Selling stuff at the Con

[euro12]

So I have a couple ideas for some t-shirts, and based on the reactions I've been getting from my friends, one or two of them might actually be pretty cool. My original plan was to just have a few copies of them printed up for me and my friends, but then I got to thinking; perhaps others would like these shirts!

There's been a few ideas flowing around: share someone's table and sell them outright, wear the shirts and hand out business cards to interested parties, simply hand out flyers to one and all, or forget the whole idea. I've never been to DC before, so I'm wondering, what are the accepted shameless self-promotion techniques? Do people get pissed if you're handing out flyers? Do you need to buy table space?

My current thought is that since it's my first DC, I'm not gonna want to have this hassle ruining my trip. But hey, money is money, right?

[astcell]

I recall at Defcons some folks were giving away t-shirts for free. That was cool. I think if you sell your shirts without a vendor table the vendors will not be happy about it, especially if you have really cool shirts that are better than theirs. Some folks sell their shirts, CDs and other stuff after the vendor area closes, and if you walk around at 11pm you will still find folks out and about. I have also seen vendors throw free shirts to the crowds, or have a "Next ten shirts are only $5 apeice!" sale. Ingenuity is where it's at.

As for handing out flyers, everyone does it. Sit by the pool and just hold them up, they will go fast.

[euro12]

Originally posted by astcell
Sit by the pool and just hold them up, they will go fast.

lol! That's really funny. I was more imagining the cold shoulder of "Have you been Saved?"

[renderman]

I've bought a few shirts and things from non-vendors. Usually custom shirts for a product or something sold out of backpacks.

I'm not sure what the orginizers word on everything is, but I tend to find the whole thing is just a big bazzar (or bizzare depending on how you look at it), there's deals going on all over the place.

Just remember that the vendors have paid for thier space and are trying to do this as a business (sometimes). If you respect that, I don't think anyone will hold it against you for selling a couple shirts to guys your sitting next to at the B&W ball.

[tommEE]

I sell t-shirts almost every year at different cons. It is not a business to me because I usually lose every buck to the events I pull off like the Cannonball Run and the Moloch party. The room costs $300 a night, the cannonball also costs much, the booze is expensive and I am trying to pay off a $14000 problem. Would I sell t-shirts without a vendor table, if I had to, yes. Would I pissed if someone else was? Yes if you are just coming to con to sell t-shirts. My two cents.

[Chris]

The official word is that if you want to sell stuff you must have a vendor table. If an individual is caught selling without having purchased a vendor table and sporting a vendor badge they will have their stuff confiscated and/or be escorted off property. Does it happen? Sure, people get away with all kinds of shit, but the question is, is it worth it?

[astcell]

Last year I brought shirts to trade. Just a half dozen or so. I plan the same thing this year. Now if you want to put the word DEFCON on your shirt and sell it, well that may be stepping on toes.

[Chris]

Trade isn't sell.

[astcell]

Well I admit I have had people where the only thing they had to trade with was a $20 bill. :D I do not go with the intent to get cash, and I only acepted the cash as a last ditch, because I feel the trading aspect has immense value.

Hey how about a "trade night" where you can bring your t-shirts, modems, hard disks, etc, but no cash.
:D :D

[euro12]

Thanks Chris, the "official word" is what I was looking for. That, and to know if it's ever actually enforced, or if certain means and methods are allowed to slide.

I think I'll just have enough made for myself and my friends plus a few extras, and if anyone asks about it I'll sell one to them just on the side.

First five people to ask, "Oh, hey, are you euro?" while inquiring about my shirt get one for free. :)

[astcell]

Originally posted by euro12
First five people to ask, "Oh, hey, are you euro?" while inquiring about my shirt get one for free. :)

I can imagine one would get a warning unless they were totally beligerent. As for recognizing you, do you look like your Avatar? :D

[Grifter]

I want to confiscate shit. Then I'll sell it at my table.

[astcell]

They gave you a table? This place is going to the dogs. :D

[euro12]

Originally posted by astcell
I can imagine one would get a warning unless they were totally beligerent. As for recognizing you, do you look like your Avatar? :D

Ha, I wish!

Naw, you'll have to recognize me by the sheer brilliance of the shirt. ;)

(/me starts kicking his own ass to save the goons the trouble)

[russ]

Originally posted by euro12
Ha, I wish!

Naw, you'll have to recognize me by the sheer brilliance of the shirt. ;)

(/me starts kicking his own ass to save the goons the trouble)

Trust me, you don't want us to sic the security goons on your ass for trying to blackmarket stuff at the Con. We've considered a "wandering vendor" badge... but that's not really fair to the folks that purchased a table.

I'm watching you this year Astcell. ;-)