CONVENTION Trading at Pony Fair

[dannahbanana]

Hello everypony!

I'm attending Pony Fair in Tampa for the very first time this year! I'm interested in knowing what it's like trading there.

Is there a specific trading event/trading space?
What are you bringing to trade?
Do you ever trade rarer items at the fair or more HTF items? Or is that uncommon?

I'm thinking of bringing some rare Japanese items to trade along with more common ponies, but I'm not sure what types of items are more commonly traded.

I'm super interested in hearing what you are bringing to trade!

 

[MustBeJewel]

Hi @dannahbanana! I'm a Fair veteran, so I'll see if I can answer your questions.

Is there a specific trading event/trading space?

No, there is a general vendor hall, but no area specifically for trading.

What are you bringing to trade?

I have never brought trades with me, I find that it becomes extremely hectic in the vendor hall, and most vendors are selling somewhat quickly and few have the time for trades, at least the first day. Things are much more chill the second day though.

People definitely have brought trades though, usually in a small suitcase or something that's easy to open and show what they have.

Do you ever trade rarer items at the fair or more HTF items? Or is that uncommon?

Rare and HTF items are definitely bought and sold at the Fair! As to whether anyone will want to trade though is up to the individual. Many sellers are focused on trying to recoup their travel and booth costs, so they may not want to trade. But some might!

I'm thinking of bringing some rare Japanese items to trade along with more common ponies, but I'm not sure what types of items are more commonly traded.

Any rare items will garner interest for sure--I would prioritize those over common ponies.


Hope this helps!

 

[dannahbanana]

Hope this helps!

Thank you so much! That's great information.

 

[Cozytoyhoard]

You might be better off making a WTT post with photos and set up trades with other attendees beforehand. That way you won't be hauling around a bunch of extra ponies all day. Lots of people do that if they are attending the same convention to save on postage. Especially for hard to ship items. Idk if your convention has a FB page but you may be able to make a post there too.

 

[starbritesprinkles]

People definitely have brought trades though, usually in a small suitcase or something that's easy to open and show what they have.

I will add that if you are bringing items to trade, I would limit to a backpack/tote bag. Bringing a large amount of items to roam with isn't fair to the vendors who pay for designated booths to sell their items. This happened in 2012 when someone wheeled a large suitcase of ponies around with a sign on it that said something like, "I'm full of ponies for sale! Ask me to see!" Some vendors were upset that she was basically a mobile booth who didn't have to incur the cost of selling at the event, which helps support the fair's expenses.

 

[MustBeJewel]

I will add that if you are bringing items to trade, I would limit to a backpack/tote bag. Bringing a large amount of items to roam with isn't fair to the vendors who pay for designated booths to sell their items. This happened in 2012 when someone wheeled a large suitcase of ponies around with a sign on it that said something like, "I'm full of ponies for sale! Ask me to see!" Some vendors were upset that she was basically a mobile booth who didn't have to incur the cost of selling at the event, which helps support the fair's expenses.

Excellent point! I remember that Fair, too.

 

[Elfpony]

Don’t be afraid to ask vendors if they’re willing to trade too. Some will, some won’t, and some will want to see what you’re offering first before they decide. The worst that can happen is someone says no.

Elf