ADVICE NEEDED! - Gear to bring to a Con

[smithdatura]

Hey all,

 

Looking forward to attending the Montreal Comic Con this weekend and have very limited experience with these types of things - most of my collecting in recent years has been done via the Web.

 

I was wondering what advice you might be able to offer in terms of the physical stuff you need to bring (outside of cash!) that would relate to your purchases. I've got questions like:

 

- What's the best type of bag to bring to store the books you pick up? A backpack, shoulder/messenger bag, or other?

 

- If you plan on getting a sketch commissioned, should you bring a tube to roll it into to protect it after the fact? How big are sketches, traditionally? How does getting a sketch work - do you just walk up to the artist if he's not busy and ask him to draw a certain concept?

 

- Is there any sense bringing a copy of Overstreet or do you generally rely on your mobile device for any needed info on pricing, GPA, etc.?

 

- Not a gear question but a philosophical one: if you could pick one day to go to a multi-day con, would you prefer to go early on, when dealers might have more inventory but more reluctance to deal, or late, when inventory might be reduced but prices might be more flexible, too?

 

Thanks for any input!

[Darkmind]

[TheLiamSturgess]

- I usually bring a backpack since I don't buy a heck of a lot and if I do I usually just drop some stuff off at the hotel and go back for seconds. An alternative is bringing a shortbox, either carrying it (not recommended) or rolling it on a small dolley (recommended) if you're buying that many books.

 

- I will let others chime in, as I have never got a sketch done.

 

- Mobile devices take too long in my experience - IMO, it's best to just know what you want to pay for a given book, know how much you have to spend, and make your decision based on that. However, I don't think it's out of line to have an OSPG handy, just don't make a big deal of comparing every single price tag a dealer has. If anything, make any price check you do discreet, just for courtesy's sake. Also remember that no price is final, and most dealers are okay with negotiating a price, especially on higher priced items. Still though, remember to be respectful (thumbs u

 

- I personally like going opening day when everyone is in high spirits and there's a ton of fresh stock. I find prices to be pretty flexible no matter what day it is.

 

Hope that helps (thumbs u

[shadroch]

If you can only go one day of a multi-day con, you are pretty much screwed. Promoters generally schedule the best guest for the middle day, and that is the day with the least bargins.

Going the first day, you can sometimes find some under-priced bargins, but these are usually found by other dealers during set-up. In the last few hours of the last day, you can generally get the best bargins- but most of the good stuff is gone.

 

I would not wear a backpack. You want to keep your purchases in sight and in front of you. Cons attract thieves and some can remove stuff from your back without you noticing. I carry a hard legal case. It can absorb the many kicks it will get without damaging the inside. Its a bit difficult to carry, but that makes it harder to steal.

[Arsenalherd]

the cons i have been to i have taken a laptop bag with a strap to carr round all day.

 

regarding a guide i use a online database as a OSG is a pain to carry all day and sometimes i do forget what issues of a run i need

[mschmidt]

Hey all,

 

Looking forward to attending the Montreal Comic Con this weekend and have very limited experience with these types of things - most of my collecting in recent years has been done via the Web.

 

I was wondering what advice you might be able to offer in terms of the physical stuff you need to bring (outside of cash!) that would relate to your purchases. I've got questions like:

 

- What's the best type of bag to bring to store the books you pick up? A backpack, shoulder/messenger bag, or other?

 

- If you plan on getting a sketch commissioned, should you bring a tube to roll it into to protect it after the fact? How big are sketches, traditionally? How does getting a sketch work - do you just walk up to the artist if he's not busy and ask him to draw a certain concept?

 

- Is there any sense bringing a copy of Overstreet or do you generally rely on your mobile device for any needed info on pricing, GPA, etc.?

 

- Not a gear question but a philosophical one: if you could pick one day to go to a multi-day con, would you prefer to go early on, when dealers might have more inventory but more reluctance to deal, or late, when inventory might be reduced but prices might be more flexible, too?

 

Thanks for any input!

 

1) I prefer a backpack these days - it's much easier on my shoulders & back.

 

2) Rolling up a sketch would be a very bad idea and would most certainly damage the piece of art you'd just paid good money for. I use the thick mylar sleeves sold by people like Hotflips - they have numerous different sizes, so should should be able to match a sleeve to artwork of pretty much any size.

 

The size of sketches vary depending on the artist (and the price you pay) - common sizes include 11x14, 12x15 and 9x12.

 

I usually just walk up to an artist, ask if he's taking commissions, and then take it from there.

 

3) I can only speak for myself, but I rely exclusively on my phone (and an active GPA subscription).

 

4) It all depends on the books you're looking for - if you're looking for pricier, in-demand books, going early would probably be your best bet (as there's less of a chance the books have already sold). If you're looking for cheaper, more common books, going late would increase the likelihood of discounted prices.

[silverweb]

1) Review and carry a list of the books you need and might want to buy

 

2) If CGC is there, bring books to submit. Save on shipping!

 

3) Overstreet guide is heavy. Dealeres usually have a copy available

 

4) bring lots of cash so you can do better deals

 

5) I like backpacks myself. Include a cardboard box for comics that is bashproof.

 

6) usually the later in the weekend you go, the dealers are more willing to negotiate

The minus is that the comics get picked through

 

7) bring a camera and take pics of all scantily clad females to post here on the forum

 

Most of all, have fun!!!

[Arsenalherd]

 

7) bring a camera and take pics of all scantily clad females to post here on the forum

 

 

[Dick Pontoon]

Here's my thoughts:

 

Wear comfortable shoes that give you arch support, or maybe pickup a pair of insoles. I usually pack some healthy snacks, like fruit, or medium healthy like a granola bar, and try to dress so that I’m neither too hot or cold.

 

I prefer a shoulder/messenger bag. I use a DJ bag designed for LPs. I put a few beater records in there as a sandwich to protect any books I buy; heavy cardboard or masonite would also work. My bag is also just wide enough for a treasury edition.

 

I usually keep sketches flat in my bag; chances are good it would be on a heavier stock that can’t be rolled. I’d suggesting approaching an artist and asking if they are doing sketches. Some do, some don’t; some will have rates posted. Some might only be doing quick sketches that you will wait for, others may be doing more involved sketches, or may be busy, and ask for you to come back later when it’s finished.

 

While I usually have a rough idea what I want to pay for certain books, an Overstreet is handy, albeit heavy. I try to avoid bringing it and prefer to borrow GACollectibles’ copy.

 

If I was limited to only one day, it would vary entirely according to my mood. If I was gung-ho and ready to shop, probably the first. If I was tired, maybe the last. Or if I wanted to see a particular guest, then that day.

 

Have fun!

 

[Ken Aldred]

I tend to prefer a backpack, but I also have a large messenger bag.

[crnbrd]

the cons i have been to i have taken a laptop bag with a strap to carr round all day.

 

regarding a guide i use a online database as a OSG is a pain to carry all day and sometimes i do forget what issues of a run i need

 

Ditto for both of these. I also use top loaders for all comics I'm getting signed. Bookmark different sites on your phone so you can check on prices (this is really easy using the bookmarks widget on the HTC Evo).

[unmovedmover]

I always make sure I have Tylenol and granola bars. Nothing makes a con less fun than an empty stomach or splitting headache.

[mysterio]

I always make sure I have Tylenol and granola bars. Nothing makes a con less fun than an empty stomach or splitting headache.

 

+1, and if you can manage a bottle of water that you can refill and keep handy that also helps. Dehydration can also cause a nasty headache. Food/drinks in the con will cost a fortune that you should be spending on books!

 

Whatever bag you take make sure it 1) has hard sides to protect your books, and 2) has a shoulder strap. If you do take a backpack put a sturdy box inside to protect your books. People will probably be bumping into your bag all day, so make sure it doesn't ding your books.

 

If you want particular colors used for signatures take the right pen. Maybe it is me, but often when I want a silver paint marker used the guy's marker either doesn't work or is so dull that you get a lousy autograph. This rule goes double if you want red, blue, green, or some other color that isn't blue, black, or silver.

 

Take an up to date want list! As for the OSPG, I usually just photocopy any pages I think I may need. Nobody needs the whole guide, and if you need some obscure info you didn't anticipate somebody there will have one.

 

Take a few blank backer boards in case someone is doing a sketch. I have gotten quite a few freebie sketches on backer boards that are very cool.

[Old Fashion PB and J]

Back pack, good shoes, and money. Food, .. Drink would be a good idea.

[seanfingh]

Hey all,

 

How does getting a sketch work - do you just walk up to the artist if he's not busy and ask him to draw a certain concept?

 

 

Walk up and introduce yourself to the artist. Actually speaking and making eye contact will separate you from 75% of the fanboys. Ask the artist the status of his commission list. If he/she has room, negotiate the piece and the price, just as you have likely done with local escort services (just kidding) and enjoy!

[The Less Blob]

A bottle of water at the last con I went to was invaluable. The granola bar idea is a good one because who wants to spend $5 on a lousy hot dog just because you're light headed at a con? (If you're there all day it could be 6-7 hours with no lunch.)

 

I bring an OPG just in case, but yes, it is heavy.

 

I wear a backpack. I wouldn't put my wallet back there, but I just don't see someone unzipping your bag, etc. while it's on you unless you really aren't paying attention. i might feel differently though were I buying three and four digit books though...but if you are, you can always put a lock on the zipper or something. At NYCC I left a bag with a short box full of comics I had just bought sitting in an aisle when my son distracted me to take him to the bathroom. I probably left them there for a good 4-5 minutes before I realized it and ran back to get them..to my surprise they were still there!

 

I like to box dive, so if I can bring a small folding cart and two magazine boxes I do that. Some shows say they don't allow carts. I believed that for NYCC (though I saw some people with carts anyway) and brought an LL Bean tote bag that actually fits a short box perfectly... though it got a bit heavy to schlep. Next time I'm bringing the cart.

 

And a lot of cash. You don't NEED to spend it, but it's nice to have it just in case there is some incredible deal you didn't see until the end of the show or something.

[smithdatura]

This is awesome. Thanks for all the info and ideas. Interesting to see how different everyone's methods are. I never would have thought of the record bag & old LPs for protection trick, but that's actually quite innovative.

 

FWIW I'll be targeting Herb Trimpe, Sergio Aragones, and Neal Adams for sketches. Jim Starlin was originally scheduled but unfortunately had to cancel.

[stubishop]

gum or some sort of candy

[davidpg]

If he/she has room, negotiate the piece and the price, just as you have likely done with local escort services (just kidding) and enjoy!

 

Don't joke about the local escort services here.

 

This is Montreal.

 

'Nuff said.

 

[Ringfinger]

Did anyone mention deodorant? That always helps! ;-)