[RAWRZ]

I'm sorry if someone has asked this question already... >.>''

About how expensive do things run in the dealers' room? Are they extremely expensive?

Thanks in advance!!

[Valkyrie]

Well, it depends on what it is you're looking to buy. Some items may be anywhere from 5-15 bucks, though most of the time these are smaller/more common. But, on the other hand, if you're looking to get some rarer stuff - such as a very high-grade model, a sword, imported games, or particularly rare models, you can expect to spend anywhere from 50 bucks well into the hundreds.

A good tip is to prepare accordingly. Bring enough cash that you feel comfortable withdrawing/carrying with you. If you have a credit/debit card, keep that on you as well - some vendors are able to take plastic, though these are in the minority. Also, if there is a particular item you plan on looking for, see if you can find it online and see what it costs - I did this when my husband wanted a Kaempfer Gundam model, and he was scouting prices online for one. (I found one at Anime Iowa a week later for a few bucks less BEFORE shipping.) Try to budget yourself, if possible.

[Sayuri-chan]

Things are all prices in the dealers room; some are cheaper than what you can find them in the stores, and there are many things that you can find in the DR that you can't find in any retail store. Many of the items you can find online at anime shops, but a lot of the blind boxes and figurines are things you can't find without importing them or finding an online dealer. Prices are compatible if they are items you can find in retail stores. Manga can sometimes be cheaper at Borders, but you can find deals if you look around, or buy a certain amount. DVD's are cheaper I've found, at the dealer's room if you look around or it's an older series--or you might find a deal if a seller is willing to make one. Wall scrolls I've found run from 10-20 dollars, depending on where you buy them. T-shirts run from 15 dollars up typically. Bags are about 25 to 40, and plushies, I'm not sure. I paid 20 for my Roxas on year, and 27 for Axel, so it just depends on the dealer.

[FayeMegan]

I guess if you asked more specifically what you would like to buy one could give a better answer. It's a good idea to shop at other booths because you might find the same item cheaper than a different vendor. Some vendors might even haggle with you if it's a reasonable offer.

I would suggest you try to think of things you may want to buy and look up what they cost in stores or online. Bring that list with you to the dealer room. It helps you balance you budget

For example, something might be cheaper online, but once to add shipping and handling the dealer might have a better price. OR It may be cheaper online but are you willing to pay a little bit more for it for the instant gratification of having it NOW?

Spend wisely

This post has been edited by FayeMegan: 09 May 2010 - 05:28 PM

[obakasan]

As there are really no places around me to get good stuff (like the figurines I collect) I'm a big fan of the dealer's rooms at cons. Yes, I've seen prices that *can* be cheaper on-line or on eBay or the like, but actually being able to have the item in hand and being able to inspect it (and knowing that con rules are pretty strict about bootleg and counterfit items) I'm willing to pay a few extra bucks. I've had too many mail-order items arrive damaged or broken, or be of questionable origin and quality.

Doesn't hurt to do some pre-con on-line price searches though.

And of course the stuff in Artist's Alley is going to be unique.


My opinions

[RAWRZ]

Ok. Thanks for the advice everyone!