Make Money Selling Merch

Selling band merchandise online and at shows, items like cds, t-shirts, tote bags, hats, hoodies, and stickers, can be a great revenue stream and marketing tactic for indie bands. Shop around for the best deals and read reviews, so you choose a company that offers a good deal and makes quality swag.  Start off with low quantities, so if items do not sell, or you are unsure as to how your fan base will respond, you will not be left with a bunch of unsold, unwanted merch.

Here are five tips to selling your merch:

1. Presentation: If you want to make a sale, you have to make your merchandise appealing to your customers. Present it properly — don’t pull it out of a cardboard box and expect fans to go crazy over it. Set up your merch prior to the show at a dedicated space (perhaps you should conside buying your own table and tent for outdoor shows) and make it attractive. Create a price sheet on lamented paper that’s easy to read, hang your shirts from a display, possibly a grid wall, and organize your items. Remember to bring a light so fans can see what you have for sale.
2. Payment: Make it easy for your them to buy. Have change on hand, and offer payment by credit card. There are apps and adaptors for phones that allow you to accept credit cards on site; and if you do, make sure your fans know it: get a sign that says “we accept Visa/Mastercard/American Express.”  Most newer phones do not even need an external device, you can simply download an app like square and tap the card on the back of the phone.
3. Variety: Think about your audience. Are they the type of fans that might be interested in a tote bag with your logo? Or a t-shirt? A beer glass or a mug? Picks, posters, bracelets, vinyl? Consider your audience and make sure the merch you sell appeals to them.
4. Awareness: Do your fans know you that you even have merch for sale? Announce it at every show where it is available.  Also announce on social media that you will be selling merch at shows.  Showcase new merch as it comes in.  At shows, can fans easily see your merch table and get to it? If they don’t know, they won’t buy. Plug your online store frequently and showcase individual items.
5. Bargains and special offers: Everyone likes something that not everyone else has. Consider doing a limited edition run of t-shirts, or if you buy a cd or a thumb drive with music and photos, you get a sticker for free. Make your fans feel special by giving them special deals that they won’t get at every other show.  Offer autographed items.

When selling at shows, make sure that the person manning your table is trustworthy, approachable and friendly. Make sure that the items you’re selling are appropriate for your audience, and that your presentation is up to par.  When selling online, ship orders quickly, package them properly, and offer a tracking number, when possible.

Now, go make some bank!