FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When does PLAZA run?
PLAZA will be open to the public from the 9th to the 31st of March 2023. Exhibitors will have access to set up their displays for 3-5 days ending on the 7th. The regions will be open for Press preview and a specialty groups on the 8th of March before we open to the public. Press preview and soft opening days are not considered setup days, and rezzing will be turned off.
When will applications open?
Applications are open already! We are also in the process of sending out notices to stores and groups inworld. There is no set cutoff date at the moment, but many spaces fill up quickly. Please take a good look at the list and decide which size/space would be best for you, and then which ones would be second best. You can find more information on space sizes here.
When will I know if I have been accepted?
After you’ve filled out your form, there will be a waiting period.
We cannot give you a definite date for when you will receive your acceptance at this point, but can assure you that we will respond as soon as we possibly can.
Other events reply at once, why do you need so much time?
It takes the organizers time to place people and figure out which stores work best on which sims. It might be difficult to be patient, and we’re always available to answer questions, but you will not get your sim/space assignment immediately.
OK I get it. What should I do while I wait?
The time we spend before we reply is valuable time for you to work on your planning your display. For those who find themselves waiting until the last minute, we get it. We’ve all been there, but can assure you being prepared earlier will make your setup run so much smoother.
After your space/sim has been chosen and the information given back to you, take into consideration the size of your space, and how you want to present your product. Only the smallest spaces have pre-rezzed stores. All other spaces are empty parcels and you will need to provide your own structure if you want one. You are also welcome to have an open-air space.
What about payment? How and when do I pay my PLAZA fees?
When we send the acceptance notifications, we will also let stores know when to pay for their space, payment transaction history should be sent to the resident: LuxaMagazine
When can I set up?
The organizers will be given access to the sims first, to lay down paths, put up signs, place buildings where needed and make landmarks. Once all those things are completed, we will invite stores to come in and set up.
I have to get in early, I’m sure you can fix that?
No, we cannot let you in earlier than everyone else.
You will have a set number of days to place your items and get your space in check. Setup days are 15th-19th May for everyone. Please mark these days in your calendar already, so you won’t forget them.
Why doesn’t my Caspervend vendor work? What/How/Where is the event script?
Caspervend vendors must have the event script to run at PLAZA. Need helping setting that up? See the page Caspervend Event Vendor Script.
What do I do when I’ve set up my display?
Once you are set up, contact an organizer to review your space, and you’re done! At that point, you’re free to wander around and check out the other stores, but please do not get in the way of them setting up. We all need time free from interruptions to get our items just as we want them.
What are the spaces, and which might be best suited for me?
Some space sizes move quickly because there fewer of each per sim. Don’t overwhelm yourself if you’re a new store to the event – you may be better with a small space. It’s much better to shine in a cozy space than fizzle out in a larger space you paid a fortune for and aren’t able to fill. We want everyone to be able to bring their best.
Because we are limited to 8 of some size spaces across the entire event, it’s nearly impossible for the sign-up form to stay accurate up to the minute. You may be able to apply for the space, but those sizes may already be full. This is why it’s extremely important to choose early and have a second and perhaps third choice prepared.
I can rez whatever I make, right?
With some exceptions, yes. We have a structure height limit of 20 meters measured from the region’s water level. If you have an item reaching above this height, for instance trees, you are required to let one of the organizing staff know as soon as possible. Tall structuures should be placed on the outer edge of the sims, so they don’t block the view for your neighbours. If you do not let us know in advance, and set up a build that reaches above this height, it will be returned without notice.
What if I don’t like the space chosen for me?
We want you to sell a lot, just as you want to. Not only of your donation items, but of all the items you bring. You deserve to make some money back for your contribution to the charity, in addition to introducing your store to new customers who may have not heard of you before. If you have problems with our choices, we will certainly try and work with you, (if you let us know as early as possible,) but due to the sheer number of stores we’re organizing, we are unable to make any promises. Even if you don’t immediately like your space, give it a chance and allow us to prove you wrong. Everybody on the organizing staff have years of experience as both participants and organizers of this event. Please trust that we’ve gathered the necessary information about your store and products, and spent months sorting through everything to choose a space we are convinced will be best suited for you to shine!
I have adult items, but the sims are moderate. What are my options?
PG friendly ADs only please. You can sell and demo items with adult animations. We suggest a clothes on sign near such items. You are also welcome to provide a LM to your main store where customers can test the items in a lag free/adult friendly environment.
How can I do my part to help keep lag down, keep customers happily moving around, and save everyone some headaches?
Consider lag when planning your display. You may have some decor you absolutely love, but it contains a ton of unnecessary scripts that will contribute to lag. Please believe that yes, your one over-scripted item will have an impact on customers’ abilities to get around.
If they can’t get around, they can’t shop, and then we all lose out. So remove any unnecessary scripts, especially from decor items you do not have marked for sale. Unless they are a structural necessity, it is also advised to set physics to none.
Textures are often uploaded with alpha / transparency even if they don’t have any transparent parts. Make it a habit to edit your items and check that alpha is set to none unless you make use of alpha for emission or transparency. If possible, switch from alpha blending to alpha masking. A cutoff around 125 is a good place to start adjusting to find the point where your item looks the best. Alpha masking is useless for glass, but brilliant for plants etc.
We also suggest that you make your textures as small as possible without losing quality, and use each texture many times if possible.
Not only are lots of sounds/lights/particles that can be seen outside of your space annoying to your neighbors and not allowed, but they reek havoc with lag. Plaza is not a one-store carnival, and attempting to stand out by use of extreme attention tactics will not only hurt your sales, but also your neighbors’. In addition, the organizers reserve the right to send these types of items back if they appear too annoying and distract from the event.
My store also sells clothes/shoes/skin/hair/gestures, etc. I can sell all these at Plaza right?
No.
You may not sell clothes, shoes, hair, skins, nails, or anything that is not a home and garden item.
The ONE exception to this is any of these items that serve as display only, and are never intended to be worn. If you are selling a closet, for instance, and you want to fill it with shoes and hanging or folded clothes. Or maybe you have a pile of clothes laying on the floor in a laundry room setup – perfect! Have at it.
I just found out the store you placed next to me is owned by someone I really dislike. Help! Move me, please!
We are all adults, and should be able to respect and work with each other. But yes, we acknowledge there are some situations where one store may not want to be located near another specific store for whatever reason – personal or commercial. Let us know when you sign up, and we will try and work around this for you. That said, this is not middle school, and we do not like or participate in cliques. Do not abuse this option, or use it to bully or harass another store. Please also keep in mind, this may mean you do not end up with as great a space as you would have by trying to get along.
My space needs terraforming. Give me a shovel already!
Yes, we can help you with this. Just let us know as early as possible. We will not alter your land in a way that will cause issues for your neighbors. Please keep this in mind when choosing your space, as smaller spaces make terraforming difficult.
What else can I do to promote my store at the event?
As with all events, you are required to set out an event sign at your main store. If you are a Marketplace-only store, you are required to list the event in your profile pics until it ends.
We appreciate any notices sent to your customer base, (subscriber and/or group lists,) as well as mentions on Facebook, Flickr, and any other blogs or websites you use to promote your store.