You've got the art. You've got a table booked at your first anime convention. Now comes the question that stumps almost every first-time artist vendor: what do you actually order, how many units, and what do you charge?
This guide is the no-fluff answer for artist alley sellers planning custom anime merch for conventions.
What Products Sell Best at Anime Conventions?
Not all merch is created equal for the convention format. You're dealing with foot traffic, impulse purchases, and people who are carrying bags all day. Here's a quick rundown by product type:
Acrylic Keychains — The Convention Staple
Keychains are the convention staple for a reason. They're small, affordable, visually strong on a display board, and easy for buyers to carry. They're also relatively low cost to produce, which can support healthy margins at typical convention price points.
Dakimakura Covers — High Value, Lower Volume
Custom dakimakura covers are high-ticket items that move slower but generate more revenue per sale. A small number of dedicated fans may seek these out specifically. Display them clearly — even a single cover displayed flat or on a hanger can draw attention from across the aisle.
Tapestries / Wall Scrolls — Display and Product in One
A custom tapestry hung behind your table does double duty: it showcases your art at scale and can also be a product for sale. These work well for buyers looking for something to display at home.
Acrylic Standees — Strong Desk Display Items
Standees are popular for character art and VTuber fan art. They're more complex than keychains but have strong visual appeal on a table display.
Mousepads — Niche but Useful
Custom anime mousepads, especially oversized desk mat formats, have a dedicated buyer base. They're bulkier to transport and display, but fans who want them often value the practical use.
How Many Units Should You Order?
First-time vendors often over-order on variety and under-order on their strongest design. Here's a more strategic approach:
For a 1–2 Day Convention
- Keychains: 20–40 units per design, 3–6 designs
- Dakimakura covers: 2–5 units per design
- Tapestries: 3–6 units per design
- Standees: 10–20 units per design
Rule of thumb: Start conservative. You can always reorder for the next event. Running out of your strongest small item is usually better than carrying too much unsold inventory home.
Factor In Your Audience Size
A small regional con with 2,000 attendees requires very different quantities than a major national event with 50,000. Research past attendance figures for your specific event before finalizing your order.
How to Price Your Convention Merch
Pricing at conventions follows a different psychology than online sales. Buyers expect clear, fast decisions.
A straightforward pricing framework:
- Production cost × 3–4 can work for smaller items like keychains and standees
- Production cost × 2–2.5 can work for higher-ticket items like dakimakura covers
Round to clean numbers such as $10, $12, $15, $20, $25, or $30. Avoid awkward pricing that slows down transactions.
Bundle Pricing Works
"2 keychains for $18" or "any 3 for $25" can increase average transaction value at conventions. Buyers feel they're getting a deal, and you move more inventory.
Display and Presentation
Your table is your storefront. A few principles matter:
- Vertical display for keychains — a grid display board at eye height shows designs better than laying them flat
- Hang your tapestry behind you — it draws attention from a distance and anchors your brand visually
- Label prices clearly — buyers shouldn't have to ask
- Accept card payments — many convention attendees don't carry much cash
Production Timeline: Plan Ahead
Custom merch requires lead time. Production usually takes 2-4 business days after usable files are ready. Shipping usually takes 7-10 business days after production is complete. Production time and shipping time are separate.
Place your convention order at least 3-4 weeks before the event, and earlier if you're ordering large quantities or multiple product types. Don't leave it to the final week; print production should not depend on rushed decisions.
Convention Merch Checklist
- Keychains confirmed
- At least one large display item selected
- Prices set to clean round numbers
- Bundle deal prepared
- Card payment method ready
- Order placed with production and shipping time included
Ready to build your convention lineup? Browse our custom anime merch options, read the production and shipping timeline, or contact us to discuss convention orders.