Trader guidelines
Overview
These guidelines are for all traders attending Empire events. If you are interested in trading at an Empire event please make sure that you have read these rules carefully.
The trade area is the centre of the event, and includes the main sets built to support the event, such as the tavern and the senate. Most of the rules and regulations for trading at events are designed to ensure that we maintain a high level of immersion in this area.
No Spaces at Present
At present, due to the popularity of the game with players and traders, we are unable to accept any new requests for trade pitches at the event. If you wish to be added to the waiting list for a pitch then please contact us.
Trader Liaison
Our trader liaison exists to help with trading queries between and at events. Their role is to be a first point of contact and ensure that we provide you with effective support so that you can trade successfully at our events. Our current trader liaison is Angel.
Trade Items
Weapon
Please remind all players that they must have weapons, shields, bows and arrows checked by a weapon checker before they use them at the event. They must not assume that an item automatically passes. We hope to have some signs available for all traders at the next event, which let players know what the situation is with weapon checking, please make sure that these are displayed prominently in your tent.
Non IC Items
It is perfectly fine to sell items that do not fit the Empire genre at our events, provided they are not on display at the front of the shop. Items that do not fit the game should only be displayed inside your tent or stall.
Alcohol
Traders are not permitted to sell alcohol at events.
Set up and Take-down
Arrival
You may arrive on site at any time from the Wednesday before the event onwards. Traders are encouraged to come early and have their stalls set up before the players arrive, so there is no charge for early arrival for traders.
Tents
All tents in the IC area must conform to the rules for tents published in the basic costume guidelines. Specifically it is not possible to put dome tents or party tents in the IC area.
Costume
All traders must wear costume that is suitable for the setting while in the IC area.
Departure
You may bring vehicles onto the site and begin taking your stall down as soon as the event ends at 3pm on the last day. Please do not start taking your stall down before this time as it disrupts the event for players.
Electricity
Provision
Generators are not permitted in the IC area so we provide power to all traders with a pitch at the event. The price for this is included in the pitch fee. This power is intended to run lights and small low power utility devices - you cannot use our power supply for electrical heating at an event.
Usage
Traders with a small pitch may have up to 200 watts, traders with a large pitch may have up to 400 watts. You cannot run a kettle, toaster or any electrical device that produces heat.
Connections
Do not plug anything into any socket outlet until it has been checked by a member of the Profound Decisions electrical team. Electrical team members can be contacted via GOD or via the event crew on the radio. Remember, there are a lot of traders and it may take a short period of time to get a member of the team to your location.
Safety
If the PD crew electricians are not happy with the safety of a device then you will not be allowed to use it. You will not be able to use the device at the event and will need to secure any such items in your trader vehicle.
Booking and Prices
Account
To trade at our events your account on our website must be approved by our trader liaison. Once that is done you will be able to use the regular website to book tickets and a pitch to trade at events.
Price
Every person who attends a Profound Decisions event must have a valid ticket - this includes yourself (if you are attending the event) and everyone who is working on your stall.
Please see the main Profound Decisions website for ticket prices. In addition you can purchase a pitch in the main trading area in the centre of the site. All normal ticket discounts apply for traders attending an event.
Pitch prices are £15 for a small pitch and £30 for a large pitch if booked during the 'early booking' period. The prices increase to £30 and £50 respectively if booked during the 'late booking period'. We do not accept requests to trade after the late booking period has ended.
Pitch Sizes
A small pitch is up to 20m2, a large pitch is anything over this size. The size is taken from the sides of the tent, not the footprint of your guy ropes.
Trade stall members
Please contact us to book tickets for staff who are working your pitch. We will add the staff to your booking, which will ensure that your invoice is correct.
VAT Invoices
A VAT invoice is automatically available from your Profound Decisions account for all bookings made using your account.