, the moment you've all been waiting for! 


SWAP MEET REGISTRATION WILL OPEN AT NOON PACIFIC TODAY!

Please use the following link to sign up:
https://apps.fanime.com/2017/swapmeet/

Please keep in mind that the initial rush surrounding registration will inevitably have some hiccups.  If you have problems, please e-mail them to [email protected] and remain patient.  There'll be an initial flood, but I will look over all of the various e-mails as we go forward.

Less than a month to go... when is reg opening?

I know I say this every year, but this is legit going to be my last year of selling. I'm moving on in life and changing hobbies, and looking to unload pretty much my entire figure collection. I may need to rent a uhaul truck for it all, lol. But in order for that to happen, I need to sign up for a spot! Don't keep us in the dark here Ben, what's the good word?

Keep your eyes on official Fanime communication channels (Twitter, Facebook, etc).  There should be information coming very soon.

The Swap Meet Seller's Agreement has been approved for FanimeCon 2017.  The rules are substantially the same as last year with only a few minor tweaks regarding asking for refunds.  I will update the first post with the relevant info, but here's the most pertinent details:

-Swap Meet will have 120 spaces available, which should be more than enough based on previous years.

-Swap Meet spaces will cost $40 per space per day, same as last year.

-Swap Meet spaces will be 14' x 6'

-Standard rules against standing displays, bootlegs, metal weapons, excessive uncovered adult materials, and so forth are the same as always.

-We don't yet have a date for registration to open, but more info will be forthcoming.

I remember two years ago we weren't able to bring it wheeled carts, will that still be the case?

hey wait a second.. I remember two years ago people DID bring wheel like carts into the set!.. and  it's only allowed as long as it doesnt block traffic to those who walk in....!!!!

I'm sure Zelyhon will post all the official rules (soon?) but from my experience with swap meet, hand trucks, dollies and the like are not permitted INSIDE South Hall or any other Fanime venue. 

BUT the sidewalk leading to South Hall is a public throughway.  It shouldn't be a problem using carts to transport your stuff up to the doors, but once you're checked in you're supposed to bring everything in by hand.  I kept trying to find clever ways to transport stuff on wheeled luggage, lots of rope and straps.  Anything to technically not violate the union rules that are the root of all these concerns.  But after hearing that all that stuff is fine until you hit the threshold, heck, I'm going for a furniture dolly to push all my used manga right up to the doors.

That's fundamentally correct.  Once inside South Hall and other Convention Center property, there's specific union rules that prohibit the use of such things as hand trucks or dollies or the like.  However, outside of South Hall is public property, without such restrictions.  You will be able to use them to transport things to the front of South Hall, but not inside it.

And I will have the official rules up once they pass through the final reviews that are taking place.

I thought this was true until I saw literally 3 people in front of me go in with hand trucks. Are these not being enforced at the time or how can I report it?

We'll be trying to keep an eye on it during he convention.  However, if there are any problems that you notice with it, just flag me down.  I'll be the either near the front of the hall or wandering the floor during Swap Meet and Emory likely checking forms for check-in.  Speaking of...

Is a Fanime badge/admission required to sell at Swap Meet?

I'm buying a weekend badge for Fanime, but my friend will not be attending Fanime at all. However, both of us want to share a space and sell at Swap Meet. Is this possible?

A Fanime badge is required to sell at Swap Meet.  When registration goes up, we will need the badge information from both the primary seller and from their secondary seller, should they choose to have one.  People not listed on the form and who do not have a Fanime badge may not sell in Swap Meet.

I remember two years ago we weren't able to bring it wheeled carts, will that still be the case?

hey wait a second.. I remember two years ago people DID bring wheel like carts into the set!.. and  it's only allowed as long as it doesnt block traffic to those who walk in....!!!!

I'm sure Zelyhon will post all the official rules (soon?) but from my experience with swap meet, hand trucks, dollies and the like are not permitted INSIDE South Hall or any other Fanime venue. 

BUT the sidewalk leading to South Hall is a public throughway.  It shouldn't be a problem using carts to transport your stuff up to the doors, but once you're checked in you're supposed to bring everything in by hand.  I kept trying to find clever ways to transport stuff on wheeled luggage, lots of rope and straps.  Anything to technically not violate the union rules that are the root of all these concerns.  But after hearing that all that stuff is fine until you hit the threshold, heck, I'm going for a furniture dolly to push all my used manga right up to the doors.

That's fundamentally correct.  Once inside South Hall and other Convention Center property, there's specific union rules that prohibit the use of such things as hand trucks or dollies or the like.  However, outside of South Hall is public property, without such restrictions.  You will be able to use them to transport things to the front of South Hall, but not inside it.

And I will have the official rules up once they pass through the final reviews that are taking place.

Hello to all, both Swap Meet regulars and new people looking for information on the event!  I hope everyone's had a good year since last FanimeCon and has restocked on a lot of things that they're looking to sell to their fellow fans!  This is Ben Levy, your returning Swap Meet head for FanimeCon 2017.  As in years past, I'll be using this thread to try and keep everyone up-to-date on the latest happenings of Swap Meet.

-Swap Meet registration opens at 12:00 noon PST on May 5.  Please use the following link to register:
https://apps.fanime.com/2017/swapmeet/

-Swap Meet Registration will cost $40 per space per day.

-Swap Meet spaces will be a 14' by 6' space of floor.  While chairs may be used for sitting, you may not use tables, racks, displays, or other furniture like that for your merchandise.

-Swap Meet 2017 will once again be held in SOUTH HALL, the big tent-like building behind the convention center.  Go out the East side of the convention center (the Marriott side) and take a right.  It's very hard to miss.

-Swap Meet 2017 will be held on Thursday, May 25 from 7:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. and on Friday, May 26 from 8:00 p.m.to 1:00 a.m. (times potentially subject to some modification)

-Check-in for Sellers will begin about an hour and a half to two hours before doors open to the public.

-As we are in South Hall again this year, that means we must once again say that amplified sound will not be allowed in Swap Meet.  This is the trade-off we have to make for a larger area.  I know some people don't necessarily like the lack of music, but I think that the bigger space more than makes up for it, personally.

-The Swap Meet Seller's Agreement has been approved, and is substantially similar to previous years.  Standard rules like no bootlegs, no metal weapons, only one longbox of adult material allowed per space (which must be covered, labeled, and out of reach when not being reviewed), and the like.  As always, Swap Meet Staff will have final say on whether something violates the rules.

-All sellers at Swap Meet must fill out both the Seller's Application form and sign the Rules and Guidelines.  Please have these ready to go prior to arriving at the convention.

-Seller's Permits tend to generate questions every year, so here's some general info.  Please read over the Seller Application form for more information.  Short version is if you qualify as an "occasional seller," then you should need to fill out the Seller Application Form and mark yourself as an occasional seller.  Occasional sellers are basically people who sell no more than twice in a 12 month period, don't buy things specifically for resale, and are not selling new merchandise.  Those last two requirements are prohibited by Swap Meet rules anyways.  Be sure to look over the information and find out if you qualify as an occasional seller.  Just remember, Swap Meet staff is not your attorney, and thus cannot answer legal questions about whether your specific situation qualifies as an occasional seller.  If you think you might not qualify as an occasional seller, please follow the link on the form to get more information.  If you know you don't qualify as an occasional seller, please be sure to have a copy of your valid seller's permit for staff to look at when you check in.

I think that's most of the information I have for the moment.  If you have further questions, comments, or the like, please post them below or message me on the forums.  I'll keep up with this thread and update when I can, as well as following up on posts further down the thread.

Hello all.

Another Fanime come and gone.  That means another Fanime Swap Meet come and gone.  As part of my desire to keep improving Swap Meet year after year, I'm looking for your honest feedback on the event in the hopes that we can improve on certain things for next year.

Let me just state right off the bat that I understand the general registration was an issue, as was the fact that the registration process mentioned vouchers to get to the front of the line that we didn't have.  That particular confusion was on me.  Based on the state of registration in the past, I made the decision that vouchers wouldn't be necessary, and thus didn't request any while setting up Swap Meet.  I then forgot to have the language about that removed from the registration process, which lead to some confusion.  I'll definitely be addressing that in planning for next year.

I also know that we started a little late on Thursday due to check-in taking longer than anticipated.  While part of that might be from the aforementioned registration issues, it's an easy fix for next year.  I'll probably just start seller check-in two hours early instead of an hour and a half.  We had two hours on Friday and were able to get a larger number of people in and ready to go early.

So, with that said, any feedback you might have on this year as opposed to years past, or thoughts going forward, are welcome.

Pretty late & pretty quick question: Does the first come first serve thing for Thursday apply for Friday as well?

For at-con registration, it does.

Hi Ben, I've sent a couple more replies to your email and hadn't gotten a response. I imagine you have a ton to go through.. My main concern is my refund. Just wanted to know when to expect it. I'm really bummed I wasn't able to work something out... And the lack of communication on the refund from the finance staff concerned me. If I can't get a spot for either days, I'd really love to at least get my refund in a timely manner as to not be out of that $80 this whole con weekend. :/

In the Swap Meet rules, it mentions that refunds will be processed within 90 days of the end of the convention, since it's a bit difficult to logistically organize during the convention itself.  That being said, I'll try to talk to some people and see what I can do.

I'm sorry something couldn't be worked out as well.

Yes, Swap Meet buyers on Thursday can still be badgeless, as usual.

I have a couple of friends that want to sell at a space but missed the registration deadline. Is Thursday still First-Come-First-Serve with paperwork as it has been in past Swap Meets?

That's the plan.  I can't say how many spots there will be, but it is my intent to sell the extras first come first serve after the pre-reg is seated and we give time for stragglers.

Can I use my suitcase it's a rolling one, it's not really big, to bring into South Hall? And how does Thursday night work this will be my first time doing Thursday night and I don't want to be late because of badge pick-up, I didn't see a time for when that happens?

I've never been to this before, so I don't know about the suitcase (I really hope it's okay though cause I will have mine, and I have literally no where else to put it except to bring it with me).

To answer your second question, I remember them saying online that if we go to the South Hall beforehand, we can get permission to go to the exceptions line, which I imagine is much shorter? Can someone confirm this?

The pass to the front of the line had been our plan from a few years ago, when the registration line was particularly bad.  Last year, however, registration was much more streamlined and there was no problem with people getting badges prior to Swap Meet.  This, we don't have the vouchers we planned on last year since they proved unnecessary.  The language seems to have been left in by mistake.