Emerald City Comicon - Fairy details
I've put a lot of thought into what I'd like to offer as a way to pay back the community I've been a part of for several years. I'm going to go over the details. Please feel free to PM me if you have questions I don't cover and I'll add them to the FAQ.
First of all, I've been a member of the BPAL community since 2010. Many of you may know me by my forum name, Rakshasa, although I'm not a very active poster. In the past, I've been lucky enough to have people fairy for me (nekogrrl, bheansidhe, Absinthetics, stellamaris, naeelah - places are reserved for you ladies if you're interested. As a regular participant in both mellifluant and Ajevie's decant circles, I'm saving spots for you two as well.) at various events Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab has attended and now that I'm in the unique opportunity to offer the same service to others, I feel it's only right to do so.
Emerald City Comicon runs March 28th, 29th and 30th. Brian has confirmed that they will be attending (albeit with one booth instead of two). This year, I am a VIP ticketholder to the event. What does this mean to you?
As a VIP, I am allowed onto the convention floor early. I also do not have to wait in line for celebrity autographs. I will be offering the following:
Internationals (because I know you're wondering!): Yes! I am willing to ship internationally. Please be aware, as you know, that our international shipping has gone way up here in the US. I have been setting cardboard boxes aside for this (from my many Amazon.com purchases). Your packages, however, will probably not be mailed until April 4th or 5th. Be aware that it'll probably be expensive, especially if you're interested in a BPTP item, assuming there are any. Expect to pay at least $8 dollars for heavier stuff.
The scents:
LADY CECILY SASQUETS, THE INGENUE: Rose-washed fur and a spray of bleeding hearts, China asters, and peony.
LEOPOLD FREIHERR VON TSEMEKWES, THE POET RAPSCALLION: Black leather and sleek black musk with vetiver, blue chamomile, saffron-infused labdanum, caco-dusted patchouli, tobacco absolute, and oakmoss.
EDGAR MICHE, MYSTERIOUS ADVENTURER: Brown leather, dusted by the spices of his many voyages: cardamom, red sandalwood, sweet clove, white mastic, mandrake powder, and galangal.
AUBIN GRANDPIED BUNMANCHI, CHILDHOOD PLAYMATE: Pale fur, lavender water, Corsican immortelle, white thyme, benzoin absolute, ambergris accord, and sorrowful carrot seed.
Bottle prices are $23. the breakdown would be as follows:
SKOOCOOM HOUSE: Vast dark halls of stone threaded by cascading rivulets of beeswax, and the scent of snow-laden fireweed, Pacific silver fir, thick mounds of vibrant green moss, purple lupine, Pacific bleeding heart, and lava ash.
LORD LEOPOLD'S BEDCHAMBER: Leather, thick black fur, yeti musk, red roses, and a waft of opium smoke.
BPAL items are $25, the breakdown would be as follows:
If you are purchasing only 1-2 bottles but would prefer Priority Flat Rate, this is always a possibility. Insurance will be available to add on, but you'll need to let me know if you want this as an option. I also will have to ask for Paypal fees on our transaction as I cannot accept any payments as gifts (this protects both of us). This is 2.9% + .30 fee for US residents, 3.9% + .30 for internationals. So, if you're in the US and interested in two bottles, and opt to go for just the padded mailer, it would equal out to: $50.37 + 3.50 + fees = $56.10. Correct me if my math is wrong. I used both http://www.taxrates.com/calculator/ and http://salecalc.com/paypal?p=60.44&e=2.9&f=0.3&l=us&r=0&m=2&c=0 as resources to calculate costs.
I will do my very best to divide any frimps/swag equally. I will also be happy to pick up any GC bottles or anything else BPAL brings if you want it. I know lots of people don't like ordering just one bottle and prefer to hang on (and on and on) until they have several things they want. If you're not sure it's going to be at ECCC, but want me to look for it and buy it if they have it, then what I'd do is request the entire sum and then refund you if it wasn't available to purchase. Everyone will at least get a swag card, because I've got them to spare from my past orders.
VERY, SUPER IMPORTANT THINGS:
1. Make sure to include where I would be shipping to, so I can calculate costs.
2. All payments absolutely must be received by no later than Wednesday, March 26th at 11:59pm Pacific. If I have not received payment by that time, I will have to cancel the pick-up. I will not be pestering or poking people for payment. If you're not sure about LJ notifications getting to you in a timely manner, email me at sresla @ hotmail.
3. Double-check that you are on the list if you've requested a pick-up at the very bottom of this post, and that it lists (paid) by your name, once you've paid. Please allow 24 hours for me to update your payment status. This confirms I've got your order! (see the Q&A, below)
Autographs/art/other things are a slightly different beast. I can't possibly cover every scenario so I'll do my best to cover the basics.
If you're interested in a celebrity autograph, your shipping will automatically fall into the USPS Priority Medium Flat Rate Box (it will be the longer, rectangular box, rather than the square) shipping range, as I doubt you want your autograph folded. In addition, you will need to pay for a hard plastic sleeve for it. Examples of these can be found on eBay. I will be purchasing these beforehand in a bulk lot (assuming there's enough autograph interest) in an 8x10-ish size.
Autograph fees are not taxed. Each celebrity costs a different amount. Please be aware that some celebrities do not personalize items (such was the case with Sir Patrick Stewart last year; his lines were simply too long). If you want to have it personalized, and it's possible, I will of course request it. Some celebrities charge more if you're not bringing your own item to have signed. If you've never been to a convention, most celebrities have an array of glossy photographs for me to pick from. So, for example, if you love Mark Sheppard (who doesn't) but REALLY love him as Crowley (Supernatural) over Badger (Firefly [wait, that's impossible, who doesn't prefer him as Badger...]), that's something you want to make me aware of, so I'm not picking the wrong picture. I will probably divide up the autograph getting over all three days. If you have a specific personal item that you'd like signed, we can talk about you getting that to me before the show. I do have friends coming with me, and they've been made aware about what I'm planning on doing; they've kindly offered to help me ferry things back to the hotel so I don't go hunchbacked carrying everything (that special edition Firefly book that I have feels like it weighs 50 pounds after lugging it around for an hour).
So, if you wanted two bottles of BPAL + Mark Sheppard's autograph, it'd be $50.37 + $40 + $13 shipping + fees = $107.06 (plastic sleeve not included as of yet, price TBA if I get enough interest, otherwise they are $5 on site at the convention).
Convention artists normally don't charge for autographs, but VIPs don't - I don't think - get to line-jump like they do for the celebrities. In my own personal experience, people like Katie Cook, Mike Mignola and Charlie Adlard can have long lines. Still, I know a lot of people don't get the opportunity to go to events like these, so if you love, say, Wendy and Richard Pini or Stan Sakai, I'll really try my best to make it happen for you. In these cases, you will want to send me what you want signed, because I can't predict what their merchandise table will have or what it will cost.
I don't expect anyone to take me up on this, but it's out there anyway. Many artists at the convention do take on-site commissions. Prices on these vary wildly. I do know Katie Cook draws 1 small watercolor character (not detailed) of your choice for $10 and she often has a lot of pre-made ones at her table and they're all pretty difficult not to buy. I'm not sure where mine is, I'll dig around for it later and post it as an example. Basically, if you want an art commission of some sort, I'd suggest you get in touch with the artist in question (seriously, they're approachable, just email them or "Ask" them on their Tumblr) to find out their prices. Then, you'll just need to tell me what it is you want, send the money and I'll swing by their booth and order it. If you do want Katie Cook, I'll just be buying a pre-made as I can't do multiple characters and clog the line. Joseph Michael Linsner (Dawn) was there last year and his prices started at $50 for a bust and went up from there. Generally, I'd suggest if you want this, you'll want to stick to established characters the artist is familiar with because I'm hesitant to go to ECCC with someone's original character - even with references (although I plan to do this myself, but I've commissioned Sara Richard before and am confident of the results). On the flip side, people like Amy Mebberson (of Pocket Princess fame) just opened her ECCC commissions and welcomes original characters, so. It's up to you. You want it - I'll do it, basically, so long as you let me know who/what (I know the where). These will also require the plastic sleeve I mentioned previously in regards to autographs, unless it's tiny, like the Katie Cook variety. Here's one I got done of Zevran, from Dragon Age: Origins: http://i1041.photobucket.com/albums/b415/Sresla/8e381dc2-874c-4109-9213-a5927a701937.jpg.
Finally, Convention exclusives. Because I'll be occupied with BPAL on Friday, I probably won't be able to get you special event comic covers (even for myself!), or things of that nature (like, I know people love the Capcom event exclusive Hello Kitties that sold out in 2.1 seconds at PAX). Keep an eye on their Exclusives tab on the ECCC web site if these interest you.) and am happy to swing by places like Espionage Cosmetics (even if I'm a little out of place buying eye shadow) and get their *Con exclusive Alter Ego set. These items will impact shipping although I think for most things, a USPS Medium Flat Rate Box should cover it. If you've ever wanted a specific Funko figurine, these events are the places to have me look for them. There are literally a billion booths with them. Although they've never had a Legolas; I suppose considering the feels I've got for elves, this may be a good thing.
Here are some edge cases I wanted to cover:
Q: What if the X I want sells out and you're not able to get it for me?
A: I will refund you.
Q: What if there's human error involved in my order?
A: This one is trickier. I will not intentionally send anyone the wrong item, but if it happens, I hope that whoever else might be involved will speak up and let me know they received the wrong thing. Worst case, you can send it back to me and I'll refund your money. Back when Knows Perfume was doing Will Calls, I went for the Champagnes for myself and my best friend, we accidentally got a bottle of Champagne and Opium rather than... I don't remember what it was now. I think Champagne and Absinthe. I didn't realize this until much later in the evening when everything was sold out. If this happens, I'll ask the person in question if they'd be willing to take that alternate bottle instead, so it won't come as a surprise when you receive it. I'll try to go through everything Friday night and make sure it's right to the best of my ability but we're human and so... yeah. I've only got 1 bed to spread everything out on in the hotel room, but I'll have several pairs of eyes on it and lists so if we've got mistakes, I'll try to rectify it on Saturday before there's an issue. Trust me, I want to do a good job for everyone involved.
Q: My bottle was smashed, never arrived, leaked on the mail deliverer or was on fire when I opened the box. There may have been a snake in there, trying to bite me as well. WHY DID YOU DO THIS TO ME?!
A: I've got reams of bubble wrap and will package everything to the best of my ability. Once it's out of my hands, though, there isn't anything I can do besides apologize. I cannot offer refunds in this case. I can suggest you make friends with the snake as soon as possible, so he gives up the precious. I hear the smaller ones accept bribes. Perhaps your tiny dog as a peace offering?
Q: My bottle label has a ding/rip on it.
A: I'll do my best to prevent this from happening. This is a really gray area for me because I'm not sure what the Lab does in regards to bigger on-site orders but I imagine there might be a little jostling of the bottles. Again, if this happens (and I sincerely hope it won't), I hope people will be willing to err on the side of, "The inside still smells good."
Q: When can I expect things to be shipped?
A: Everyone's orders will be shipped no later than April 5th (both US and internationals).
Q: The BPAL list is live, and I want X, Y, and Z. TAKE MY MONEY.
A: Please wait for me to provide you with a total, don't just send it. This will confirm I've got you onto the spreadsheet I'll be keeping and am not stuck wondering who the heck you are and why you just sent me money. I'll also ask that you provide me with your mailing address in the Paypal notes, as well as your order, LJ username and forum name, if you have one. Your email address in the notes wouldn't hurt either, just to make sure I have a working address to contact you at.
And... that's all I can think of, for now. I'll edit this post as needed. As of this moment, I don't know how many people will be interested, so I'm not capping it right now, although if I get to a point where I need to make a cutoff, I will. If this happens, I hope you'll understand if I have to draw a line and you are excluded. Internationals: no promises, but I may make exceptions for you guys because I know how hard it is for you in general to get some in-person BPAL love.
If you've got a question, please email me at sresla @ hotmail. I'll check in on this post regularly. One more thing - I work very VERY long shifts during the work week, but have Friday, Saturday and Sunday off. So, if I don't reply to you during the week, it's because I'm sleeping or working (literally, that's all I feel I do sometimes).
And there you have it. All the news that's fit to print. ~S
The List of Olfactory Bliss
nrl1978 - LEOPOLD FREIHERR VON TSEMEKWES, THE POET RAPSCALLION & EDGAR MICHE, MYSTERIOUS ADVENTURER (paid) 9400109699937455077998
metalstorm6 - EDGAR MICHE, MYSTERIOUS ADVENTURER (paid) 9400109699937455127105
kobals_tears - LEOPOLD FREIHERR VON TSEMEKWES, THE POET RAPSCALLION, EDGAR MICHE, MYSTERIOUS ADVENTURER & AUBIN GRANDPIED BUNMANCHI, CHILDHOOD PLAYMATE (paid) 9405509699939793798507
middagen - LEOPOLD FREIHERR VON TSEMEKWES, THE POET RAPSCALLION (paid - international) LJ 003 635 952 US
acciochocolate - EDGAR MICHE, MYSTERIOUS ADVENTURER & SKOOCOOM HOUSE (paid) 9405509699939794664153
tasllyn - LADY CECILY SASQUETS, THE INGENUE, EDGAR MICHE, MYSTERIOUS ADVENTURER, TARASQUE & LORD LEOPOLD'S BEDCHAMBER (paid) 9405509699938337222263
writes - LEOPOLD FREIHERR VON TSEMEKWES, THE POET RAPSCALLION, EDGAR MICHE, MYSTERIOUS ADVENTURER & LORD LEOPOLD'S BEDCHAMBER (paid) 9405509699937456151027
mellifluant - LEOPOLD FREIHERR VON TSEMEKWES, THE POET RAPSCALLION (paid) 9400109699938336069026
Bluestblood - LEOPOLD FREIHERR VON TSEMEKWES, THE POET RAPSCALLION x2, EDGAR MICHE, MYSTERIOUS ADVENTURER, AUBIN GRANDPIED BUNMANCHI, CHILDHOOD PLAYMATE x2 & WITCHBLADE (paid) 9405509699938336391885
morpheus0013 - EDGAR MICHE, MYSTERIOUS ADVENTURER (paid) 9400109699937455354433
midnight_aeval - LEOPOLD FREIHERR VON TSEMEKWES, THE POET RAPSCALLION & EDGAR MICHE, MYSTERIOUS ADVENTURER x2 (paid) 9405509699937455470075
Skitz_phenom - LEOPOLD FREIHERR VON TSEMEKWES, THE POET RAPSCALLION & EDGAR MICHE, MYSTERIOUS ADVENTURER (paid) 9400109699937455522344
mrgrumpybear - LEOPOLD FREIHERR VON TSEMEKWES, THE POET RAPSCALLION & EDGAR MICHE, MYSTERIOUS ADVENTURER (paid) 9400109699938336683796
Epiphany - LEOPOLD FREIHERR VON TSEMEKWES, THE POET RAPSCALLION & EDGAR MICHE, MYSTERIOUS ADVENTURER (paid)
ajevie - EDGAR MICHE, MYSTERIOUS ADVENTURER, AUBIN GRANDPIED BUNMANCHI, CHILDHOOD PLAYMATE, SKOOCOOM HOUSE & MARK SHEPPARD
AUTOGRAPH (paid) 9405509699938348542770
Seussela - EDGAR MICHE (paid) 9400109699939794198211
jules_hoshihito - LEOPOLD FREIHERR VON TSEMEKWES, THE POET RAPSCALLION & EDGAR MICHE, MYSTERIOUS ADVENTURER (paid) 9400109699938337118532
AS OF 4/4, EVERYONE'S PACKAGE HAS BEEN DROPPED OFF AT THE POST OFFICE.
First of all, I've been a member of the BPAL community since 2010. Many of you may know me by my forum name, Rakshasa, although I'm not a very active poster. In the past, I've been lucky enough to have people fairy for me (nekogrrl, bheansidhe, Absinthetics, stellamaris, naeelah - places are reserved for you ladies if you're interested. As a regular participant in both mellifluant and Ajevie's decant circles, I'm saving spots for you two as well.) at various events Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab has attended and now that I'm in the unique opportunity to offer the same service to others, I feel it's only right to do so.
Emerald City Comicon runs March 28th, 29th and 30th. Brian has confirmed that they will be attending (albeit with one booth instead of two). This year, I am a VIP ticketholder to the event. What does this mean to you?
As a VIP, I am allowed onto the convention floor early. I also do not have to wait in line for celebrity autographs. I will be offering the following:
- BPAL pick-ups
- Autograph pick-ups (Celebrity Guests & Voice Talent)
- Art commission ordering & pick-ups/potentially some event exclusives depending on what you're interested in
Internationals (because I know you're wondering!): Yes! I am willing to ship internationally. Please be aware, as you know, that our international shipping has gone way up here in the US. I have been setting cardboard boxes aside for this (from my many Amazon.com purchases). Your packages, however, will probably not be mailed until April 4th or 5th. Be aware that it'll probably be expensive, especially if you're interested in a BPTP item, assuming there are any. Expect to pay at least $8 dollars for heavier stuff.
The scents:
LADY CECILY SASQUETS, THE INGENUE: Rose-washed fur and a spray of bleeding hearts, China asters, and peony.
LEOPOLD FREIHERR VON TSEMEKWES, THE POET RAPSCALLION: Black leather and sleek black musk with vetiver, blue chamomile, saffron-infused labdanum, caco-dusted patchouli, tobacco absolute, and oakmoss.
EDGAR MICHE, MYSTERIOUS ADVENTURER: Brown leather, dusted by the spices of his many voyages: cardamom, red sandalwood, sweet clove, white mastic, mandrake powder, and galangal.
AUBIN GRANDPIED BUNMANCHI, CHILDHOOD PLAYMATE: Pale fur, lavender water, Corsican immortelle, white thyme, benzoin absolute, ambergris accord, and sorrowful carrot seed.
Bottle prices are $23. the breakdown would be as follows:
- 1 bottle ($23 + 9.5% sales tax): $25.18
- 2 bottles ($46 + 9.5% sales tax): $50.37
- 3 bottles ($69 + 9.5% sales tax): $75.56
- 4 bottles ($92 + 9.5% sales tax): $100.74
SKOOCOOM HOUSE: Vast dark halls of stone threaded by cascading rivulets of beeswax, and the scent of snow-laden fireweed, Pacific silver fir, thick mounds of vibrant green moss, purple lupine, Pacific bleeding heart, and lava ash.
LORD LEOPOLD'S BEDCHAMBER: Leather, thick black fur, yeti musk, red roses, and a waft of opium smoke.
BPAL items are $25, the breakdown would be as follows:
- 1 bottle ($25 + 9.5% sales tax): $27.38
- 2 bottles ($50 + 9.5% sales tax): $54.75
- 1-2 bottles (First Class USPS, recycled padded mailer): $3.50
- 3+ bottles (USPS Small Priority Flat Rate Box): $5.50
- Purchases that include any BPTP items, but are under a pound (Priority Box #4 or #1096): $7
- Really big orders, anything over a pound, or that include autographs (USPS Priority Medium Flat Rate Box): $13
- Internationals: vary by weight/packaging
If you are purchasing only 1-2 bottles but would prefer Priority Flat Rate, this is always a possibility. Insurance will be available to add on, but you'll need to let me know if you want this as an option. I also will have to ask for Paypal fees on our transaction as I cannot accept any payments as gifts (this protects both of us). This is 2.9% + .30 fee for US residents, 3.9% + .30 for internationals. So, if you're in the US and interested in two bottles, and opt to go for just the padded mailer, it would equal out to: $50.37 + 3.50 + fees = $56.10. Correct me if my math is wrong. I used both http://www.taxrates.com/calculator/ and http://salecalc.com/paypal?p=60.44&e=2.9&f=0.3&l=us&r=0&m=2&c=0 as resources to calculate costs.
I will do my very best to divide any frimps/swag equally. I will also be happy to pick up any GC bottles or anything else BPAL brings if you want it. I know lots of people don't like ordering just one bottle and prefer to hang on (and on and on) until they have several things they want. If you're not sure it's going to be at ECCC, but want me to look for it and buy it if they have it, then what I'd do is request the entire sum and then refund you if it wasn't available to purchase. Everyone will at least get a swag card, because I've got them to spare from my past orders.
VERY, SUPER IMPORTANT THINGS:
1. Make sure to include where I would be shipping to, so I can calculate costs.
2. All payments absolutely must be received by no later than Wednesday, March 26th at 11:59pm Pacific. If I have not received payment by that time, I will have to cancel the pick-up. I will not be pestering or poking people for payment. If you're not sure about LJ notifications getting to you in a timely manner, email me at sresla @ hotmail.
3. Double-check that you are on the list if you've requested a pick-up at the very bottom of this post, and that it lists (paid) by your name, once you've paid. Please allow 24 hours for me to update your payment status. This confirms I've got your order! (see the Q&A, below)
Autographs/art/other things are a slightly different beast. I can't possibly cover every scenario so I'll do my best to cover the basics.
If you're interested in a celebrity autograph, your shipping will automatically fall into the USPS Priority Medium Flat Rate Box (it will be the longer, rectangular box, rather than the square) shipping range, as I doubt you want your autograph folded. In addition, you will need to pay for a hard plastic sleeve for it. Examples of these can be found on eBay. I will be purchasing these beforehand in a bulk lot (assuming there's enough autograph interest) in an 8x10-ish size.
Autograph fees are not taxed. Each celebrity costs a different amount. Please be aware that some celebrities do not personalize items (such was the case with Sir Patrick Stewart last year; his lines were simply too long). If you want to have it personalized, and it's possible, I will of course request it. Some celebrities charge more if you're not bringing your own item to have signed. If you've never been to a convention, most celebrities have an array of glossy photographs for me to pick from. So, for example, if you love Mark Sheppard (who doesn't) but REALLY love him as Crowley (Supernatural) over Badger (Firefly [wait, that's impossible, who doesn't prefer him as Badger...]), that's something you want to make me aware of, so I'm not picking the wrong picture. I will probably divide up the autograph getting over all three days. If you have a specific personal item that you'd like signed, we can talk about you getting that to me before the show. I do have friends coming with me, and they've been made aware about what I'm planning on doing; they've kindly offered to help me ferry things back to the hotel so I don't go hunchbacked carrying everything (that special edition Firefly book that I have feels like it weighs 50 pounds after lugging it around for an hour).
So, if you wanted two bottles of BPAL + Mark Sheppard's autograph, it'd be $50.37 + $40 + $13 shipping + fees = $107.06 (plastic sleeve not included as of yet, price TBA if I get enough interest, otherwise they are $5 on site at the convention).
Convention artists normally don't charge for autographs, but VIPs don't - I don't think - get to line-jump like they do for the celebrities. In my own personal experience, people like Katie Cook, Mike Mignola and Charlie Adlard can have long lines. Still, I know a lot of people don't get the opportunity to go to events like these, so if you love, say, Wendy and Richard Pini or Stan Sakai, I'll really try my best to make it happen for you. In these cases, you will want to send me what you want signed, because I can't predict what their merchandise table will have or what it will cost.
I don't expect anyone to take me up on this, but it's out there anyway. Many artists at the convention do take on-site commissions. Prices on these vary wildly. I do know Katie Cook draws 1 small watercolor character (not detailed) of your choice for $10 and she often has a lot of pre-made ones at her table and they're all pretty difficult not to buy. I'm not sure where mine is, I'll dig around for it later and post it as an example. Basically, if you want an art commission of some sort, I'd suggest you get in touch with the artist in question (seriously, they're approachable, just email them or "Ask" them on their Tumblr) to find out their prices. Then, you'll just need to tell me what it is you want, send the money and I'll swing by their booth and order it. If you do want Katie Cook, I'll just be buying a pre-made as I can't do multiple characters and clog the line. Joseph Michael Linsner (Dawn) was there last year and his prices started at $50 for a bust and went up from there. Generally, I'd suggest if you want this, you'll want to stick to established characters the artist is familiar with because I'm hesitant to go to ECCC with someone's original character - even with references (although I plan to do this myself, but I've commissioned Sara Richard before and am confident of the results). On the flip side, people like Amy Mebberson (of Pocket Princess fame) just opened her ECCC commissions and welcomes original characters, so. It's up to you. You want it - I'll do it, basically, so long as you let me know who/what (I know the where). These will also require the plastic sleeve I mentioned previously in regards to autographs, unless it's tiny, like the Katie Cook variety. Here's one I got done of Zevran, from Dragon Age: Origins: http://i1041.photobucket.com/albums/b415/Sresla/8e381dc2-874c-4109-9213-a5927a701937.jpg.
Finally, Convention exclusives. Because I'll be occupied with BPAL on Friday, I probably won't be able to get you special event comic covers (even for myself!), or things of that nature (like, I know people love the Capcom event exclusive Hello Kitties that sold out in 2.1 seconds at PAX). Keep an eye on their Exclusives tab on the ECCC web site if these interest you.) and am happy to swing by places like Espionage Cosmetics (even if I'm a little out of place buying eye shadow) and get their *Con exclusive Alter Ego set. These items will impact shipping although I think for most things, a USPS Medium Flat Rate Box should cover it. If you've ever wanted a specific Funko figurine, these events are the places to have me look for them. There are literally a billion booths with them. Although they've never had a Legolas; I suppose considering the feels I've got for elves, this may be a good thing.
Here are some edge cases I wanted to cover:
Q: What if the X I want sells out and you're not able to get it for me?
A: I will refund you.
Q: What if there's human error involved in my order?
A: This one is trickier. I will not intentionally send anyone the wrong item, but if it happens, I hope that whoever else might be involved will speak up and let me know they received the wrong thing. Worst case, you can send it back to me and I'll refund your money. Back when Knows Perfume was doing Will Calls, I went for the Champagnes for myself and my best friend, we accidentally got a bottle of Champagne and Opium rather than... I don't remember what it was now. I think Champagne and Absinthe. I didn't realize this until much later in the evening when everything was sold out. If this happens, I'll ask the person in question if they'd be willing to take that alternate bottle instead, so it won't come as a surprise when you receive it. I'll try to go through everything Friday night and make sure it's right to the best of my ability but we're human and so... yeah. I've only got 1 bed to spread everything out on in the hotel room, but I'll have several pairs of eyes on it and lists so if we've got mistakes, I'll try to rectify it on Saturday before there's an issue. Trust me, I want to do a good job for everyone involved.
Q: My bottle was smashed, never arrived, leaked on the mail deliverer or was on fire when I opened the box. There may have been a snake in there, trying to bite me as well. WHY DID YOU DO THIS TO ME?!
A: I've got reams of bubble wrap and will package everything to the best of my ability. Once it's out of my hands, though, there isn't anything I can do besides apologize. I cannot offer refunds in this case. I can suggest you make friends with the snake as soon as possible, so he gives up the precious. I hear the smaller ones accept bribes. Perhaps your tiny dog as a peace offering?
Q: My bottle label has a ding/rip on it.
A: I'll do my best to prevent this from happening. This is a really gray area for me because I'm not sure what the Lab does in regards to bigger on-site orders but I imagine there might be a little jostling of the bottles. Again, if this happens (and I sincerely hope it won't), I hope people will be willing to err on the side of, "The inside still smells good."
Q: When can I expect things to be shipped?
A: Everyone's orders will be shipped no later than April 5th (both US and internationals).
Q: The BPAL list is live, and I want X, Y, and Z. TAKE MY MONEY.
A: Please wait for me to provide you with a total, don't just send it. This will confirm I've got you onto the spreadsheet I'll be keeping and am not stuck wondering who the heck you are and why you just sent me money. I'll also ask that you provide me with your mailing address in the Paypal notes, as well as your order, LJ username and forum name, if you have one. Your email address in the notes wouldn't hurt either, just to make sure I have a working address to contact you at.
And... that's all I can think of, for now. I'll edit this post as needed. As of this moment, I don't know how many people will be interested, so I'm not capping it right now, although if I get to a point where I need to make a cutoff, I will. If this happens, I hope you'll understand if I have to draw a line and you are excluded. Internationals: no promises, but I may make exceptions for you guys because I know how hard it is for you in general to get some in-person BPAL love.
If you've got a question, please email me at sresla @ hotmail. I'll check in on this post regularly. One more thing - I work very VERY long shifts during the work week, but have Friday, Saturday and Sunday off. So, if I don't reply to you during the week, it's because I'm sleeping or working (literally, that's all I feel I do sometimes).
And there you have it. All the news that's fit to print. ~S
The List of Olfactory Bliss
nrl1978 - LEOPOLD FREIHERR VON TSEMEKWES, THE POET RAPSCALLION & EDGAR MICHE, MYSTERIOUS ADVENTURER (paid) 9400109699937455077998
metalstorm6 - EDGAR MICHE, MYSTERIOUS ADVENTURER (paid) 9400109699937455127105
kobals_tears - LEOPOLD FREIHERR VON TSEMEKWES, THE POET RAPSCALLION, EDGAR MICHE, MYSTERIOUS ADVENTURER & AUBIN GRANDPIED BUNMANCHI, CHILDHOOD PLAYMATE (paid) 9405509699939793798507
middagen - LEOPOLD FREIHERR VON TSEMEKWES, THE POET RAPSCALLION (paid - international) LJ 003 635 952 US
acciochocolate - EDGAR MICHE, MYSTERIOUS ADVENTURER & SKOOCOOM HOUSE (paid) 9405509699939794664153
tasllyn - LADY CECILY SASQUETS, THE INGENUE, EDGAR MICHE, MYSTERIOUS ADVENTURER, TARASQUE & LORD LEOPOLD'S BEDCHAMBER (paid) 9405509699938337222263
writes - LEOPOLD FREIHERR VON TSEMEKWES, THE POET RAPSCALLION, EDGAR MICHE, MYSTERIOUS ADVENTURER & LORD LEOPOLD'S BEDCHAMBER (paid) 9405509699937456151027
mellifluant - LEOPOLD FREIHERR VON TSEMEKWES, THE POET RAPSCALLION (paid) 9400109699938336069026
Bluestblood - LEOPOLD FREIHERR VON TSEMEKWES, THE POET RAPSCALLION x2, EDGAR MICHE, MYSTERIOUS ADVENTURER, AUBIN GRANDPIED BUNMANCHI, CHILDHOOD PLAYMATE x2 & WITCHBLADE (paid) 9405509699938336391885
morpheus0013 - EDGAR MICHE, MYSTERIOUS ADVENTURER (paid) 9400109699937455354433
midnight_aeval - LEOPOLD FREIHERR VON TSEMEKWES, THE POET RAPSCALLION & EDGAR MICHE, MYSTERIOUS ADVENTURER x2 (paid) 9405509699937455470075
Skitz_phenom - LEOPOLD FREIHERR VON TSEMEKWES, THE POET RAPSCALLION & EDGAR MICHE, MYSTERIOUS ADVENTURER (paid) 9400109699937455522344
mrgrumpybear - LEOPOLD FREIHERR VON TSEMEKWES, THE POET RAPSCALLION & EDGAR MICHE, MYSTERIOUS ADVENTURER (paid) 9400109699938336683796
Epiphany - LEOPOLD FREIHERR VON TSEMEKWES, THE POET RAPSCALLION & EDGAR MICHE, MYSTERIOUS ADVENTURER (paid)
ajevie - EDGAR MICHE, MYSTERIOUS ADVENTURER, AUBIN GRANDPIED BUNMANCHI, CHILDHOOD PLAYMATE, SKOOCOOM HOUSE & MARK SHEPPARD
AUTOGRAPH (paid) 9405509699938348542770
Seussela - EDGAR MICHE (paid) 9400109699939794198211
jules_hoshihito - LEOPOLD FREIHERR VON TSEMEKWES, THE POET RAPSCALLION & EDGAR MICHE, MYSTERIOUS ADVENTURER (paid) 9400109699938337118532
AS OF 4/4, EVERYONE'S PACKAGE HAS BEEN DROPPED OFF AT THE POST OFFICE.