This nifty list of tips popped up on my social media radar. Lots of great ideas from the trenches via a fellow artist/exhibitor Matt Hawkins
http://www.bleedingcool.com/2016/03/15/matt-hawkins-on-the-economy-of-doing-conventions-and-tips-for-creators/
With WonderCon and other conventions on the horizon.. sharing here and urging artists to try some of these suggestions. Make the most of YOUR investment.. your time, talent, and $$$... when you exhibit.
While I'm thinking about conventions, let me offer some tips:
1) If you aren't good at talking to people, you'll need to bring someone that is
2) Best opening is "hello" or "would you like a free ______"
3) Best sales are always in the final hour of the day so don't leave early
4) Ask people what they like to read, let them tell you which of your books they'd be more interested in (what kind of movies do you like can be good too).
5) Have 10 second and 60 second pitches for each book. With the 60 second know which key pages of art to show.
6) Have a cheap entry level thing they can buy to try (or give for free)
7) Have expensive quality items for your hardcore fans
8) Have a variety of things. Some people like to choose.
9) When you leave your table leave a sign saying when you'll be back. I do this and every time someone is waiting for me when I get back (at the time I indicate so don't be late!)
10) Take credit cards. With the square register there is no reason not to. You're missing out on sales when you don't.
11) Hand a person talking to you a book to flip through
12) Smile
13) Make positive comments about their cosplay, kid, t-shirt and follow it up with a question. Where'd you get the shirt?
14) Plan your calories. You need to eat to keep your energy level up
15) Have a clear display with your name, best known property (ies), even a single banner behind you is enough.
16) Have something visible with your social media. I have a "fan card" I give out that has my name and social media on it. Also good to give people who ask for your business card that you don't want having your email or phone #
17) Bring a small water bottle you can refill at the water fountain.
18) If you're getting angry, annoyed or are dead on your feet...take a break. Go walk around a bit. Bring a sheet or something to cover your table and as said earlier put a sign, be back at 3:30 or whatever
19) Try and make people laugh. Try different things. Practice and come up with one liners that will make people smile.
20) Don't be pushy. People come to comic conventions to chill. You can actively sell them without coming across as a used car salesman. And yes you have to "sell" most comic books don't sell themselves.
