Entry Level Traveling Anime Convention Vendor and Fandom Enthusiast

Job Description

Job Description

This is an entry level position for Fragmented Nostalgia, located in Maplewood Minnesota. This is an excellent opportunity to test the waters, and see if you have what it takes to be a convention vendor.

Requirements
You must be at least 18 years old to apply.
You must have a driver's license and the willingness to drive a larger vehicle, such as a Sprinter Van. You must live within a commutable distance from MN or provide justification for your application if you don't. 

The Gist
Are you passionate about anime and pop culture? Do you thrive in the high-energy, vibrant atmosphere of a convention? This isn't your typical retail job, its a rare chance to work in the Anime Industry! We are a traveling vendor of boutique, high-quality anime merchandise, and we're looking for dedicated team members to become the face of our brand.

We're not just selling products; we're building a community and creating an exceptional experience for everyone who visits our booth, from the casual fan to the most discerning collector. We are seeking passionate peers to join our convention road team for 1-2 weeks a month. If you are seeking a full time position, the other days are spent in the warehouse and mall store helping to prep for the weekends. 

Convention Job Summary:

• The Road Trip: This is where it begins. You must have a valid driver's license and be comfortable and confident driving a large van for extended periods. We vend from Seattle, to New York, to Orlando, and everywhere in between.
• The Build: Once we arrive, the real work starts. We transform an empty space into a must-see destination. This involves unpacking the van, moving merchandise, and physically building our entire booth setup. It’s a fast-paced, coordinated effort.
• The Main Event: For 8-12 hours a day, you are "on." You'll be engaging with customers and sharing your knowledge of our product lines to generate sales. This requires sustained energy, a positive attitude, and the ability to connect with a diverse range of personalities, including those who may be socially awkward.
• The Teardown: When the convention ends, we do it all in reverse. The booth is carefully packed up, loaded back into the van, and then we hit the road the next day.
• Team Autonomy: During the convention weekend, the team operates as a self-sufficient unit. You are responsible for managing your own time, energy, and personal needs to ensure you can perform at your best.
• Along with a regular salary, you will receive a daily food stipend, water and snacks are also provided. 

Key Traits That Will Make You Shine:

• Effortless Charisma: You find it easy to talk to anyone and everyone. Your upbeat attitude is infectious and can be sustained for long periods.
• Critical Thinker: You don't just identify problems; you proactively find solutions. You're adaptable and can think on your feet in a chaotic environment.
• Forward-Thinking: You see the bigger picture and are always thinking about how to make our process safer, faster, and more efficient.
• Responsible: Utilizing your intuition, experience and thinking skills in conjunction with your communication skills to ensure solutions meet expectations.
• Existing knowledge of anime, manga, and pop culture is immensely helpful and will give you a significant head start.
• Presentation: You maintain a polished and professional appearance, ensuring attire and personal grooming meet our standard for a clean, business-ready environment. 
• Physical Stamina: This is a physically demanding job. You must be able to lift, bend, squat, climb ladders, be on your feet for 10+ hours, and maintain high energy levels throughout the weekend.

Benefits/Perks

• Competitive wages
• Career Growth Opportunities
• Fun and Energetic Environment
• Ongoing training
• Employee Discount
• Free Food

Store Responsibilities 

• Opening and closing the store
• Assisting store manager and assistant managers on daily operations
• Coaching/training employees
• Opening and closing tasks
• Keeping neat and organized workplace to ensure efficiency standards
• Providing exceptional customer service with a positive attitude

Qualifications

• Six months of retail experience
• Key Holder/supervisor experience preferred
• Can handle a fast-paced working environment
• Exceptional customer service
• High School Diploma or equivalent