Hi, so first of all this blog is really helpful thank you so much. Second of all I didnt see any posts on things such as plastic sleeves. I know a lot of artists use plastic sleeves and im not sure where to get them, or really anything else about them. Considering i dont have that much money i probably wont use them but just for future ref
http://www.clearbags.com/ is a common source for acid-free print sleeves. They offer a variety of options depending on your specific needs! I personally use the safety-flap style, which has an adhesive strip on the bag rather than the flap so you don’t risk getting your print stuck to it. The same company also runs http://www.clearenvelopes.com/, which doesn’t have a minimum order but offers much worse per-unit prices.
For our followers, we also had trouble getting these when we first got into conventions and the shipping to Canada is really really expensive. Here's what we learned:
A good alternative to online shopping is to find an industrial plastic store in your area (I found one in my little hometown years after I first started looking for bags because it never occurred to me). They sell bulk of 12x18" bags, which is a common print size as well as multiple other smaller sizes (much cheaper than online and you save on shipping).
If you absolutely can't afford bags to start up - look in the supermarket for white garbage bags around the right size. They work just as well for protecting the artwork, which is the point! At around $3 for a pack of 40, they're very cost effective.
For little gift bags, I stalk the dollar store during Valentines, Easter and Halloween for little zip candy bags. Or if you have a Daiso or similar Asian dollar store in town - they have great little bags for cheap with cute designs.
Remember, you don't want to spend too much on bags - especially if it's your first convention! Figure out what you're selling and get only the bags you need to hand to customers. Also remember that not every customer will want a bag and you can save on them if you ask each person :)
Hope this helps some of you thinking of starting a table! Cheers!
