DON'T BE THESE PEOPLE - Comic Book Etiquette (Booth, Comic Con & Shop)

[@dreamofart1]

I was looking around at a con once and someone had an amazing fantasy 15. I asked if I could see it, they said cool. I explained that I had never seen one in person before and that I just wanted to look at it/ be close to it. It was beautiful. I told them I didn’t even want to hold it. Just put it on the table. I didn’t even touch it. I didn’t trust myself. After two minutes, I thanked them, and they put it back and it was the best.

[@wowisntitanamazinglyamazin9550]

One of my LCS has a room that they call the danger room and in it they have a bunch of grails and sometimes I'll go solely to look at them. Man it's beautiful. 2 AF15s, Avengers 1, Showcase 4, TTA 27. Just great stuff. Its also the best place imo to find minor keys for good prices

[@doomedhuh]

This happened to me recently. I'm looking at some books a guy has displayed and i'm trying to notice anything on the spines or whatever on the condition of the books. So i decide to buy one and start taking my money out. Then, instead of taking the one i was looking at off the wall he pulls out a different copy from a longbox in the back. And this copy is noticibly not in as good condition. So I point to the one on the wall and i'm like "i was looking at that one". So he then explains to me that those are just print outs, display copies, and not even actual comics. Dealers - don't display fake comics at your booth!

[@goldenageguru]

doomed huh you can’t do that. So unethical in my opinion. If it is the actual photocopy of the book I don’t have a problem with it and would just double check the book in hand. The reason I have heard that dealers have photocopies of books is they have dealt with theft in the past and don’t feel comfortable having their books out anymore. But you can’t post a nice copy of a comic, sell it from the photo and give you a lesser grade version of it under the table. That’s just wrong on so many levels.

[@wylier]

I would say that as long as the dealer makes it clear that the books the buyers are looking at are display copies, and not the actual copies being offered for sale, then it would be OK. Otherwise, it's at best an ethical grey area.

[@hydroxr26]

I can’t stand seeing parents let their child(ren) man handle books with no remorse

[@jamesberryjr5300]

This was a needed video. I agree with everything thing that has been said. I have the upmost respect for all comic vendors. You should always ask for help and never enter a booth without being invited in. Great job guys.

[@goldenageguru]

James Berry Jr thanks James.

[@ComicswithBueller]

Tom and Crew loved this episode. I watched a wall collapse at a Con just recently and it was heartbreaking. The worst part was that I was filming at the time and I got it all caught on tape. Slabs flying everywhere.

[@aznsketcher]

you need to make a short video of that as part of one of your future video, Bueller!

[@theretrosavage3337]

Rest in peace to the slabs... you were loved and will forever be remembered

[@spitfiredubstep13]

Pick up any keys during it?

[@thanosxescrow3740]

I just bought the first incredible hulk comic @coniglio_sam on Twitter for $4k. I’m a happy guy now. You guys should follow him. He has a ton of amazing comics.

[@saleens330]

And 3 years later and this still happens. Usually it’s the cosplayers standing In front of the comic book dealers chatting, calling ppl and such. It’s a cluster and it’s to the point you just don’t go. I remember going to my first comic con in Knoxville TN, 1990. Nothing but coming book dealers everywhere. Wasn’t crowded at all. Awesome experience. Just shows you who crowd these comic cons up to the point I don’t want to go.

[@mrvanguard8467]

It's all true, ive purchased and sold books over the years and you guys hit the nail on the head

[@goldencarcomics1880]

I think it would be very helpful to do a Part 2 to this video. I totally enjoyed this video. I go to Denver Comic Con every single year with my son and , every single year we see all of these people. Part 2 needs to address VENDOR etiquette. There are so many rude and unprofessional dealers. Unkempt, unhygenic dealers. Dealers who have every right to ask what they want for a book, but just berate anyone who offers less or tries to negotiate a reasonable deal. I've also seen dealers horn into a transaction at another vendors table. "I have that book in nicer condition". "I have it for a better price", etc. It makes for an awkward moment for the buyer and the seller. There are a lot of other dealer issues. Being that you are dealers, please address these and other vendor etiquette faux pas.

[@goldenageguru]

Golden Car Comics I travel all over this country doing cons and there are definitely a large amount of vendors who have awful etiquette. It really should be discussed how rude some can be.

[@FreeKeyLoowee]

"Turn the page, wash your hands." Nice Rocko's Modern Life reference Tom. Great con tips guys, keep it up.

[@kachoong]

You guys are hands down my favorite KZbin sub! The diversity in your topics is second to none and it's both quality and entertaining. We're all learning... every day something new! And I'm grateful to the exposure of things I don't know. 💥🤘

[@goldenageguru]

kachoong thanks so much! Glad you are enjoying the channel we love bringing new, informative and fun content for everyone.

[@mattstajduharstaff785]

I no longer go to cons.... I live near Toronto and there is a monthly comic show at one of the hotels. Only comic venders, no cosplay or merchandise.... Just comics! $5 to get in and usually great deals to be found.....

[@chazfat1542]

Great show guys...and great topic! My daughter and go to a number of cons a year with NYCC being the final and we laugh at the very same things u mentioned...we can’t stand kids and baby strollers at any con. And yes the “Packers” are totally oblivious to ther surroundings and others. But we can’t stand the people who smell like they just rolled out of their bed in the basement to get some sunlight at a con....Another one is “campers” people posting up in front of boxes we’re trying to get to (usually people with baby strollers), and lastly for my biggest pet peeve; The “One Uppers.” The people who seem like they are friendly enough by starting a convo with u on ur favorite comic or anime, only to really be trying to tell u that ur collection or ur taste sucks compared to theirs. It’s not a competition. It’s a hobby. And there are more important things to try to be better at in life!

[@goldenageguru]

Chaz Fat love you bringing up the one uppers. That is so true.

[@kbarton33]

This is one of the best episodes I have seen you guys do. I have seen this at every Con I have been to in the past. Great perspective!

[@goldenageguru]

kbarton33 thanks so much, a lot of info that we felt needed to be shared. A perspective from the others side of the booth.

[@fl092078]

Awsome content! I just started going to cons 2 years ago. I made it a family day or weekend. When we first went I told my kids and wife to use common sense! Some items could be very fragile and expensive. I told them this "guys be very careful, if there's something you like always ask, keep in mind if you break it you buy it. So it's better to be safe than sorry."

[@goldenageguru]

Freddy Lopez great common sense tips. It’s exciting when you get in that environment and everything is so shiny and pretty it’s hard to not want to touch it.

[@roen_geek]

For these pop culture cons, you almost need to clump the comic dealers together at the vendor area. Cordon off the area and establish a single entry point with ample room that says "No food or beverages" in the comic zone. What Tom said about the food was so horrible! OMG! The Booth Bumbs that Russ mentioned is something I have seen thousands of times because of the vendor area layout and what booth section you were assigned. If you have this "comic zone" you will have solved at least a couple problems in a pop culture con I think, but then again I have never put together a convention before :/

[@allisknu11]

Exactly. I don't understand why there isn't a "comic zone." At some cons, all of the artists at booths are in the same zone. But you're right, it'll solve some problems but not all such as dirty hands, handlers, unsorters, booth bums, and so forth.

[@navinalexmonteiro6260]

I like what you said about inclusive and not creating cons that are just specific because we are mad at the pop culture growth. My partner and I attend and have a booth at comic cons and I love going to the retailer booth to search for key issues and when the dealer chats it’s always nice, short and sweet. What you guys are saying is truth.

[@apoormanscomics7067]

Two more rules: 1) The Stinky McStinkerton rule: wear deodorant!!! I get it that ppl get sweaty after digging for hours, but dang man go dig in a bin at the other end of the booth please! And 2)Butt Crack Bin Diving: wear pants that fit properly or wear a belt. I hate digging in bins and to my left i catch a glimpse of 🍑! Not cool!

[@BigDad138]

Oh my god YES! I forgot about this one somehow... For Christs sake wear some D.O for that B.O

[@EricCKeys]

😂😂😂 Shouldve been the focus of this talk

[@moescomics1268]

A Poor Man's Comics 😂

[@kozcomics9331]

haha I am guilty of #2.... and I am very very sorry :D

[@spydorweb2008]

LMFAO ROLF!!!!

[@biggieshaq]

How about dealers that mark up price if u show an ounce of emotion

[@Kobe242x4]

melodie121680 I told a dude at NYCC how much I wanted HFH1 and he gave me a deal

[@goldenageguru]

That stinks. Not all dealers are the easiest people to deal with.

[@biggieshaq]

@@Kobe242x4 my advise is don't let them even see u smile but I'm glad u got a good deal

[@biggieshaq]

@@goldenageguru I'm in a town where the next shop is about 50 miles away and they don't get new books next shop that actually orders new books is about a hundred miles but there are plenty if u drive that far my shop sux I have to keep the peace to get my books

[@neilferreira7423]

Great episode! I worked at CTs first comic book store for years starting at the age of 13. I was always shocked at comic cons how people were just so clueless in terms of comic etiquette when it’s all really just common sense. Love how you guys approached this topic. All common sense. Would love to see an episode teaching dealers the same in terms of treating patrons of the comic convention. Some dealers are terrible and could learn some manners tips and tricks on how Tom treat potential buyers and actually grow their sales.

[@jonathanosborne7407]

Unfortunately, the bad apples might have already poisoned the well for a number of people, dealers and customers. I can’t go by booth and not feel awkward. Your video is a reminder to me of why I don’t go to cons anymore. 1. Smelly people in weird costumes 2. Can’t go by a booth and not get the stare-down. Dealer staring at me every second like the classic “Stanger you’re not from around here.” 3. Everyone with back packs and roller boards like they are boarding a plane for a month long safari (with Kraven the Hunter costume) 4. Artists charge excessive fees for autographs. $2 a signature (Starlin) is not bad, but $90 a signature (Neal Adams) is insulting to me the fan. Signatures used to be free. If you got there early enough, you might even get a free sketch. Not anymore. 5. Lines/Lines/Lines for everything: food, admission, access to guests, bathroom 6. Many dealers don’t want to deal. Its price as marked or strict adherence to whatever guide they are using. When I walk away due to pricing, I then get scoffed at. Keep mind that I am not offering $50 for Action #1. I’m always in the ballpark.

[@T98Gamer]

This video is so old, but so helpful. I have never been to a convention and this is so useful for me to know and provide awareness for me.

[@mikem3543]

Absolutely love the way Jeff shakes his head in disgust every time they mention a new offender class.

[@williamwerner7599]

Super great tips, tricks and etiquette rules to live by. Thanks for sharing!

[@traphousezombie8003]

Best comic book show online!! PERIOD!!great show as always guys!!👏👌👍

[@goldenageguru]

Jay Smith thanks Jay, really appreciate the kind words.

[@BrantFowler]

New viewer here, really enjoyed this episode. I appreciate as a comic creator who also sets up at cons that you addressed all these issues, and did it without insulting anyone. Great etiquette yourselves. :) Subbed and enjoying your content.

[@goldenageguru]

Brant Fowler thanks Brant, welcome to the show and thanks for the support. I also went to your channel and heard a bit of your voice. Man you can sing!

[@BrantFowler]

@@goldenageguru Haha, Thanks! I appreciate that. And my pleasure.

[@GameMastersGuild]

I'm an FLGS and we go to conventions in our area. We take a little bit of everything including comics. Everything you say is spot on! Great video!

[@eblount31]

Speaking of Comic Book etiquette, about the only thing I can say that ever happened to me was someone started leaning over me and started looking at books in the longbox I was looking in. I was like...REALLY--You're doing this". Please stick to your own longbox people...LOL!!

[@AlextheComicHoarder]

I’m the guy who calls “dibs”. As a social experiment I love to walk up to a row of boxes and point to several boxes and say “dibs”. Then see how they react. Then I laugh and we all hug. It’s magical.

[@goldenageguru]

Alex the Comic Hoarder 🤣🤣🤣. That sounds magnificent.

[@colinryan9111]

I grew up working in my family’s comic shop for decades and had my own for just about a decade. I’ve seen them all! The benders were the nose habitual offender by far!

[@theretrosavage3337]

R.i.p. to all the near mint comics that have been damaged at conventions this year.....your time on this earth was short..but meaningful..I'll pour out some liquor in your memory..remember never forget

[@lucasvanroekel6256]

I’ve been a packer at cons. I try to only bring 2-3 comics for each writer/artist to sign, but it can get pretty large. Now I know not to do that. Thanks guys

[@goldenageguru]

Lucas Vanroekel 🤣 don’t want to dissuade you from using a backpack just mentioning that some people need to be more aware of it potential mass. Also, long term, I recommend to save your back and get a roller if you can.👍

[@mlbishop28]

Thank you Tom for being open minded with my criticism my wife and I love you and will continue to support you because you love what you do. Keep bringing it big homey.

[@ShartyMcFly65]

Thank you for the backpack on the front shout-out. Always do this when its getting full and makes your awareness of your movements much higher.

[@everett2696]

There is a purpose for the scented candles and good smellem section it is for the crop dusters and fart 💨 drag-gers. I hate going through long boxes that are on the floor and getting a whiff of some random crop duster. I just don’t look though them if they are on the ground anymore.

[@fistofdoom8429]

River Rattt lmao fart draggers 😂🤮

[@kylehazachode]

Props to the booth vendor who had a mobile backpack cart. On the side of the cart there was a white board explaining the booth rules. On top of the cart were podium style book holders (I'm assuming they're for use with wall comics). The cart gave customers a spot for their bags and food. Nice touch

[@theretrosavage3337]

When you started talkin about people putting drinks on top of boxes...it reminded me of bein in a arcade and people putting drinks on a arcade cabinet instead of the floor...i hate that shit bro

[@tatershed1529]

Great video and info! From a fellow shopper, it is helpful when people don't just take up residence in front of an entire section of books...with their friends that aren't looking at books. Might be good for comic shoppers to share this video with their friends in advance of a con haha. Also...from a buyer perspective...it would help me if dealers would label prices on wall books. I know some don't want to for various reasons. But it would greatly help me not be the guy standing in front of a booth forever trying to make a decision. I can't stand having to ask EVERY single price. It's hard to get condition from several feet away for some books. And that condition can greatly vary the price. Having a gauge of the price would keep me from wasting a dealers time and mine. There's also the chance that I see a book that I hadn't planned to get, but within my budget for that con, and make me stop where I wouldn't have bothered before. Just wanted to throw out a perspective from the other direction. Thanks again for the video!

[@goldenageguru]

Tater Shed Comics & Nerdery I completely agree with you on the pricing of wall books. Can’t stand when the prices are on the back and I need to ask about every book. Great point.

[@rkronin]

very well said. a very underestimated topic that u discussed. really really good job covering everything around this controversial topic. thank you for the time u spend to make this video to all 3 of you.

[@goldenageguru]

Thanks so much. I think it’s important stuff that should be shared. A different perspective from the other side of the booth. Thanks for listening.

[@zolo120mil]

Great video Tom, Russ and Jeff!! Well informed and helpful!!

[@Coronado-nz7wu]

“Local comic book shop owner arrested for murder!” This would be the headline if I opened my own shop!

[@Clay3613]

I was a vendor at a local comic convention, only made $8 due to bad attendance...pretty sure I bought more books than any other attendee for myself. It only took me four days to bag and catalog over 300 books. On Black Friday my local comic-shop had a big sale, I asked for a graded X-Men book off the wall. Owner happily gave it to me and I was sorting through my potential purchases. Wandered away from my stack of books for five minutes and when I came back the graded book was nowhere to be found. I have to wait till Tuesday to see if he found it or some asshole walked out with it.

[@goldenageguru]

Clay3613 that’s terrible, I hate that nonsense. Sorry that happened to you.

[@allisknu11]

Comic book etiquette should apply to other aspects of life as well. I wish more people would be self-aware and conscientious. Because I'm sure they wouldn't like it if someone did these things to their collection.

[@mikepatton5202]

Because the world is going to slip into anarchy and chaos because we overlooked the etiquette of comic collecting...🤣 First world problems.

[@Twonkah]

The poker transcends comic conventions, it's the same people who touch my computer monitor when I'm working 😂

[@goldenageguru]

Adam Payne 🤣

[@teknohed]

Along the lines of don’t be a dropper or a folder , would love a video like this where you guys discuss tips and tricks for packing and shipping comics. Stuff like box recommendations, etc

[@JP-1990]

The worst thing that happened to me at a convention was myself and a couple of other attendees whom I didn't know had to help a lost child because we had difficulty finding security. That was a bit of a bummer. But we did our best to help calm him down, asking him about what kind of stuff he liked and whatnot. Eventually we were able to find a security guard and shortly after we found his dad. So it was a happy ending.

[@hsv_vixs3165]

Great episode. Never been to a con but I know for a fact I wouldn’t be touching or mishandling any comics. I keep my hands to my self. Good to know who to watch out for “ the packer “ I’m not trying to get taken out lol

[@jr_nerdlife]

I love this video. The only con that I've ever been a dealer at we were the only booth that had hand sanitizer at it. I think it would be interesting and helpful to give advice to dealers as con goers too

[@orbitaluk]

I remember doing the right thing at a con by asking a dealer to open up a comic bag containing a first printing of The Tick #1 for me, so I could check the condition. When I was done, he was putting it back in the bag when the tape touched the book. I watched in horror as he tried to peel it off and tore the back cover. They weren't using magic tape, it looked like normal sticky tape which I was absolutely dumbfounded by. I ended up buying a different Tick one-shot out of pity for the vendor, even though it wasn't my fault!

[@romygutierrez7873]

IT WASHES ITS HANDS BEFORE IT TURNS THE PAGE AGAIN

[@Gamerpig6]

Packers and Booth Bums are EVERYWHERE in a Con, and I've only been to ONE!!

[@kryptonian-comics]

We had a booth selling gutters for your house last year at our con in grand Rapids

[@Marcus-ru1ht]

Yo guys! Be thankful most of you are residing in the States. Wanna know a horror story? They ain't no convention in South East Asia where I'm currently residing. 😢

[@rhhuang1807]

I wanted to share my experience and then I saw this. Geez kinda feel like a hypocrite now and you are right, we ought to be grateful. Why you gotta make me feel bad bruh!

[@davids9152]

I’m guilty being the packer. I try to stay light but it’s usually full by the first hour. I wear it in front of me when at crowded cons. And always ask the dealer before grabbing a book.

[@goldenageguru]

David Scalzo love the convenience of a backpack. Thanks for being so aware of your accessories. 😁👍

[@comicbook_crackhead9194]

This was awesome guys. The worst I have seen is a guy eating a cheeseburger with one hand flipping books with the other and the vendor stopped him! He gave him attitude but the vendor said I don’t care how much money you have you can leave now.

[@goldenageguru]

Comics Addiction 🤣

[@seesawcollectibles6452]

One of my worst stories was standing in line for 3 hours for an artist. I didn’t mind because I needed to meet him and get a sketch. I stood behind a nice old man that kept me entertained most of the time. He talked about all the stuff he had (a little too much) and it got annoying at an hour and a half. When he finally got to the front, he took 20 minutes to talk to the artist, then when the artist asked if he wanted a sketch, he said no, then pulled out about 100 trading cards from different series that he wanted him to sign. Even the artist looked deflated. Everyone in line was angry.

[@goldenageguru]

See Saw Collectibles that’s so selfish and rude.

[@seesawcollectibles6452]

I remember feeling bad for the guy because he was a little socially inept, but when he pulled out those cards... /:(

[@danim2897]

Once San Diego went pop culture and less comics is when I could no longer guarantee getting a ticket to get inside. Sucks

[@spencerwelchii573]

Jeff, along the same lines...I never noticed that Romero had his 'stache but when my buddy Butcher pointed it out to me 20 years ago, I can never not see it again. I don't use Mylars as the first time I tried one it sliced the back cover of my comic...never again!

[@goldenageguru]

Spencer Welch if I ever use a Mylar it is always with a mylite first. I don’t trust those things.

[@Doty_Designs]

I have an issue with the “Overly Aggressive Hunter” who will go through an entire row of comics while using the surrounding area to place their findings, essentially blocking anyone around them from being able to look through the boxes. I’ve even had one of them start looking through a box I was already looking in from the side, pressing the comics tightly together so I could no longer see the title/numbers.

[@goldenageguru]

Devin Doty I know exactly what you are talking about.

[@markemry7605]

Devin Doty entirely agree. Place them at the front of the box to grab when your done.

[@jamesdusek6954]

My comic books are my babies and I been had my backpack 🎒 in the front for cons son lol I try teaching my boys but they poke fun at me. Glad to hear someone backing me up 🤘🤓🤘

[@goldenageguru]

Jimi Bonez we got your back on this one.

[@Clay3613]

Get a suitcase or portable file organizer.

[@MrNotoriousjim]

i am more of a record collector- but for a box search- i always pull the top 10 from the front and set them aside and then go through the rest.

[@johnathanainsworth4138]

Yes! Baby in front, droppers, and benders are the worst. Don’t touch, ask. Etiquette!!

[@benniejones8091]

The gawker is what we call them. Where they grab a random book and stare at it for days. All while seeing other ppl trying to hunt for stuff and just standing there. Blocking everyone. Also the money key grabber. The random person that’s not really into comics just looking for a flip so they find out who is signing at a con. Start blocking people looking for keys and or bring 1000 books for someone to sign 😂.

[@fistofdoom8429]

Lol Russ my OCD kicks in going through 25 cent, 50 cent and $1 bins. I’ll find runs or books all of the same character and have to order them and put them together. My biggest con etiquette confusion was at Baltimore Con in 2017. I went up to Lee Bermejo since there was no line to meet him. He was drawing though and I didn’t want to interrupt him and what he was doing. I didn’t have an ice breaker to start a conversation and see if he’d sign my action figure. The best ice breaker I could think up was asking him about erasers lol. He was a really cool guy and gave my son art tips

[@Dmlloy01]

Just as relevant today as it was 3 years ago. Amazing content guys!

[@secretrarecollctbles1892]

im actually gladyou mentioned the over packed long boxes, i cant tell you how frustrating it is to go to flip and find books your into and not have the room to put them back right, im not out to damage your comics but im always not trying to spend 4 hours looks through a box just to find one or two i might want,if you don't want me to jam the comic back in the bin then don't jam them all together lol but dropping or bending is a no no and my comic store has the wall books behind the counter so its a good way to keep people from just grabbing them i think

[@goldenageguru]

chad larochelle I can’t stand over packed boxes either. Definitely a big no no in my opinion.

[@hydrolito]

Should put up sign to let know which ones not to touch, and rules for handling ones that are touched.

[@shockycbs]

I have personally never had had this happen, but I have seen people do this with other vendors. Don't ask a vendor what they pay for their comics, and don't ask if for them to lower the price afterward. Even if the Vender only payed 25 cents for a book, the time, effort, and money that goes into sorting, pricing, setting up, researching and selling comics can be astronomical, it doesn't matter how much I payed for the books I am selling you, what matters is what the book is worth. Not only is it rude, but the discount I was gonna give on your huge want pile, and the second you ask what I pay for my comics that deal will disappear. It's one thing if you have a collection you are selling, if that's the case ask away, not only do vendors want to give you good money for your comics, but we also need to make a profit. It doesn't hurt to ask how much we can give you for your comics, in fact I am always looking for people that are looking to downsize their collection, and I am more than happy to give you an offer and even negotiate for your collection. If you yourself are a vendor this can be a whole different story, when I am selling to other venders in the shop I often ask, and have been asked when buying for my self, if you are reselling them or if they are for your personal collection. I generally have no problem paying market value for my personal collection, but many vendors in my area, including myself, will give each other a fair price on stuff they are buying for a customer.

[@geezy_m7999]

"Turn the page,wash your hands,turn the page wash your hands."classic rockos modern life drop!🐢🤓😂😂

[@3.75istheway7]

I’m not even a comic collector and I get it 100% these books are worth a lot of money!

[@GemMintCollectibles]

“You don’t want to be any of these things” 😂💀

[@goldenageguru]

Gem Mint Collectibles damn right you don’t. 🤣🤣🤣

[@1994champs]

This is a very important and informative video for new Con attendees. Great job guys!

[@robertt9342]

I really hate the tightly packed boxes. What I do is pull out a 10-15 books and place it gently on top of the box I am looking at, to not get in the way of others, and then carefully place them back when I am done. I also only pull out issues I am interested in, making sure I don't bend it. I pull them full it out to inspect them and if I don't like it, I carefully slide it back in. I don't get how people think that food and search through comics go together.

[@joeyxsolo]

Another great video, gents! This is great info for those who are buying at cons. I’ve seen all the examples you covered. Have you considered having something similar for those selling at the con? I’ve had and heard of horror stories having to do with dealers.

[@goldenageguru]

Joel Campos that could definitely be a vid down the road.

[@dangriffin5913]

I was a packer for my first few years of going to cons. That stopped when I took out a rack. I felt awful and ended up buying a lot of stuff from the dude even though I was low on funds. I now (when I get to cons) go with the wheelie cart - think I got one of those file carts from Staples for about $35. It’s invaluable in carrying stuff through shows, it’s easy to navigate through crowds (I highly recommend pushing in front of you instead of pulling behind), and best part - it doubles as a seat when needed.

[@shlfish]

At one con a dealer was being helpful and asked me what I was looking for. They helped me by looking for the issue, but was bending each issue cuz they were behind the table and needed to see the front of the issue. I was silently awed. I respectfully declined the issue saying it wasn't the condition I was looking for.

[@goldenageguru]

Sin Luk you handled it the best way possible. What a strange situation.

[@MillGeekComics]

Yeah, I have had to come out in FRONT of my booth to help find something that had been UNSORTED by a previous customer to make sure I wasn't bending the books.

[@off_the_hook_comics4738]

LOL This is great! I'm Totally the Packer, I took my bag 2 years ago at my first con. I'm going to my second con this weekend.

[@goldenageguru]

Brandon Stoinski Comics I love the convenience of a backpack and totally get it. Have fun at your second con! 👍

[@THBEnterAktion]

This is educational, funny and scary at the same time! I feel bad for all the lost value on the books.

[@kbarton33]

I was at a Con a couple of winters ago and they a put couple of dealers by a double door emergency exit. The exit was accessible to the public and a kid hit the door opening it and a gust of wind came in and blew down their walls and cracked every slab. It was hard to watch.

[@goldenageguru]

kbarton33 😱😱😱 oh my god, that sounds aweful. Attended a con in California and there were people set up outside under cover. Unfortunately the weather that day was the worst they have had in 12 years and displays and comics were knocked over and everyone outside had to pack up for the day.

[@lexgraham2118]

WOW I'VE BEEN GOING TO CONS FOR OVER 10 YRS... HAD NO IDEA THAT PEOPLE POKE BOOKS😂🤣😅

[@batmanbeyond1939]

What I hate the most is the people who take over the booth and take forever looking at each comic book. I want to look at the comic books too and I can’t because they are growing their “want” pile so massive that it takes up 3 boxes. I look at the comic books, I pull the ones I want quickly, place them in front and stack them in front, and then if the pile gets too big for me, I will ask the vendor to hold onto them until I am ready to pay. They are more than willing to do that instead of people taking over the whole booth

[@goldenageguru]

Batmanbeyond1939 your right, I offer to take the stack of books as a vendor for that exact reason, plus it’s just easier for everyone.

[@jsantiago4841]

interested in seeing what the next NYCC looks like. It may take a few years to get back to where it was in 2019.

[@UNCANNYGEORGE]

Does it bother anyone else when you’re searching through boxes and there’s a lot of other boxes with no one else there and then someone decides to come look in the box right next to you? And if you’re going in that direction you have to go around, wait for them to finish and come back to that box.

[@joncarroll2040]

First thing I ask before I even start looking at a bin is whether or not the books are in order.

[@omgfro]

Ettiquette applies to dealers as well. One thing that is rude and irritating: dealers that dont allow you to see the books up close. The last con i went to, i ran acrosz a dealer that did this. Id ask to see a book from his wall, hed hold it out foe me, about 5 feet away, and display it. After asking a few times, i just walked off. I dont know anyone who would buy a book without getting to look at it more closely.

[@goldenageguru]

omgfro definitely some seriously rude dealers out there.

[@roboverman4545]

Thank you guys for this! It is astounding at how disrespectful some knuckleheads have been toward displays, comic bins, vendors, and attendees. I've been to Emerald.CCC. a few times and have seen it happen way too often.

[@clarkkentcookies626]

The only one of these that shocks me is Johnny and Jane Concession. I would almost cry shenanigans, but then you bring up The Packer. I've been The Packer. And if I can actually BE The Packer and live with that shame, then J & J can exist. I weep for humanity.

[@newrepubliccomics]

Are these trends still true today? An update video would be an awesome.

[@guilima9523]

Was that a therapy session?

[@mikepatton5202]

First world fuckin problems.

[@michaeldelarosa591]

Hello ComicTom and fam. Thank you for putting out all the tips and tricks to cons.

[@robertt9342]

It's a wash for me when dealing with others using hand trucks or backpacks. They both get in the way, just differently, I'd say hand truck are worse in the aisle though.

[@BigDad138]

I can't believe you actually had to bring up the food and drink thing. That should just be known by even a child. I got another one, don't stop walking in the middle of the aisle and stare at something... I'm glad I played contact sports for a lot of my life because being big and strong sure helps to push through crowds. At cons it seems all manners almost go out the window.

[@mikem3543]

Lol!! “Being big and strong sure helps push through crowds...” “At cons it seems all manners almost go out the window”. Absolutely hilarious that these two sentences were literally back to back.

[@kellykincheloe1045]

Very good info. I knocked a couple couple comics from a rack attempting to put a comic back. Wow I felt like a complete asshat!!!!

[@erickmorales7647]

Yes !! I remember seeing a couple or 2 old troopers laughing and chatting in their eternal grace while im hunting and i have to walk around them or wait they get out of the way and boy it takes long! I just hit anotger booth till those certain ppl finally leave the spaces their hogging. Its real annoying.

[@esaugiron8751]

Never been to a con but now I know some good info!

[@johnscomicswithkids]

Great info as always. I've never been to a con so this was a good data dump for me. I'm shocked to hear about the things some people do at a con but I'd like to hope it's a small but annoying minority. I can imagine a large contingent of comic fans would eat and look at comics while also grabbing books off the rack without asking. That's mind blowing. Thanks guys.

[@theretrosavage3337]

I'm not a huge fan of crowds...so I've only been to one convention... the mass of people was slightly overwhelming ...on the plus side i picked up the geoff johns flash rebirth miniseries

[@best9642]

"The Droppers, The pokers, The man handlers", lol

[@barbariankungfu]

I'm a backpacker, guilty as charged.

[@goldenageguru]

barbarian_kungfu 🤣 I travel with a backpack half the time so totally get it and it’s convenience.

[@daneshvijayen558]

i have seen this multiple times and Russ at 8:41 always gets me

[@garnett21k]

This is very enlightening! Glad I haven’t been much of an offender for these! Great life and Con advice!!!