Fanime Online Shop?

[Kupo]

Should Fanime have an Online Shop on it's website?

The past two years, I've noticed there's always a stand near the Arcade/Artist Alley where they sell Fanime branded merchandise such as T-Shirts, Sweaters, etc. I walked by and I was interested since it was 2010. 2010 was significant because I graduated from High School. It was also the last year the Fanime Experience with all my friends was probably gonna be because some of them are out in the army or go to faraway colleges. But back to the Fanime Stand, I was interested in a sweater, but it was pricey. About $30-40. I guess that's normal, but I'd rather spend on something else and buy the sweater later in the year. But I eventually gave in and bought a sweater with my friend.

This made me think that Fanime should have an online store. Filled with Fanime Merchandise such as T-Shirts, Sweaters, Lanyards, Artbooks, Posters, etc.

You'd make money throughout the year from merchandise and it's convenient for people who'd rather buy it later in the year. It's also convenient for people to buy in anticipation of Fanime as well. There's many sites you can use such as ebay or bigcartel or any other online store service. Maybe you can start out small by having someone sell Fanime Shirts and use good ol' Paypal.

What do you guys think?

[kookiekween99]

I dunno. The point of the merchandise is "Hey! I was here that year!" and it wouldn't be as special if just anyone could get it at any time.

[Kupo]

I wouldn't mind.

Your badge is special and proof that you were there. In my opinion, The badge is more of a novelty and the shirt/sweater is more like brand that you'd wear.

I'd rather put $30/$40 towards something else during the actual convention itself and just save up for a Fanime shirt later in the year. That's just me though.

It seems like this is an opportunity. Start off with Shirts, Sweaters, and a Promotional Poster. I don't know if those people that sell the Fanime branded shirts have a connection with the Fanime Staff or if they're just an independent group marketing shirts they designed themselves, I'm not sure.

You can sell "Fanime 20XX" or general "FanimeCon" branded merchandise. Start out small, then introduce/advertise it at the con. Doesn't have to be a big thing in terms of selection, etc. But you know... test the waters with it, see if it gets popular sort of deal.

[otakuya]

http://forums.fanime.com/index.php/topic,14671.0.html
I tried it already but it wouldnt hurt for you to ask again. I'm still very interested in older Fanime stuff, even if it doesn't have a year attached to it. I'd also like the opportunity to buy stuff like that any time of the year (aka online and not just at the con itself)

[M]

It seems like this is an opportunity. Start off with Shirts, Sweaters, and a Promotional Poster. I don't know if those people that sell the Fanime branded shirts have a connection with the Fanime Staff or if they're just an independent group marketing shirts they designed themselves, I'm not sure.

You can sell "Fanime 20XX" or general "FanimeCon" branded merchandise. Start out small, then introduce/advertise it at the con. Doesn't have to be a big thing in terms of selection, etc. But you know... test the waters with it, see if it gets popular sort of deal.

OffWorld is (one of the) official FanimeCon merchandise dealer. They work with us and have permission to print "Fanime" and "FanimeCon" items/clothing. I used to create threads to see what people wanted to purchase (this is how some items came about!), but the thread got less and less popular to the point where it was just me talking to myself. :P If you do know that you want something, why not save up early in the year to spend at FanimeCon instead of purchasing online later on? Saves on shipping! I don't know if we're going to have any type of online ordering in the near future, but this is something that we might look into sometime.

http://forums.fanime.com/index.php/topic,14671.0.html
I tried it already but it wouldnt hurt for you to ask again. I'm still very interested in older Fanime stuff, even if it doesn't have a year attached to it. I'd also like the opportunity to buy stuff like that any time of the year (aka online and not just at the con itself)

I'm sorry that I missed that thread. At the risk of angering our forum moderators, I will go post a reply to that thread. :P