Artist Alley Checklist – Anime Merch You Should Bring to Your Next Convention

Not sure what to prepare for your next Artist Alley or anime convention? Here’s a simple checklist of must-have anime merch and tips from a factory that works with artists worldwide.

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Artist Alley Checklist: Anime Merch You Should Bring to Your Next Convention

Getting a spot in Artist Alley is exciting – but also stressful.
There are so many questions:

• What merch should I bring?

• How many pieces of each design?

• Should I print locally or order from an overseas factory?

As a factory that works with anime artists and small brands around the world, we see the same patterns over and over. In this article, we’ll share a simple checklist to help you prepare your next convention table with confidence.

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Step 1: Decide Your Main Product Types

You don’t need to bring everything. It’s better to have a clear core lineup.

Here are common product categories that work well in Artist Alley:

1. Small, impulse-buy items

   • Acrylic keychains

   • Buttons / badges

   These are perfect for fans who want “just a little something” from your table.

2. Mid-range items

   • Acrylic standees

   • Desk mats / mouse pads

   • Mini prints / postcards

   Great for fans who really like your style and are willing to spend a bit more.

3. High-value items

   • Pillows & body pillows

   • Blankets

   • Apparel (T-shirts, hoodies, haori jackets)

   These items attract attention and can become the star of your booth.

At Animepa, we produce many of these items directly in our factory, especially pillows, blankets, mouse pads, acrylic goods, and apparel. You can mix and match based on your budget and audience.

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Step 2: Plan Quantities Smartly

If it’s your first convention, here’s a simple starting point:

• 10–20 pieces per design for small items (badges, keychains)

• 5–10 pieces per design for mid-range items (acrylic standees, mouse pads)

• 1–3 pieces per design for large items (pillows, blankets)

You don’t have to commit to huge quantities.
If you work with a no-minimum-order factory, you can:

• Order a small batch for your first convention

• Reorder only the designs that sell well

• Adjust your next event based on real data

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Step 3: Prepare Your Artwork for Print

To save time and avoid headaches, make sure your files are ready before you order:

1. Correct size & DPI

   • 300 DPI minimum

   • Use the factory’s template when possible (especially for acrylics, dakimakura, and mouse pads)

2. Safe area & bleed

   • Keep faces and important details away from the edges

   • Ask your manufacturer if you’re not sure about the bleed size

3. File format

   • PNG with transparent background for acrylic goods

   • PSD / AI if you want the factory to help with layout or small adjustments

At Animepa, we can help you with layout and positioning if you send editable files.

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Step 4: Think About Your Table Layout

A good table layout makes your merch look more valuable. Consider:

• Vertical displays

  • Use stands for acrylic charms and standees

  • Hang keychains on boards or racks

• Height variation

  • Use boxes or stands to create different heights

  • Place eye-catching items (pillows, blankets) at the back or side as a backdrop

• Clear pricing

  • Make price tags easy to read

  • Offer simple bundles like “Buy 3 keychains, get 1 free”

If you have large items like blankets or body pillows made by us, you can also:

• Drape one blanket on the front of your table

• Hang a body pillow behind you as a visual “flag” for your booth

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Step 5: Don’t Forget Packaging & Logistics

Small details make a big difference:

1. Packaging

   • Clear OPP bags to protect products from dust and fingerprints

   • Business cards or small thank-you notes in each purchase

2. Transport

   • Check the shipping time from the factory to your address

   • Leave enough buffer time before your convention date

3. Payment methods

   • Many Artist Alley vendors accept cash + mobile payments (PayPal, Venmo, local options)

   • Prepare a simple sign that shows what payment methods you support

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Step 6: Take Photos & Reuse Your Merch After the Convention

Your Artist Alley merch doesn’t “expire” after the event.

• Take high-quality photos of your table, products, and customer shots.

• Post them on TikTok, Instagram, X to promote your online shop.

• Use remaining inventory for:

  • Online sales

  • Future conventions

  • Giveaway events to grow your social media

If you produced your merch with us Animepa, you can also reorder small batches as needed, without being stuck with large leftover stock.

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Final Checklist Summary

Before your next convention, ask yourself:

• Do I have a clear product lineup (small / mid / high-value items)?

• Are my files ready for print (size, DPI, bleed)?

• Did I order early enough to receive everything on time?

• Is my table layout planned (displays, vertical elements, price signs)?

• Do I have basic packaging and payment methods ready?

If you need a factory partner that understands Artist Alley needs, supports no minimum order, and ships to North America, Europe, Japan, and more, our team at Animepa is happy to help.