Are anime conventions a rip off ?

Oh? As for myself, I only visit FACTS in Gent. I go there to get things cheaper than usual. I got many Trigun, FF10, Inuyasha and LOTR figures for $12, while they're usually around $20 and more.

But on conventions, one's usually "in the mood", and sellers know that. It's somehow more fun to buy at a con rather than to buy by clicking buttons.