Anyone going to Doll North (Toronto, Canada)? May 27-29

@Sewb @Edtel I'll have a few faceup slots open at special Doll North pricing as well as some clothing items/wigs that will fit minifee~ ^^

 

Totally going this year! Last year the dealers room was so lively, I really enjoyed it.
I still don't actually own a doll though, so I fell like a poser when I'm around dolly people.

 

I felt like that last year, everyone was so nice anyway, haha. I'll drag one of my non-doll friends in with me so you won't have to feel so alone :P

I'm still trying to decide if I should pack all three of my dolls ... The 1/3 guy is going to be a pain to fit into plane luggage...

 

You could carry him like a guitar maybe? Like, one of those shoulder sling bags?
But he would count as carry-on then though, right?

 

I'm coming too, every year I go, and I go by myself, I'll be glad to be of company

 

That would probably be best, but then I'd lose one of my two carryons, yeah. He might have to stay home this year in lieu of my more portable children xD

 

What currency do most vendors use? CAD or USD? If CAD, should I bring Canadian cash or will most vendors accept Paypal which will convert your money for you? Thanks for the help

 

I think it's all just CAD, I'm not sure about the doll companies though because I didn't buy anything from them last year but most if not all of the vendors just take cash.

 

Bear in mind that if the event is held in the same rooms as last year, some people were reporting trouble connecting/staying connected to the wifi (the rooms were in the basement) in order to accept PP and CC's. I think I read something about the hotel addressing that issue but you may want to have alternate payment methods available to you (other than PP). I think I remember seeing a few vendors who had that square thingie that you connect to your phone that allows CC payments but I didn't use that myself so I ca't say 100% for sure.

If you want to use $US, bear in mind that most prices will be in $CAN and vendors may not be able to do/give you the conversion rate. Given the suck-tastic $CAN right now, if you have $US, you'll be losing money, especially on larger value purchases. Current (May 6th) value for US/CAN=$1US/$1.29CAN. So say.... a doll is listed as $500CAN. You'd only need to pay $386.57US so if there's no conversion rate offered, you're out a good bit of cash.

 

I don't believe anyone charges US as it is a Canadian event, and I know some vendors took PayPal and even debit/credit the last couple years but it is always good to have cash for those who don't.

 

That's what I was wondering too. I think (I'm not certain) one of the Doll North posters had the entrance fee advertised as 30 CAD/USD but 30 CAD would only be about 23 USD. . . so I'm better off exchanging my spending cash into CAD, especially if I can't access PayPal. Thanks for the help!

 

I don't know about the doll north vendors, but many of the vendors at anime north take USD (because they're going back to the states anyway). But as others pointed out, given the conversion rate right now, it's a better idea to bring the colorful Canadian bills instead.

 

There have always been plenty of dolls in the past new and used. Last year we had two doll companies and two separate independent artists. This year Merrydollround will be there, I am not sure what there will be in terms of vendors but I'm sure at the very least you'll have plenty of second hand options. I know my girlfriend will have at least two dolls and several heads, so I'm sure you will see much more than that to purchase.

 

Anime North's general policy is to accept USD at par for cash purchases at the event, I understand that based on google's exchange rate this may seem unbalanced, but there are bank fees incurred when we deposit USD cash into the CAD account for Anime North, and AN could end up being shorted in the transaction as a result. It's a lot to ask our ticket sales staff to actively monitor the fluctuating exchange rate and calculate the bank fees for USD transactions on the fly. I get that attendees don't want to needlessly convert their money since they're being charged a fee to do so, but accepting transactions at the prescribed exchange rate only offsets the fees onto us.

My advice is to convert enough for your admission, your meal budget, and your spending budget. My own personal budget when I've attended similar events has been admission cost, around $20 per day for lunch and dinner (pack some snacks for breakfast) and $100 - $200 for shopping. If possible I'd also bring a Credit Card as backup for hotel costs or other emergencies, most credit cards offer a pretty reasonable exchange rate when shopping cross-border. But don't forget to call your bank and let them know the dates you will be in Canada, they may freeze your account if they see cross-border shopping without your notice and think it's fraudulent.

I personally wouldn't convert a large sum (say for a doll purchase) since most vendors selling expensive products such as dolls plan for the cost to be outside of the attendee's cash on hand and will accept digital payments such as Square or Paypal, and it would suck to pay conversion fees twice switching a large sum to CAD and then back to USD if you don't use it.

The wi-fi infrastructure was improved by the hotel last year and I did not receive any complaints regarding connectivity from staff or vendors so as far as I can say it has improved from the experiences a few years ago. We have put in a request for an alternative router connected by hard-line available for vendors who experience issues as a backup.

Edit:
Coming back for a quick edit my $20 for lunch & dinner per day is a frugal estimate given the food choices in the area. If you eat at say Tim Hortons, Harveys, Subway, the Onigiri in the International Plaza and drink water for most of the weekend this should be enough. Most of the Anime North menu items at the Crowne Plaza restaurant range from $9 - $14 per meal not including a drink, they have some great choices for us too so I highly recommend checking them out. The Anime North reduced menu includes sandwiches, wraps, pizzas, burgers, chicken fingers, wings and most meals will include a side.
If you venture out to a sit down restaurant such as Casey's, Jack Astor's, Montana's, Boston Pizza a meal could easily run $20+ including tax, tip and a drink. It will all depend on your eating preferences but if you plan to go out with friends to a sit down restaurant I'd budget no less than $20 for that meal, more so if you're planning to 'wine and dine'

 

Popping in to say do try the onigiri at the international plaza it is fantastic, filling, and inexpensive my friends and I usually have at least one or two (or four or five) a day haha

 

I have dreams about that onigiri

 

oh my gosh me too and the TAKOYAKI !!! I can make onigiri at home but the takoyaki *sobs*

 

Aaah I was super wondering why no vendor list had been released and the low dollar escaped me. I completely understand though that it's not DN's fault for lack of trying but rather that companies are simply declining. So sad, but I am sure it'll still be great.

 

It's hard for companies to decide where they can afford to attend, and more and more competing events are emerging around the same time as Doll North. Resin Rose was a couple weeks ago, and PNW BJD Expo is 1 week before us year, normally PNW falls on the exact same weekend as Doll North and companies have to decide. The flight to PNW is cheaper and closer for them as well, and the US doesn't have nearly as many expensive border and customs regulations as we do in Canada. Some companies also choose to ship their inventory back to their home office and it's enormously expensive in Canada (upwards of $1,000 for companies who bring dolls).

We're aware of all these pitfalls and doing as much as we can to make our event even more affordable and accommodating for International vendors, we sincerely hope the dollar will improve and there will be more interest in 2017.

Companies make a lot of their decisions based on demand so if there is a company you like that you know attends doll conventions please consider mentioning Doll North to them on social media. Let them know that it's your favourite doll event and if they came to Doll North they'd have at least one customer in you. If they know the customers are here and want to meet/buy from them hopefully we can continue to attract more interest

 

I remember you guys had baby the stars shine bright have a panel at doll north last year (I was there ;3) I would have expected some other big names popping up after that (even if just clothing/wigs/etc) but if the economy and customs are an issue what can you do :c

 

The internet was much better at the convention last year, I was running square and taking paypal payments (Which I'm doing again this year) and didn't have any issues.

I agree with what was said earlier though, if cash payments are being made I always take USD at face value as doing the exchange is hard on the spot, and costs me a fee later.

 

I'm actually really excited to go even if I'm broke, even if I've got no dollies friends... even if my only boy is huge and heavy! I'm still looking forward to it. Hopefully I can drag one non-doll friend with me some of the time.

 

This was amazingly helpful information! Thank you!!

 

For peeps selling at the con this year, what are your wares? Any one bringing any 1/3 boy bodies in normal skin? *winkwinknudgenudge*
I'm also hoping to see lots of slim mini clothes and shoes and lati/pukifee clothing as well! Fantasy themed!

 

There will be a bunch of different things there, I don't know if we're really allowed to talk about what we're selling at the event though since Inknow DoA doesn't generally allow sales talk outside the market.

 

I've been going to anime north every year for the past three years. I only just got into BJDs so I'm really excited to shop around doll north since I have a pass anyway! I'm hoping to find some eyes, or anything really, it's nice not to worry about shipping.

 

We added an event for the Doll Market on facebook, there is a Discussion wall on the event that customers and vendors can use to communicate. Hope this will help everyone find what they're looking for

2016 Doll Market

 

Information for the Workshops is now available in the news thread!

 

I started to look at the program and so many things look like fun! It’s hard to pick what to do as this is my 1st year i wanted to ask about the face up speed challenge and the project run way. Do we need to pre register for them? I would like to try my hand at one of them or both maybe.
also what is the swap meet like?

 

Hi again all!

This wont be my first Anime North but it will be my first Doll North as the last time I had a badge for AN was well before I was into this hobby. I wanted a badge last year but they were sold out already when I decided to go so I just kind of hung out... this year I was educated and got mine shortly after they went up for sale.

I know a few people mentioned face ups at DN itself. Is it fairly common that there are artists around that offer faceups at DN? I do have two blank dolls right now so if I could get one done over the weekend there, that would be amazing. Mostly asking to see if it's worth bringing her or not.

 

@rensuchan Ah yes, Anime North badges sell out so darn fast! Good thing there are Doll North-only admissions this year.
I am unsure about other faceup artists, but I personally will offer faceup slots. However, it would be more of a drop off situation, so that people can at least save a bit, by only paying the return shipping fee.

 

@dollyolly1

How exciting! Your first year at Doll North!

You don't have to register for the Project Runway challenge - just show up with a doll! I'm not certain about the speedy faceup challenge though, as this is the first time it's been offered as a game/panel. But, if it's anything like the other games, yo don't need to register.

Also, I'm not sure what the swap meet will be like either, as it's something brand new being offered. It seems as though it's for trading only, so it should be interesting!


@rensuchan

Faceup artists that work on doll heads at the con are not common. A few years back there were two artists that did work on the spot, but in the last couple of years that hasn't happened. Most likely there will be a faceup artist or two at the marketplace that will be offering slots where you hand over your doll head and get it back after the work is completed in the week(s) following the con.

 

@fansea @Elzaim TY for the info. I figured it may be something like that... I get so impatient when I have new dolls hehe.

I will probably bring her and see if I can drop off. fansea, do you have a place where I can view your work?

 

@rensuchan you can view my work here~ Or follow me on instagram~ (link in signature!)

 

The Face Up Speed challenge details are coming up very shortly, and should be our final update to the Doll North page on animenorth.com for 2016, we'll be sure to make an announcement once the details are up We hope participants will enjoy the new challenge.

Project Runway does not require pre-registration but there are a limited number of participation seats, so please arrive on time with your doll if you want to get a seat.

 

@Elzaim,
it is i havent been to any dolly type anyting in years.
thanks you for the info. hopping i have time over the long weekend in need for a spring cleaning in my doll stuff and hoping to sew and make a few things i can bring to the swap but should be fun to see what everyone brings



@SaturnRose
thank you for the info! going to keep an eye out for the face up speed challange
both of them look like fun!
super exited to attend for the 1st time

 

i'll have a luts ns 60cm body

 

I'm going to be bringing a few heads to maybe trade (I don't have a table or anything) and a bunch of SD/MSD clothes and wigs. I'm really hoping to find some clothes for my Impldoll Idol girl, and maybe get some wigs and eyes for a few of my dollies. I'm only getting DN tickets this year because I waited too long to start looking for weekend passes for AN and all the scalper prices are insane oh well, at least I get to hang out with lots of doll peeps!

 

I'm not sure what to do! I need to look at the schedule, but I'm shy and I don't know if I will be doing anything... I feel like I'm going to be standing in the hall with my doll just watching people!
I want to bring my Littlefee Ante, and hope to get pictures of her with other dollies.



Anyone else going to Doll North??

 

Me and Zoey will crash that party!
Gotta go to the market too, find a Pearl -a yo-sd- (Zoey's nerdish partner) harder yet will be her glasses.

It gets to them, they think it won't but you just gotta be patient and wait, they'll come lol

 

Here's hoping. I've even offered to shell my bestie's ocs into adorable dolls... but she doesn't want me to spend money on her. Later when I get enough funds she won't be able to argue if I say it's for me! Muahahah~!

 

In the spirit of doll camaraderie, I'll say a nice hello, I'm hard to miss, being male and all lol

 

I'm male too. You're not alone ^^

 

I know i'll be bringing at LEAST one non-doll friend. And possibly their significant other as well. I totally forgot to pack my camera though =w=; At least iphones take decent enough pictures haha...

 

Yay! I hope I can find you. It looks like you won't be the only dude. I'm not so I'll probably be lost in a sea of ladies. My doll is huge, and will be dressed as Kite from hunterxhunter. I don't know what I'm wearing yet. But I'll be looking very lost and new... I probably won't be hard to spot. Hehe. Also my boy has a very harsh noticeable yellowing... say hello to me anyone. I like to be called Cat. ^^

 

I'd like to think I'm really hard to miss because I'm not only male but also a minority lol.

Nonetheless if you want to say hi, look for the traits above and my dollfie dreams. I'll likely have one dressed in a Pokemon cosplay (the one in my profile pic) or one that's made to be Hanayo from Love Live.

 

Ok thank you. I'll see you there. Also I've decided to wear a bright pink yukata... that'll make all the things I'm gonna carry interesting. ^^'

 

I'm so excited for Doll North/Anime North tomorrow! I'm attending the con with non-dolly people so unfortunately I won't be attending many Doll North events. :/ BUT I will be by briefly tomorrow evening to drop off my photography contest entry so maybe I'll run into some of you lovely people then. I'm also planning on taking part in the selfie challenge. Hope everyone has a great time at the con!

 

I'm sure that'll be adorable :3

My appearance tomorrow will probably be pretty brief but I'll probably be hanging out at DN most of the day on Saturday and a lot of Sunday before I head back to the US. Hope to see you all starting... later today!

 

I'm still awake, packaging my stuff up for my Marketplace table on Sunday. I'm not even going to bother with pricing until I have my Friday evening down time. But everything is organized and packed up at least.

I'm bringing my MDD Rena, who still doesn't have a name. I think she's the only one who will be coming with me. I have a lot of other stuff to carry.

 

Cool. I'm always surprised that some people come up from the states for AN. Thanks I hope it is. I wasn't sure if I should go each day but I'll decide later, when the time comes. ^^

 

In my case I only live about 30 minutes from the Detroit, Michigan / Windsor, Ontario border so it's about the same drive as a trip to Chicago (maybe a little less even).

Likely I'll appear at DN tonight around 9 PM. I want to do something in the classic gaming room across the street at the Sheraton first :3

 

Ok cool. Have fun. I'll see u there if I haven't gone home already. The buses end kind of early.

 

Since I wasn't able to go yesterday I'm going today for sure. I'll be wearing white and pink lolita. Say hi anyone. Sorry I missed you. @rensuchan

 

You didn't actually haha. I ended up in the game room last night rather than DN. I'll be at DN probably most of today starting at about noon ish. See you there!

 

Cool beans see yang there. ^^

 

Does anyone know if the girl selling doll eyes in the artist alley has an etsy? I bought a pair and knew I should have picked up a second one, now I, regretting it. Hope I can find out her contact information or see her next year.

 

Well I probably saw you!