Part A- Getting the table:
1. How many months in advance do conventions usually release tables, in your experience?
Very frusteratingly early!! It can be up to 6 months or more in advance, or they can dally and not release it until less than a month. Don't assume because it was around a certain time last year, it will be the same the next. Organization and art directors change from year to year. Most AAs have to adapt as they grow.
2. How much does a table usually cost?
It really varies, depending on the con size and facilities. I find $20-$50 is normal, I've seen it up to $75 which I think is a bit of a rip unless its a very big con. They can also vary between having half tables and full tables, or only one or the other. Check actual table sizes listed, space varies.
3. How quickly are the tables reserved?
Within a couple days for popular cons (yes really, there are almost always more artists who want then than there are available), to about a week or two for lesser. It can be very frusterating, when they go up with no warning and you miss it. You have to watch like a hawk for them to be released.
4. What complications should one be prepared for?
If you manage to get a table, that's most of your battle right there. Seems like there's frequently something that comes up though... just have all your info ready and be prepared for some mix-ups or last minute changes. Sometimes tables are not well-labeled and its hard to find yours. Some cons have to require you to collect tax and report to the tax office for that state.
5. Anything else?
Don't be crushed if you don't do well your first or second year. Many artists are well established and people come to cons specifically with intent to seek them out. You have to give time for people to get to know you. Having buisness cards and a nice website is good (I generally consider having a well-made site instead of or addition to DA to show more professionality.) Treat your table as a fun venture and a chance to get to chat with people.
Also, some cons will just go better than others. Try to go to more than one con. The setup and feel of AA varies with each one.
Don't let someone steal your table! There's always people around who are lurking for no-show tables because they didn't get one. If they have a table, they should be at their table. I don't care if someone is at my table if I'm gone for the day (though I stay as late as possible, I've seen other artists leave at suppertime and I've squatted at those tables before when I didn't have one. I always expect to leave if asked.) But yeah, if you get there in the morning and someone else is that, ask them to move.
Part B- Preparing to sell:
1. What sort of merchandise would you advise selling?
Prints (various sizes for most popular ones- I actually like postcard oens since I don't have a way of nicely displaying regular size ones), commissions, cute things, from accessories to plushies to knick knacks to small sculpture to whatever. I find it best to have a varity in things and price.
2. What sort of merchandise would you advise against selling?
Dunno. T-shirts don't seem to sell well enough to be worth it.
3. What sort of stuff sells best?
Hats have been very popular lately, and accessories. Prints and commissions are pretty much staple. People love little pins. Fanart of what's currently popular. My chokers, which I consider easy to make, sell better than my art, which I consider harder.
4. Where would you suggest going to get things printed?
Don't do it much, so can't say. Staples and Office Depot aren't bad, seem cheaper than like Kinkos.
5. If printing at home, what preparations should one make?
Usually you don't do it unless you're serious about being pro-sided. You need an expensive printer and expensive ink cartridges, and decent paper. Personally I have no experience with it.
6. How far in advance should one have one's merchandise finished?
At least a month. I work up until the day before, always best to bring as much as possible. I'm a procrastinator though.
7. Anything else?
Make sure you have somewhere to keep your stuff other than the table. Figuring out how you're going to lug it around is good, expect to have to hunt for and wait for elevators. Backpack is great for print books and small supplies. Many people use a suitcase with wheels. I use tupperware bins on a cheap Walmart dolly thing, with bungee cords to hold them on. Figure out something that doesn't kill your back, you'll probably have to do a lot of walking while toting it.
Part C- At the Con:
1. How early should one arrive to be sure of reserving a good table?
I havn't been at the type of con that doesn't have table spots already assigned, so I say come a half hour or so before doors open to set up, depending on how much you have to do. I'm kinda bad, I only arrive shortly before opening and usually still setting up when people start to come.
2. When setting up one's table, what sort of layout would you suggest?
Can't really say offhand, depends on what all they're selling. Just try to make things as accessable as possible for people to browse. Flatter things in front, taller things behind. Also leave yourself some workspace on the table to do commissions or have food.
3. There are some pretty bratty congoers out there. How would you suggest dealing with assholes?
I've been lucky not to have any, but you just have to be as polite as possible and get some con security or AA staff to help you. I'd bet your neighboring artists will back you up too, you're not alone.
4. Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. What issues should one be prepared for when running a table at the Artists alley?
Lots of things. Really pertains to what you need and what you're expecting.
5. Anything else?
I'd also like to throw out to beware of theft. Don't have your money visable. Many people have lock boxes. I suggest taking excess amounts (you don't need a fistful of $20s) and hiding it in a secure place, so when making change they don't see how much you have. When people ask how you're doing give them a really general answer, don't be like 'OMG I've made over $100 already!'