Quality will sell our stuff

[grasshopper]

Hey all.

So, I was talking to Keith at Quality comics last night (Friday), and he was saying that he was willing to sell out stuff. In fact, he's wanting to put to make a shelf or rack or something that he can devote to local artist (I'm not sure if by local he means just Perth or all of Australia, though I think it means all of Australia as he was talking about some artist who work for big publishers).

Now I know I've see some of Linda's stuff in both Empire and that other comic store on the East side of the city, and I know I've seen some of Grug and Jessica's stuff there too. I have a feeling that they're all doing that solo.

So I guess the question I'm asking is: Do we do this together or alone?

I know the advantage to doing it on your own is being able to take new stuff in whenever possible and not having to worry about arranging shipments with other people and so forth. The drawback is that the shelf may look a little bare and not that impressive. Another advantage is having more control over the price of your own issues, and the collection of sales.

An advantage to doing it as a group is being able to take in a complete package that would more impressive, and people who aren't in the city regularly could benefit from people who do go in often to drop off stuff or them. Plus, we may be able to bargain a bit more in regards to commission. Granted, I only have one comic to sell, and at this point I'm probably going to try to sell them for a gold coin, so I don't think I really need to worry about the commissions being too high.

So yeah, what's everyone's thoughts on this? I know you guys in the PCC tried doing this thing before, did you think it worked well enough to do it again as a group, or do you just want to go solo.

[grug]

Well, we found that most people just didn't sell at Quality Comics.

That could change if they have a dedicated shelf that was visible, maybe?

I think Jess and I will probably stay Comic Zone exclusive for now, Owen treats us really well. Also, I have been into Quality Comics maybe once in the past 3/4 years. (I know they have recently changed hands though)

[grasshopper]

That sounds fair. If somewhere/one is looking out for you, then don't upset it.

I've gotta say I've been going into Quality quite a bit lately, at least once a week at the moment. I've really started to get back into comics, especially trades and the more fringe things (the new Oz from Marvel comics has some really beautiful artwork) and I've really started to build quite the rapport with Keith (the new owner who used to work there before taking it over) so I would prefer to drop off my stuff there I guess.

Granted, I was in Comic Zone the other week (first time I'd been in since the opened actually, and man was it full of a lot more stuff now) and the owner (or at least guy there) was quite nice. Might need to try to get to know him better too.

[Luke]

We've been buying from both Comic Zone and Quality Comics a fair bit lately (I just bought and read all the current Scott Pilgrim, which was crazy awesome) and both stores not only have a lot better (and reasonably priced) stuff than we've been exposed to in the past, both lots of staff have been super friendly and approachable (which is something that kind of disappeared from many other past stores in my experience). And Comic Zone gave us bloodied smiley face Watchmen badges for free!

In terms of comic distribution (which is the hardest part of the process in my opinion) (I like my parenthesis tonight) I think any organized, group push is probably to our detriment. I think it's probably more satisfying for everyone to deal with their businesses of choice by themselves to ensure that everything is done when and how you want it. Very cool to know that people are keen to stock them again though. Like Grug said, now we just need to find people to buy them.

[andreib]

Yay, this is awesome news. Keith is a cool dude.
In terms of professional-ness it'd be best for it to be treated on a group basis but in terms of realistic output and when people have projects finished it's probably better to do it individually.
I think Han Solo is the way to go.

(Scott Pilgrim is so awesome my borther has decided to emulate him and has been unemployed pretty much all year so far. He's literally starving to death and yet he still seems to suck at guitar.)

[grasshopper]

Yeah I've dropped off some copies of my comic to him already. He does agree that it would be great to have a selection of titles. So feel free to take your stuff in. If anyone is in touch with Linda, maybe let her know too, as I've seen her stuff about, I'm sure she'd have no problem with dropping some stuff off there.

[grasshopper]

Well so far I've sold about 4 comics through Quality. Not much, but it was more then the 0 I was selling when I had them sitting in my room. The shelf is looking mighty sad though with just my stuff. Anyone else got extra stuff they want to drop in? i cannot help but think that a full shelf would entice people more.

I know Grug and Jess will be staying with Comic Zone, but surely some of you one here have some stock you'd like to try to move. I've tried emailing Linda (as I don't think she's on these boards), but haven't heard back from her as yet.

[andreib]

Grasshopper, are you Chris Markle? I've seen your stuff there. I went in yesterday and Keith was uber keen to add more to the pile. He says it's not uncommon for visitors to come in from the Eastern states who want to pick up some Perth made comics - these are the folks who are most likely to buy our stuff.

If you are Chris Markle, can we tee up a time for me to pick up 10 or so copies of your last 24hr comic to sell at the Spectrum event? We'd need to tee it up before April 24.

[grasshopper]

Why yes, I am Mr. Markle.

My last 24 hour comic? I didn't actually get that printed (although lately I have been thinking about giving it a try, especially with Quality carrying the stuff), the one in Quality (A Bird with Crossed Wires) is from 2007, which was the first one I did. I do have 10 copies available of that if you want it.

Being a freelancer in this wonderful economic climate means I have plenty of free time on my hands, let me know where/when you'd like to meet up if you are wanting them, and I'm sure I could be there.

Edit:
What is this Spectrum thing of which you speak? I've done a quick search ad the only thing I could think of is Spectrum Project Space. Is that it?

[andreib]

Yeah that's it. 221 Beaufort St. It'll be on the ECU website.
Maybe I can pick up Bird With Crossed Wires next weekend, or you could drop it in at my place. Where abouts do you live? I'm pretty central.

[grasshopper]

I live in Subi, which is pretty close to central.

Feel free to shoot me an email at invalid.productionsATgmail.com and we can work out details.

[grasshopper]

Hey hey, I like seeing the shelves devoted to Perth stuff. Looking good in there. And from what Keith has said, they are selling.

[tomkatt]

I've sent him an email - we'll see how we go. The previous owner left a bad taste in my mouth and a hole in my wallet, not to mention made me look bad to the rest of PCC for not being able to collect their money.

[grug]

No one blames you for their douche-baggery, Troy!

[grasshopper]

That's right, we just accept it.

Keith is cool. And I know he wants to try to get rid of the stink left by the former owner (he's even working on a new design for the shop and what not), so I'm sure he'd be able to work something out with you.

On a side note, I'll be sending my 2nd comic to the printer on Monday/Tuesday, so I'll soon have another one out there (it's my 24 hour comic from last year that I never printed)!