Possibility of Fan Fest shirts getting added to the store?

[CalamityXI]

I know this has probably been said multiple times in multiple threads but SE PLEASE see about getting a second print run of the Fan Fest shirts. There's multiple ways you can do it so only attendees could get it as well. For instance you could put them up and on waitlist and have people add their e-mails to the waitlist. Then after a period of time close that off and e-mails registered that correspond with fan fest attendee e-mails get e-mailed a code to add it to their carts (like with what you did with the second print of the Encyclopedia Eorzea). You could even do this and then order the shirts so you don't have to worry about overstock.

[Vilhem]

emails wouldn't work because not everyone used theirs to purchase a ticket. For example, my ticket was bought through my friend's account (since the website wouldn't let me through for some reason) and I just paid him cash at the event.

I would really like the shirts to be for sale though, as I too missed out on buying one because of the merch line fiasco.

[Ryuko]

I agree with you in principle. I was really bummed about not getting a shirt because I opted not to deal with the merch line fiasco. I was occupied with the cosplay contest for almost the entirety of the first day... at least up until the line was 'capped'. And on the second day, I assumed it would be just as bad so I didn't bother. Although some friends were letting me tag on their time slot, they were getting shirts *and* the shirt size I would have needed had sold out. So yeah, from that perspective... it was frustrating and I would love the opportunity to get a shirt.

On the flip side... The people who *did* wait 4-5 hours in line to get their merchandise are going to be beyond annoyed (to put it lightly) if they wasted nearly an entire day of the fan fest in line (during which time they couldn't even hear the panels -- if you look at the feedback thread) only to have the exclusive thing they wanted go up on sale after the fan fest is over. I understand where you're coming from, but I think giving even just fan fest attendees the option to buy things online will cause more turmoil than if they just left it the way it is. So basically... although it is *definitely* possible through the use of email verification and individualized links (like they did for the second batch of lore books), I'm not sure if they will want to open that can of worms.

All of this said, I would be *very* surprised if they didn't learn from this issue and just make sure the shirts were a default part of the goody bag in the future. That would cut down on line issues and keep everyone happy. Plus, I recall in 2014, I did not get to do Odin until the end of the day... yet they *still* had my size for shirts (small, which usually goes fast). So there was no stocking issues when they actually anticipated giving a shirt to everyone. Just when they are selling things...

Personally, I'd prefer if they did away with the merch store entirely and just gave us all codes to get 'first pick' of unique online purchases, like the lore book or Odin statue. It would work out better for everyone -- no more line fiascos, and everything can be handled by the online store. Plus, if there are inventory issues, they can roll stuff out rather than having to tell everyone they sold out. And, they wouldn't have to bring so much stuff to the fan fest. On the flip side, the merchandise being *physically there* will definitely cause people to splurge more than they otherwise would have... so it's a mixed bag.

[CalamityXI]

I was in that line for 5+ hours, I even was able to get a red ticket so I could get stuff Saturday. However by the time I was able to line up stuff started selling out. The Ravana shirt sold out in my size before I got to the ropes, and the hoodie in my size sold out 4 people ahead of me. I'm not asking for them to do this just so people can get stuff because they didn't wait in line, I'm asking because it's ridiculous that people spent a better part of their Fan Fest in line just to still not be able to get a simple shirt/hoodie.

[Ryuko]

I was in that line for 5+ hours, I even was able to get a red ticket so I could get stuff Saturday. However by the time I was able to line up stuff started selling out. The Ravana shirt sold out in my size before I got to the ropes, and the hoodie in my size sold out 4 people ahead of me. I'm not asking for them to do this just so people can get stuff because they didn't wait in line, I'm asking because it's ridiculous that people spent a better part of their Fan Fest in line just to still not be able to get a simple shirt/hoodie.

Oh, sorry. I didn't realize you stood in line. I agree with you and I'm sorry you couldn't get your shirt... especially if you were willing to put up with it! Bleh. I just didn't want to even try.