Considering Artists Alley table

[FlowingChiaki]

(If this topic belongs elsewhere, feel free to move it; this just seemed like the right place, but I could be wrong.)

Hello! I heard about Mewcon when they advertised at my school, and it was great to know there's another con nearby.
I've considered the possibility of getting a table at an Artist's Alley for awhile now, but with the upcoming Mewcon, and the month that I have after this term ends for me at school, I've very strongly considered getting a table here this year.

It would be my first time, and I really don't know anything about running a table at the Artist's Alley, so I've come here seeking answers:

When I arrive with my stuff, do I need to check in?
Do I need to keep my table open the whole time the Dealer's Room is open? Will I be able to take a break to go to the bathroom/eat/etc?
Will I know ahead of time where my table is? Will someone be able to show me where it is?
What else should I expect when I'm running a table?

[Legoman]

Yes, you need to check in to get your Artist Alley (AA) badge.
Your table can be open any time the dealers hall is. Your table can not be open when the dealer's hall is closed.
Yes, and Yes. Your table location is planned in advance.
Can't help you with the last one, I've never run a dealer's table.

If you have any more questions please e-mail admin@mewcon.com or PM Admin here.

P.S. There is also more information in the wall of text here.

[Raven]

If you can consider having another friend/artist with you at the table because you will have another person there to give you breaks for food, bathroom or if you want attending panels. Ive only done AA with another person(s) and it a good way to get more experience especially if they have it.

Depending on what your selling/commissioning have supplies like pens, tape, glue, paper, scissors for sign alterations or price adjustments. Have prices/signs/cards made ahead of time. Think about how you want your items displayed and have display things ready. I do mock ups in my house before I go to any AA or craft show to make it easier to set up at con/show time. Have more small change than you think you need and a calulator and a cash box. I have a list pad to keep track of what I sell with my cash box. Have other supplies for what your selling like bags/protectors for when you sell an item. Bring snacks/drinks so you minimize how much you leave your table. Try and get a good amount of sleep so you are alert when selling and can answer questions about your work.
I think MEW is a good first AA experience since its not as large as say Sakura Con so you can get your AA feet wet. I think that covers what I learned as I did AAs and shows over the last couple years.

[FlowingChiaki]

Thanks for the advice! I really think I will try to register for the AA Table now, and hopefully get a friend to help me with it.

[Robert Plamondon]

I had a great time at the Artist's Alley last year (though I won't be doing it again this year). Artist's Alley was a great place to hang out and everyone was very friendly. I can't say that is was a gold mine financially, but it was a great experience.

I learned from experience that everyone was absolutely right when they said that a button machine was the way to make lots of little sales, no matter what your main stock in trade is.