Anime Boston Merch!

Post by **MerchMaven** » Thu Jan 06, 2011 2:13 pm

Now that the new year is here, I am once again requesting imput as to what you want to see at the Anime Boston merch table!

If you have a suggestion of something you'd like to see, something you've seen elsewhere, or something that you think we've overlooked, please let me know. Please don't mock or belittle other people's suggestions, everyone has different tastes, and even if a suggestion is impractical or close to impossible, there's no harm in putting the idea out there.

On the same note, please don't be offended if your idea doesn't get used. We have a limited budget, and we can only stretch it so far. As awesome as those limited edition figurines of A-Chan and Infobot might be, I can't quite make it work with my budget restraints.

Things we'll definately be offering:

-T-Shirts!
-Pins!
-Water Bottles!
-Buttons!
-Reusable tote bags!

Things we CAN NOT sell, due to Hynes regulations:

-Stickers!
-Food!

Keep in mind that this year's theme is music! Any concert/band related merch you can think of will likely be welcome!

Thank you in advance for your help, guys!

YouTube · Post by **basharoftheages** » Thu Jan 06, 2011 2:44 pm

I really liked the thicker aluminum bottles from last year. Those cheap flimsy plastic ones with the crush-able aluminum tops from 09 were garbage though.

I'll take this time to chime in before dokool and suggest towels (the long hand towel things that bands sell) if you're going with the music/band theme.

lyraparry11 · Post by **lyraparry11** » Thu Jan 06, 2011 3:38 pm

Last year I suggested (or agreed to someone elses suggestion of) hoodies, but you guys didn't think it would be possible on your budget. I'm guessing that's still the case(?) but it can't hurt to suggest it again.

Another (probably more realistic) suggestion is folders. The strong, laminated, two pocket kind, with AB logos/mascot art/whatever on them. They'd be good for people buying artwork at the con, and for those of us that are still in school.

President Aria · Post by **President Aria** » Thu Jan 06, 2011 5:29 pm

I can't remember the year, it might have been '09, heck it might have been last year, but I liked the shot glasses. Plus I just bought a condo this year, and every house should have a good selection of shot glasses!

Fetch · Post by **Fetch** » Thu Jan 06, 2011 7:30 pm

the glasses were WAY back. 2005 (first year at the Hynes)

I'm thinking we may see them again in 2012, for that will be the 10th AB. Oh yes, I'm sure merch and prog will be doing a LOT for AB 2012. And then even more for AB 2027 (25th AB that will be).

Kogarashi · Post by **Kogarashi** » Thu Jan 06, 2011 7:37 pm

[quote=lyraparry11]Another (probably more realistic) suggestion is folders. The strong, laminated, two pocket kind, with AB logos/mascot art/whatever on them. They'd be good for people buying artwork at the con, and for those of us that are still in school.[/quote]

Ooh, I'll second the photos recommendation.

Also: magnets! And maybe keyrings!

dokool · Post by **dokool** » Thu Jan 06, 2011 9:41 pm

[quote=BasharOfTheAges]I'll take this time to chime in before dokool and suggest towels (the long hand towel things that bands sell) if you're going with the music/band theme.[/quote]

People will have no idea what you're talking about, so here's a link to my collection. Sadly under-updated but that should give you an idea. Bands here mostly do face towel and muffler towels in terms of sizing... but it's a must-have accessory.

autumnwolf · Post by **autumnwolf** » Thu Jan 06, 2011 11:04 pm

I also like the band towel and folder ideas! :thumbup:

BlackSunRising · Post by **BlackSunRising** » Thu Jan 06, 2011 11:24 pm

[quote=Fetch]the glasses were WAY back. 2005 (first year at the Hynes)
[/quote]

There was also a shot glass this past year (2010) -- black ceramic with a white design.

stray-x · Post by **stray-x** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 12:01 am

Since this year's theme is music, how about guitar picks with the Anime Boston logo? The reverse side could feature the mascots A-chan and B-kun.

danim · Post by **danim** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 11:24 am

I second the towels and a huge :thumbup: to folders!

I'll chime in with more suggestions when I have time to use more brain power since I was going to suggest those things when I first opened the thread lol!

Phantom 1 · Post by **Phantom 1** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 12:12 pm

Okay, food I can understand but stickers :-/

Anywho, I remember when I went to see AKB48 in New York City ("NEW YORK CITY?!" Sorry couldn't help myself) and they were selling (or maybe passing out for free, I forget) but they had little pieces of cloth or fabric with the AKB48 logo. How about something like that?

Fetch · Post by **Fetch** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 2:42 pm

The Hynes doesn't want anyone selling stickers, because they think EVERYONE is a little kid and will stick the stickers to the walls.

Heck, they won't even allow AB to tape a sign to a wall. Hynes rules are rather draconian.

kmcwilliams94 · Post by **kmcwilliams94** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 5:26 pm

i like the the fabric idea, or iron on patches then the buyers could do virtually anything with them.

Post by **AliceTanzer** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 6:09 pm

[quote=Fetch]The Hynes doesn't want anyone selling stickers, because they think EVERYONE is a little kid and will stick the stickers to the walls.

Heck, they won't even allow AB to tape a sign to a wall. Hynes rules are rather draconian.[/quote]

Judging by what happened when we had the long line issues a few years ago, I'm gonna go with the Hynes on this one.

DAX · Post by **DAX** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 6:23 pm

LANYARDSSSS

I like to attach key chains, badge buddies, buttons etc. to my badge, and the heavier it gets, the more painful that itty bitty strap on the badges gets :<
The wider strap would be more comfortable :<
and also people can put keys on them

DDD

Celty77 · Post by **Celty77** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 7:48 pm

I second patches, and suggest headbands, bandanas, and pencils! It would be really cool to go around with an AB headband or bandana on your head, as well as AB stationary.

Kogarashi · Post by **Kogarashi** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 7:50 pm

[quote=AliceTanzer][quote=Fetch]The Hynes doesn't want anyone selling stickers, because they think EVERYONE is a little kid and will stick the stickers to the walls.

Heck, they won't even allow AB to tape a sign to a wall. Hynes rules are rather draconian.[/quote]

Judging by what happened when we had the long line issues a few years ago, I'm gonna go with the Hynes on this one.[/quote]

Yeah, the problem is that while the vast majority (if not everyone) on the forums is a level-headed individual who would never do that, there are also a large number of people at the con who act like little kids regardless of their age and would probably think it hilarious (if they even think about it at all). Better safe than sorry, in this case. Not fun, especially when a lot of artists could make extra money on stickers if it was allowed, but them's the rules.

Post by **tylerofmaine** » Fri Jan 07, 2011 9:45 pm

[quote=Fetch]The Hynes doesn't want anyone selling stickers, because they think EVERYONE is a little kid and will stick the stickers to the walls.

Heck, they won't even allow AB to tape a sign to a wall. Hynes rules are rather draconian.[/quote]

Just to reiterate what Alice said... Everyone at con IS a little kid, and everyone WILL stick them to the walls.

Trust me, I used to be that kid!

President Aria · Post by **President Aria** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 12:36 am

[quote=BlackSunRising]

There was also a shot glass this past year (2010) -- black ceramic with a white design. [/quote]

Well there we go, I was wondering how else I'd have gotten my hands on one since I wasn't around for 2005. Anyways, I'm a fan of those, and perhaps instead of just the plain AB logo on it, it could have the theme picture on it. If it's at all feasible, although since it was apparently 5 years in between the last time shot glasses came about, perhaps those are costly.

yunaofparadise · Post by **yunaofparadise** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 6:47 am

Here are my ideas:

How about a mini photo album? Where we can store all the great memories of the convention into photos!

Glow sticks
Bottle opener
wristbands w/ mascots on them!
scarf w/ mascots on them!
stress balls
oh and a pin/magnet idea!! but it goes for any type of merch. "I survived Anime Boston 2011" Phrase

what-the-spork · Post by **what-the-spork** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 10:22 am

[quote=yunaofparadise]Here are my ideas:

How about a mini photo album? Where we can store all the great memories of the convention into photos!

Glow sticks
Bottle opener
wristbands w/ mascots on them!
scarf w/ mascots on them!
stress balls
oh and a pin/magnet idea!! but it goes for any type of merch. "I survived Anime Boston 2011" Phrase[/quote]
I like these ideas.

what-the-spork · Post by **what-the-spork** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 10:24 am

[quote=tylerofmaine][quote=Fetch]The Hynes doesn't want anyone selling stickers, because they think EVERYONE is a little kid and will stick the stickers to the walls.

Heck, they won't even allow AB to tape a sign to a wall. Hynes rules are rather draconian.[/quote]

Just to reiterate what Alice said... Everyone at con IS a little kid, and everyone WILL stick them to the walls.

Trust me, I used to be that kid![/quote]
I wouldn't, but I would love to. : D

lyraparry11 · Post by **lyraparry11** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 6:47 pm

I agree with yunaofparadise, wristbands (the rubbery kind, like livestrong bracelets, not the sweatband things they sell at hot topic) would be awesome.

Phantom 1 · Post by **Phantom 1** » Mon Jan 10, 2011 12:13 pm

[quote=Fetch]The Hynes doesn't want anyone selling stickers, because they think EVERYONE is a little kid and will stick the stickers to the walls.

Heck, they won't even allow AB to tape a sign to a wall. Hynes rules are rather draconian.[/quote]

Okay I get the picture. I just wanted to know the logic behind outlawing stickers. It makes sense now.

kmcwilliams94 · Post by **kmcwilliams94** » Mon Jan 10, 2011 3:34 pm

[quote=lyraparry11]I agree with yunaofparadise, wristbands (the rubbery kind, like livestrong bracelets, not the sweatband things they sell at hot topic) would be awesome.[/quote]
i agree with this, like have them say 'anime boston 2011'

kmcwilliams94 · Post by **kmcwilliams94** » Mon Jan 10, 2011 3:38 pm

to go with the music theme you could guitar pics.
also an anime boston themed guitar could be raffled and people buy raffle tickets untill sunday.

danim · Post by **danim** » Mon Jan 10, 2011 5:24 pm

[quote=yunaofparadise]Here are my ideas:

How about a mini photo album? Where we can store all the great memories of the convention into photos!

Glow sticks
Bottle opener
wristbands w/ mascots on them!
scarf w/ mascots on them!
stress balls
oh and a pin/magnet idea!! but it goes for any type of merch. "I survived Anime Boston 2011" Phrase[/quote]

I like most of these ideas!

However, I would like to add...

How about a KEYCHAIN BOTTLE OPENER?! I would buy one for everyone I know.

turpentiney · Post by **turpentiney** » Mon Jan 10, 2011 7:41 pm

@danim: O: I'd buy one for everyone I knew and everyone I didn't!

chaobunny · Post by **chaobunny** » Mon Jan 10, 2011 10:12 pm

How about those little string backpacks? They're inexpensive and always seem to come in handy.

Post by **MerchMaven** » Fri Jan 14, 2011 12:34 pm

[quote=Chaobunny]How about those little string backpacks? They're inexpensive and always seem to come in handy.

[/quote]

The string backpacks are startlingly expensive, at least in the small batches that I would have to order. I doubt anyone would pay the price I would have to charge for them. But we will be offering reusable con bags, and for the first year, we'll be setting up a mini-merch station in the reg area! If you want to pick up a bit of swag on Thursday nights, that's now a possiblity.

Guitar Picks: We got you covered. They will be epic and adorable in equal parts.

I am surprised by the interest in the bottle opener keychains, I will check into them and see if I can get a small batch at a reasonable price.

Please continue to suggest things, guys, I appreciate your imput!

ryoko · Post by **ryoko** » Mon Jan 17, 2011 8:47 am

If you can't have stickers could you have window clings or magnets something people could put on there vehicles? If someone stuck them anywhere in the con the staff could just take them off without ruining anything?

Chrissii · Post by **Chrissii** » Wed Jan 19, 2011 10:04 am

I don't post often, but just thought I'd add my two cents. I think lanyards, shot glasses and bottle openers are fabulous ideas.

Edit: Oh and magnets! I collect magnets from all over everywhere I go, so it would be cool to add to my collection.. ^^

Master of NERV · Post by **Master of NERV** » Wed Jan 19, 2011 12:49 pm

[quote=DAX]LANYARDSSSS[/quote]

Yes, lanyards! :thumbup: Good, thick ones, too--like the ones Geneon donated for AB'04.

I use that very lanyard year after year; only a vest beats it for displayng your cloisonne pin collection.

A vest...hmmm...there's another idea for merchandise (but I concede it would be pricey...)

Eilonnwy · Post by **Eilonnwy** » Wed Jan 19, 2011 1:26 pm

Believe me, I wish sponsors would keep donating nice lanyards! Unfortunately, when you have to pay for them yourself, and reg costs are already high, you have to go cheap.

But at least we'll never go back to shoelace lanyards.

Those are days best forgotten!

yunaofparadise · Post by **yunaofparadise** » Wed Jan 19, 2011 2:25 pm

Though of some new ideas.

Paper fans: cause when u run around a con...

AB photo frame: best cosplay photo goes here!
Reusable shopping bag: there are ones where u can fold it small and can fit in your pocket.

Fake tattoos: No one is gonna waste time putting it on the con wall right?

keychain plushies: sell like hot cakes?!! XD

Key covers: example ---->
http://www.manufacturer.com/cimages/pro ... _cover.jpg

Deck of cards: AB style

Bubble pen: http://www.promotional-gifts-inc.com/up ... n-2873.JPG

iPod skins:
http://www.decalgirl.com/assets/items/i ... -blssm.jpg

Money holder: http://www.groomsonline.com/store/graph ... /GO210.jpg

Some of these items could be expensive, but I was bored, and ideas poped up! ^_^

Risikafox · Post by **Risikafox** » Tue Jan 25, 2011 5:07 pm

I want A-chan and B-kun plushies!

Willowoflight · Post by **Willowoflight** » Tue Jan 25, 2011 7:45 pm

[quote=Celty77]I second patches, and suggest headbands, bandanas, and pencils! It would be really cool to go around with an AB headband or bandana on your head, as well as AB stationary.

[/quote]

Props to the bandannas idea. :thumbup:

Phantom 1 · Post by **Phantom 1** » Wed Jan 26, 2011 12:06 pm

I saw a picture of Vic Mignonga the other day and then it came to me: AB buckets, plastic buckets, you know, for drooling fan girls. :laugh:

kmcwilliams94 · Post by **kmcwilliams94** » Thu Jan 27, 2011 2:31 pm

[quote=Phantom 1]I saw a picture of Vic Mignonga the other day and then it came to me: AB buckets, plastic buckets, you know, for drooling fan girls. :laugh: [/quote]
oh my god I LOVE YOU

Post by **Sayoria** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 1:35 am

[quote=Phantom 1]I saw a picture of Vic Mignonga the other day and then it came to me: AB buckets, plastic buckets, you know, for drooling fan girls. :laugh: [/quote]

While at it, how about:

Anime Boston Pillows - For people fainting when they see, meet, or even shake hands with someone they like.

Anime Boston Nose Plugs - When Pigpen visits the con.

Anime Boston Butt Protectors - When the Yaoi Yakuza come, you are prepared.

Anime Boston Sunglasses - When you go across the street to get a bite to eat, wear these in your costume, and no matter how crazy you might look, people will think you are cool.

Anime Boston Jack - Get stuck behind a tall guy at an event? Put one of these under his chair, and your worries are over.

Anime Boston Backguard - "IT'S SASUKE!" *SLAM!*

Anime Boston Official Greg Ayres Action Figure - With a baby hate T-shirt and hair changing action!

Anime Boston Chris Ayres in a Sippy Cup of Doom plushie - For soft drinks.

Anime Boston audio language book - Yah guide to Bahstan's language, voices come in Patrick D. and Adam Ferraro.

Anime Boston ducttape - Does this need a reason?

Anime Boston Illusion Glasses - Vic Mignogna isn't here? Buy a pair of AB's Vic Glasses. Want Romi Paku? They got you covered! With Illusion glasses, everybodyza dere.

Anime Boston Rockem Sockem Robots - Anime Boston this year or Stay home for Easter? It's the Easter Bunny VS an interchangable staff of Anime Boston people. Winner get's your hand....in the festivities!

The joke ones aside, the plushie gave me an idea...... why not test run plushies of A-Chan and B-Kun one year?

Post by **MerchMaven** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 9:54 am

While I appreciate the humor, guys, I really need this to stay on topic for things we can produce/sell. Buckets, while funny, would not sell well to the general con population, no matter how we marketed them.

Please stick to the topic, and from this point on, any further "That's so funny!" type posts will be deleted so I can keep track of what needs to be read. You've been warned! :content:

Post by **Sayoria** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 10:40 am

[quote=SciFiGrl47]While I appreciate the humor, guys, I really need this to stay on topic for things we can produce/sell. Buckets, while funny, would not sell well to the general con population, no matter how we marketed them.

Please stick to the topic, and from this point on, any further "That's so funny!" type posts will be deleted so I can keep track of what needs to be read. You've been warned! :content: [/quote]

I said all jokes aside, and gave a real response though, if you missed it. I think A-Chan and B-Kun plushies could really be cool. If we have them all over shirts and cups and stuff, why not actual plushies?

....... and hey, I would buy a Greg Ayres action figure.

Post by **MerchMaven** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 1:10 pm

Plushies are always a popular request, and one that I, personally, would love to see, as well as mascot marquette statues. But both items are prohibitively expensive in small batches, and would either have to be handmade, which doesn't lend itself to a consistant product, or we'd have to order several hundred.

AB isn't big enough to warrent it yet, but with the growing rise of creator content, like webcomics, prices are dropping. I'll keep in mind for the future. 8)

Post by **Sayoria** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 2:35 pm

Yeah, I figured as much, but it seemed to be a token thing for mascots of all kinds, you know? You can find plushies of almost any mascot you can think of, so, figured, why not AB? As you said, maybe when it gets bigger and it could be for a future idea. Regardless, it would be great in the end, if it ever happens.

redneckotaku · Post by **redneckotaku** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 10:21 pm

A couple of serious ideas for Merchandise ideas I would buy:

-Sweatshirts. Boston has some cold nights in spring and a sweatshirt would be nice for them.

-Polo Shirts-For those who work in Business Casual environments, this would be a nice way to show their fandom for AB. I have also seen them at Otakon.

IAmValor · Post by **IAmValor** » Sat Jan 29, 2011 5:58 pm

I approve of the polo shirt idea. I would totally wear an AB polo to work on a regular basis (so long as it was a red shirt).

lyraparry11 · Post by **lyraparry11** » Sun Jan 30, 2011 2:27 pm

[quote=IAmValor]I approve of the polo shirt idea. I would totally wear an AB polo to work on a regular basis (so long as it was a red shirt).[/quote]
This gives me the idea of different colored tshirts! Obviously you could have mostly black/white/grey and then some that are maybe pink, light blue, navy blue, red, and some other basic colors? Or even just blue and orange because they seem to be the AB colors? Preferably not royal blue though, because it seems like every other events tshirt that's not white/black/grey is royal blue and Im rather sick of it (and others would probably agree).

Ok I'm probably getting too picky here...

lyraparry11 · Post by **lyraparry11** » Sun Jan 30, 2011 2:38 pm

[quote=Yukito Kunisaki]Anime Boston Pillows - For people fainting when they see, meet, or even shake hands with someone they like.[/quote]

okay so the reasoning might just be silly, but could you actually have those little couch pillows...like those very basic pillows they have in giant bins at ikea? I'm doing a terrible job of describing something simple, I apologize.

Or, if not that, maybe standard pillow sized pillow cases?

Fetch · Post by **Fetch** » Sun Jan 30, 2011 4:03 pm

[quote=lyraparry11][quote=IAmValor]I approve of the polo shirt idea. I would totally wear an AB polo to work on a regular basis (so long as it was a red shirt).[/quote]
This gives me the idea of different colored tshirts! Obviously you could have mostly black/white/grey and then some that are maybe pink, light blue, navy blue, red, and some other basic colors? Or even just blue and orange because they seem to be the AB colors? Preferably not royal blue though, because it seems like every other events tshirt that's not white/black/grey is royal blue and Im rather sick of it (and others would probably agree).

Ok I'm probably getting too picky here...[/quote]

Blue is AB STAFF. Orange and Red are AB SECURITY.

I myself am hoping the 2011 shirt will be gray. The shirts have been black each year except 2006 where they were gray.