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Just a note to those interested in planning meetups for trading or just chatting about toys... there is a Conversations tag called "Meetups" that may help. Hopefully as the site grows it will be that much easier to find people in the area.

blake

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almost 12 years ago · Comment ·

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For me, I think it is just kind of a big gamble for some stores that sell KR goods. Like if you are officially having a release party you have to try to plan in case you have a "stellar" crowd and don't want to run out if you have a mob of people. But also by planning this way you set yourself up for the fact that you hoped to have a bunch of people and only 5 people show up which means you have a mountain of master cases and most going to dead stock. So I think in general, the store needs to have a community around it to support it. I know when I was in Boston in March and went to Newbury, I almost laughed since they only had a small selection, but had been one of the retailers to sell the HG Day/Night figures.

So I think it just comes down to if the store wants to put in the legwork and if they know they have a community of supporters to make it worth their while, which there are really only 4-7 cities on the map that have that sort of enthusiasm and buying power.

benpierce25

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almost 12 years ago · Comment ·

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I think t probably depends on the fans and the store, but yeah … designer toy stores probably do it a bit different. At least we try to, it's basically a 3h meet and greet, with drinks, sometimes fingerfood, a DJ every now and then, and the last few times we managed to invite artists to come over.

It does take a lot of efford to run it like that, and travel expenses for the artists actually are a big downside. but then again, I wouldn't want to do it differently.

Maybe we're doing a bit too much, I usually also raffle some older case exclusives or chases. Most of the time things from my collection or left overs. We're stoked that KR helps us out sometimes, so for example they sent us 3 fatcap US case exclusives to give away. But you know best, I mean, how many toys did you give away to promote trampt and create a good mood ;)

Anyway, I think it's worth trying and setting up something. And it grows. Our first release party was 5 people, we had the first artist after about 6-7 bigger releases, and it grew to a decent amount of people. Which makes trading much easier, and it's always a fun evening!

More power to you guys, you should give it a try!

deadlemming

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almost 12 years ago · Comment ·

keegan a I think it's too hard to do unless you are a reseller though. I don't think KR would just sell me like 10 cases & exclusives to sell and have my own party. Maybe they would ... who knows. Something to try in the future I guess. Just wish I lived closer to you guys. :) almost 12 years ago

deadlemming m haha, probably true. but then again, maybe you can get a shop on board if there's something like a trampt gathering for a release? and there's some local artists that could drop by, like MCA or so?
if you ever make it to one around here, you'll be our guest, that's for sure :) almost 12 years ago

blake a :) almost 12 years ago

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I also feel like we are missing out by not having a 'true' toy store in New England.  Newbury Comics has had trading parties, but I don't think it's something they've recieved much response to.  It's also something they don't promote very well, so maybe that's where the problem lies.

FOE is an awesome little toy store in Northampton.  Maybe they'd be interested in hosting a trading party from time to time.  The store is roomy enough for it, and the owners seem very friendly and enthusiastic.  Maybe I'll bring it up the next time I stop by there.

Wherever it may be, if anyone wants to put together an event like this, I'll be there.  I'll help in any way to make it happen.  I have doubles of toys that would like a good home rather than sitting in a box in a closet.

LittleRobot

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almost 12 years ago · Comment ·

benpierce25 v I think the bigger issue doesn’t fall in a store not being enthusiastic, but whether there is a likely return on investment. A normal store could buy a master case and sell it slowly. But prepping for a "trading party" you need to anticipate more people and thus leave yourself open for being stuck with dead stock. Also, just because you have a trading party doesn't necessarily mean KR will fork over case exclusives. almost 12 years ago

LittleRobot I agree, but I also believe that in order to be able to do things like receive case exclusives from KR, a business needs to start small, get the word out and promote their "trading party" to as many people as possible. If not, of course it won't be successful, leading to unsuccessful future events as well. almost 12 years ago

LittleRobot If a business is truly excited about something, they will be able to get their customers excited about it also, leading to an event that goes well and customers that will come back, do it again and tell other people about it. Next time, more people will show up. The more successful events there are, the more likely artists will want to make an appearance and distributors like KR will take notice and give exclusives. almost 12 years ago

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I'd be more than down...noticed the Newbury in Nashua is having one...I asked the manager if they're getting case exclusives, if they are I'm there...

Hova

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almost 12 years ago · Comment ·

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I wish I had even a Newburry comics here in NVA/Washington DC area... I think I'd actually bother buying the few blind boxes I find attractive if i had locals to trade with. So you live in Boston area? you should check this Kickstarter to find out about the exhibit, though it's not an art toy it is still really freaking cool art.

But, back on subject: I hope you find a local group to do this with! Sounds fun.

Easily_Amused

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almost 12 years ago · Comment ·