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Tips for SC3 Traders

PostedCOLON Wed Jan 19, 2011 11:21 pm
by admin
Videogame trading is a staple of SC3. The last "C" in our name stands for "Collectors," after all! SC3 encourages you to bring all your
extra videogaming merchandise to sell or trade. Vintage or modern, home or arcade, hardware or software, toys and collectibles – anything
related to videogames is welcome. There are plenty of collectors on hand at each SC3 event; you'll find no shortage of interested traders or
interesting things to trade for. However, there are few things you can do to ensure successful trading.

SC3 will provide a room or other area designated for trading, and several tables on which to display your merchandise. The rest is up to you.
We recommend that you note the following:

Table space is "first come, first served," so you should arrive shortly after the event begins. If you arrive early,
you'll be sure some table space is still available, and you'll have more time to arrange your stuff.

Arrange your merchandise so that people can see it. Be sure all the game labels are readable and that the most
interesting stuff is clearly visible. But, do not spread your stuff out too far. Remember, other traders need space
too. SC3 reserves the right to remove items from the tables to make room for another trader. We realize the use of space is a
judgment call; if you aren't sure how much room you can take, find one of the SC3 staffers and ask.

Don't leave your valuable stuff unattended. You are responsible for your property. SC3 will not watch it for you.
We haven't had a problem with theft yet, but there's always a first time – and we have had some honest mistakes where one
trader's stuff accidentally ended up in another trader's area. If you aren't willing to lose an item, don't leave it unguarded.

Place your name and phone number next to your stuff. As we said, you shouldn't leave your valuable items unattended.
But maybe you brought a pile of low-value items that you don't mind risking while you wander off to play games. Remember, interested
traders won't be able to make a deal with you if they can't find you! We recommend that you place a sign or piece of paper next to
your stuff that includes your name and phone number, and carry a cellphone with you. Including a photo of yourself might not be a
bad idea either. Set your phone on "vibrate" because you won't be able to hear it on the arcade floor. You wouldn't believe how
many deals fail to happen just because the owner can't be found when an interested trader comes along!

Take your unsold stuff home with you! As collectors, we understand: sometimes you end up with extra "junk" that
you just don't want any more. Many people bring unwanted items to SC3 and give them away for free. We encourage this! But
sometimes, nobody else wants your junk either. If nobody takes it by the time you leave, you MUST take it back. It is
inconsiderate to leave it for the SC3 staff to deal with.

If you're selling or buying, bring plenty of $1 bills. We've seen lots of deals for $1- or $2-items fall apart
because neither party could make change!


As we said, anything videogame-related is fine to bring. However, you may be wondering if you can bring stuff that's not
videogame-related. The answer is yes, but within reason. In the past, collectors have brought things that weren't specifically
related to videogames, but that fit the general "theme" of SC3: ALF trading cards, electronic calculators made by Commodore, early
'80s robot toys, and so on. We don't mind if you bring a few of these kinds of items, but please don't overdo it. SC3 is a
videogame event, not eBay or Craigslist.

Happy trading!