This section allows you to view all posts made by this member. Note that you can only see posts made in areas you currently have access to.

1

Live Programming and Events / Re: Swap Meet - Best Practices

« on: May 26, 2016, 01:17:40 PM »

Hello everyone! Even though I'm not on staff this year (Sorry Zelyhon) - I thought I'd make sure this had good visibility before swap meet this evening, as well as bring up another important point:

For those of you who utilize Square or other digital point of sale systems, do keep in mind the deposit schedule. Chances are any income you make on Thursday or Friday night WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE TO YOU during the convention. Since it's a holiday weekend, you will likely see that money deposited on the following Tuesday.

Just something to keep in mind. Accepting cards is a great way to broaden your customer base, but don't have false expectations of being able to access it over the course of the weekend.

I hope you all have a great swap meet! Find some great deals and have fun!

2

Live Programming and Events / Re: Swap meet 2015 feedback thread

« on: May 27, 2015, 05:37:08 PM »

Major improvement over last year (as I had to wait in line for 2-3 hours last year.) I was very pleased with it.

Slight improvement suggestions.

--Staff member on Friday was at the back of the line with a line that said something like "linecon is best con" and in some mask. I completely approve of the sign, but it is hard to know if it is an actual con/rover person with authority, or just a cosplayer. Maybe give them an arm band, orange vest, or have the other side of the sign say "end of line."

--The swap meet times were not advertised in the fanime booklet I don't think, or was hard to find. If found the description of the swap meet, but no time or no time and location. Also I don't think it was easily findable in the quick guide to con.

1) The guy in the mask with the sign wasn't with our staff, but was an associate of one of the staff members. Our apologies for any confusion this caused. Typically rovers do line management but I think Friday night we had it pretty much under control since we were able to open the doors and just let everyone in. A major improvement over last year in that regard!

2) Thanks for that feedback! We'll definitely work to make sure everyone knows when and where swap meet is, especially on Thursday! After all, what else are you going to do on Day 0!?

3

General Convention Discussion / Re: Your plans for FanimeCon 2016

« on: May 26, 2015, 04:05:39 PM »

2015 is hands down the best year that I have ever been to Fanime Con. (Been going since 2010)

Every year I try to do things differently before going to the con and this year has taught me that I need to do a few more things to get ready for 2016's Fanime Con...

1. Bring some sort of air freshener. I know it gets sweaty and some people can not help but smell, but...it's not that hard to go into the bathroom and put on some deodorant or something. So I think I'll bring a fresh smelling something or other to the con so my nose wont burn from the nerd sweat.

2. Go to restaurants instead of fast food. No more fast food at the cons for me. they are to packed and I found out that most of the restaurants are pretty empty a few blocks away from the con. They are not expensive either :] (Around $20-25 a meal with three of my friends)

3. Try and get Fairmont housing again. I have to say that this was they best hotel experience that I have ever had during the con. The staff was awesome and polite. didn't have to worry about parking the whole con because my girlfriend just kept her car in their valet parking the whole con. Came out to $60 the whole weekended which is worth it to me not having to worrying if anyone is going to break into the car.


Can't wait till next year!!!!!!

Fairmont all the way!

4

Video Programming / Re: FMV Pre Show videos and Winners for 2015!

« on: May 26, 2015, 07:28:58 AM »

Great show this year! Question- what happened to audience awards for each category+best in show AND judges choices for each category + best in show? I always enjoyed comparing the results across genres. If possible I'd love to see that format return.

5

Live Programming and Events / Re: Swap meet 2015 feedback thread

« on: May 26, 2015, 07:19:51 AM »

Wonderful swapmeet this year.

Great location and the size of the selling space was nice. I wish the sellers were a bit more spaced out though. Some stalls are going to be more crowded then others and it would help congestion if next year either the walkway was wider or if there was a bit of breathing room between spaces.

Just so you know there were "pods" of 12 spaces each, 6'x14', with 13' aisles between rows, and a sizable 25' gap between pods. We definitely want everyone to feel like They have enough space, the problem becomes the sprawl, and it also ultimately reduces the number of spots we can offer.

Your feedback is appreciated! Next year we'll take a look at some alternative layouts and see what we can do to address this issue without compromising too much on space

6

Video Programming / Re: List of Top 100 AMV?

« on: May 25, 2015, 01:18:11 PM »

It's taken from http://www.animemusicvideos.org/home/home.php they have their top 100 ranked videos.

7

Hotel and Facilities / Re: Fairmont Hotel security deposit?

« on: May 25, 2015, 11:38:35 AM »

I used a debit card.

I called in a couple days before flying out and the basic conversation went like this

Me: Hi, I'm going to be staying at your hotel for an event called Fanime, and I was wondering if you could clarify the price of the incidental charges per night?  My reservation is under (name)

Hotel: Of course let me pull up your reservation, okay your staying four nights, and your with Fanime? The incidental is $50 per night.

I even double checked my first night here to make sure I didn't go over budget during the weekend, my room was 568 and I got 377 from my room mates, and they told me with the incidental fees there was $391 being held on my card.  ( 568-377= 191 and $50 x 4 = 200  soo $391)

I used credit. That might be why. Good to know.

8

Video Programming / Re: Fanime Music Video Contest 2015 Rules

« on: May 24, 2015, 10:24:25 PM »

Great show this year! I love how you recapped last year's winners and the way you recapped the videos at the end as well. I think a non-voting encore show on Sunday would be a great addition next year for people who missed it Saturday and/or wanted to see them again on the big screen.

Thanks for the feedback! I'm really glad you enjoyed it!

We actually are having a non-voting encore on Sunday. Video Main @ 1:30 today.

Awesome! AMV competition is always the highlight of Fanime for me!

9

Hotel and Facilities / Re: Fairmont Hotel security deposit?

« on: May 24, 2015, 10:18:53 PM »

o3o I know this is quite late but I'm staying at the Fairmont and I only got charge $50 a night for the deposit.  Before I came out here I called the hotel to make sure what the incidental charges were and they told me $50 per night.  We were clear on me being with Fanime too.

Hopefully the lower price was a nice suprise for people

I got charged $100/night. My room was 430 but they held 832. Did you use a debit or credit card?

10

Live Programming and Events / Re: Swap meet 2015 feedback thread

« on: May 24, 2015, 10:17:45 PM »

I think I still like being in one of the large halls in the actual SJCC better as the location for swap meet, but this year's venue was fantastic!  The floors were filthy so I'm glad I decided to bring tarps this year.  The two biggest benefits for having it in the SJCC proper is it's a lot easier for me to get all my stuff in - I usually park in the garage, so I don't need to deal with crossing streets and deal with curbs and cracks in the sidewalk when I'm already in the same building - and convenience for shoppers who are already milling about and don't need to walk that admittedly short half-block distance to the south hall.  Having the wider spots definitely seemed to make things easier for display and for people to shop without having a huge mob around some places.  I'm not sure the SJCC would allow for those same wide spaces and still be able to accommodate the number of people that were there.  The $40 charge per night was a bit painful, but was manageable and worth all the improvements from the last couple years.  Still, if that price were to go down a little, I sure wouldn't be upset about it.

I don't really have any other negatives for this year other than the mad rush to pack up on Friday, which you've already addressed.  Thursday seemed a little thinner than previous Day 0's, excluding last year, but Friday had an incredible turnout.  And like someone already mentioned, being allowed to set up so early on Friday was great.  I usually get there early, but by the time we're let in I still wind up with a few things left to set up when folks are let in to shop.  On Friday, I was able to get everything laid out and make sure everything was labeled without having to rush.  I was completely set up and still had a few minutes to wander around before the doors opened.  I don't know if it worked better or not for staff, but I hope we're allowed to get in the same way in future swap meets, or at least allow us to start getting in earlier than an hour before things start.

Huge shoutout to this year's staff.  Great job, guys!  This was definitely one of the best run Fanime swap meets, at least from a seller's perspective.

To paraphrase GLaDOS, I think you guys can make a note regarding this year: Huge success!

Thanks for the great feedback! We definitely saw the structure on Friday seemed to streamline check-in and make it easier all around. We know the price was higher than previous years, but hopefully the larger spaces helped to make it worth your while.

11

Live Programming and Events / Re: Swap meet 2015 feedback thread

« on: May 24, 2015, 01:44:43 PM »

Just wanted to say the location was great. Everything went smooth and that we had plenty of room which is nice. The only issues for me were that I couldn't play any music which I know is not really an issue. But I hope next year I can. The other issue as a previous seller has mentioned. I too was being hassled by the same guy from the dealers hall. He was trying to buy all my games for next to nothing. I noticed he was trying to get games from another seller who was by me. So I'm sure he talked to other sellers who had video games. For me this was a first since being a seller at swap for 5 years. I was just surprised.

Okay I'll let Johnathan know personally. Thank you for that information and feedback!

 Just so everyone knows, we've addressed this issue. Please email swapmeet@fanime.com if you also were visited by the vendor. Thank you!

12

Video Programming / Re: Fanime Music Video Contest 2015 Rules

« on: May 24, 2015, 09:20:00 AM »

Great show this year! I love how you recapped last year's winners and the way you recapped the videos at the end as well. I think a non-voting encore show on Sunday would be a great addition next year for people who missed it Saturday and/or wanted to see them again on the big screen.

13

Live Programming and Events / Re: Swap meet 2015 feedback thread

« on: May 24, 2015, 09:00:55 AM »

Just wanted to say the location was great. Everything went smooth and that we had plenty of room which is nice. The only issues for me were that I couldn't play any music which I know is not really an issue. But I hope next year I can. The other issue as a previous seller has mentioned. I too was being hassled by the same guy from the dealers hall. He was trying to buy all my games for next to nothing. I noticed he was trying to get games from another seller who was by me. So I'm sure he talked to other sellers who had video games. For me this was a first since being a seller at swap for 5 years. I was just surprised.

Okay I'll let Johnathan know personally. Thank you for that information and feedback!

14

Live Programming and Events / Re: Swap meet 2015 feedback thread

« on: May 23, 2015, 12:57:02 PM »

I sold on Thursday and shopped on Friday. I'm so happy with the new venue, and I hope we get to use it again in the future. My only issue was that as a seller, I didn't have a lot of time to set up my space before shoppers started coming in, meaning I was still scrambling to set everything up while people were looking and asking about prices.

Sorry that you felt rushed! We definitely tried to make sure all sellers had ample time for setup. I think what happened was we were letting quite a few people keep more than 2 people per space after everything was moved in so we had a lot of people wandering during the setup time shopping when it should have mainly been primary/secondary sellers.

15

Live Programming and Events / Re: Swap meet 2015 feedback thread

« on: May 23, 2015, 12:24:29 PM »

Hi, I've been selling at Fanime swap meet for 7 years, and this was by far the best it's been setup, especially on Friday. Registration was a breeze, checking in was a breeze, and I had ample time to setup before buyers were let in.

There was only one blemish on an otherwise perfect swap meet, and that was that during the last 5 minutes, while we were putting stuff away, the dealer from -mod edit- came over, reeking of beer, and tried to low ball us, not taking no for an answer, instead trying to add stuff to his purchase and make a ridiculously low offer. The guy wouldn't quit and kept hassling us. This was WHILE we were trying to pack up. I haven't had trouble with any other dealers coming to swap meet aside from these guys, and this isn't the first time it's happened.

I'm glad that things went well for you (largely). The issue regarding the vendor is a bit worrisome. I would advise you to reach out to Johnathan, head of dealers hall, if you would like to file a complaint. No buyer should harass a seller like that, let alone a vendor.

Again, I'm glad everything else went well!

16

Live Programming and Events / Re: Swap meet 2015 feedback thread

« on: May 23, 2015, 09:56:23 AM »

Was there a reason we were in half the hall and not spread out more?

Space management mainly. Makes it easier for staff/rovers to monitor the event if it's as condensed as possible. Of course if the demand called for it we would have expanded but it wasn't really necessary. Also, given the choice of being closer to the front or farther back, most sellers chose the former.

Hopefully, if we get the venue again, we can pack it front to back!

17

Live Programming and Events / Swap meet 2015 feedback thread

« on: May 23, 2015, 02:05:45 AM »

Well, we've wrapped up another great year for swap meet! We are interested in hearing your feedback on the venue, timing and other elements of the event. While we are absolutely prepared for negative feedback, please be sure it is done in a constructive way so that we can make specific changes to improve swap meet.

As a pre-emotive measure, please note we sincerely apologize for the last minute re-scheduling on Friday night. Without going into too much detail, it was important that we were actually out of the venue by a certain time. Our apologies again for the last minute schedule change.

I look forward to your responses!

Jeremy Snow
Swap Meet Second

18

Live Programming and Events / Re: SWAP MEET Official Information Thread: REGISTRATION IS OPEN

« on: May 22, 2015, 02:05:11 PM »

Early praise: Nice job getting everyone in quickly and orderly, Swap Meet Staff.

Thanks! The venue helps tremendously, but it also means having more sellers to check in.

Hi,

On Wednesday, I requested to cancel my reservations on both days for a refund due to an emergency. Could I please get some assistance? I already sent an email to the swap meet team and got no reply.


Thanks.

We have to follow up on the refund policy but at the very least the refund won't be processed until after the convention is over. We'll be in touch.

19

Live Programming and Events / Re: SWAP MEET Official Information Thread: REGISTRATION IS OPEN

« on: May 22, 2015, 08:02:44 AM »

Early praise: Nice job getting everyone in quickly and orderly, Swap Meet Staff.

Thanks! The venue helps tremendously, but it also means having more sellers to check in.

20

Live Programming and Events / Re: SWAP MEET Official Information Thread: REGISTRATION IS OPEN

« on: May 19, 2015, 05:32:40 AM »

I see that sellers will be able to start checking in an hour to an hour and a half before the start of swap meet each night.  I assume we'll be lining up at the main entrance of the South Hall, the one facing South Market Street.

Will there be any particular order that sellers will be checked in, say by their registration number as in years prior, or will it be first come first served like last year?

At this time it seems like it will be first come, first served. With the amount of space we have this year I don't believe we've even filled all of the spots so there will be room for everyone. Additionally, we will be allowing a bit more freedom with placement and the selection of spaces as has been done in previous years.

I have a gathering to go to on Friday and I am also selling on Friday. Will it be possible to rush in at 8 with my stuff and still get my spot that I paid for?

Given how much space we have for sellers I'm guessing we will still have your space available for you at 8 PM Friday. However, I would email swapmeet@fanime.com so we can make a note of your later arrival in the event all spaces are filled.

I know for previous years dollies weren't allow to transport stuff for swap meet. Is it allow this year? And if they aren't allowed, what items are allowed for use to transport the goods? (ie rolling suit case, folding shopping carts, etc)

As ben mentioned in an earlier response, we are of the mind that carts/dollies are still not allowed to transport items this year. Rolling suitcases are permitted, and as I mentioned before, you are welcome to employ some muscle of your own to help you bring your goods in. Swap meet staff will be limited in the amount of support they can offer in this way.

Chairs will be permitted for all sellers as well, so you don't have to sit on the floor all night

If I get some friends to help me, will they need badges just to help me bring some stuff in?

On Thursday, only active sellers (and seconds) will be required to have their badges. If you have a few people helping you carry stuff in, they will not need to produce a badge. If you do have an assistant who will be staying in the spot with you to help sell, that person WILL need a badge on Thursday. As a reminder, all parties (buyers and sellers) are required to have a badge on Friday night. 

So I got my two partners for Fridaya and got the forms filled out with our info. However, one of my parnters who has a sellers [ermit is also staff told me that that he thinks I need to to email Swap Meet team because they won't let him sale because he's not in the system.

Yeah, I would recommend emailing swapmeet@fanime.com to get it worked out. I know Ben's been swamped so hopefully he'll get to you before Thursday.

Hello! Ran through the whole topic and could not find the answer to this question. Do helpers need to bring a sellers permit as well? Just asking to find out how many to print out.

I also don't have any of my helpers in the system as I am unsure which of my friends will be finished with registration beforehand. Is it alright to just enter them manually in the sellers agreement or should I contact swapmeet ASAP?

Helpers do not need their own sellers permit. As was mentioned earlier, the majority of swap meet sellers do not need to fill out a BOE form because they qualify as "occasional sellers". As a result the swap meet registration form is sufficient. There will be a place on the registration form to list your designated "second" or helper for the evening. This is all you have to do to "authorize" your second. Remember, they also have to be in possession of their badge for Thursday night as well. So yes, it's alright to enter them manually in your sellers agreement right up until the point you check in.

Hope this helps!