Sell Out Your Merch Booth: The Ultimate Guide to Selling Band Merch
Band or Artist merch isn’t just cool t-shirts anymore! It’s a way for fans to connect with their favorite bands and hold onto special memories. Maybe it’s a reminder of a killer concert or a way to show your love for a band every time you wear it.
Selling merch online has become a great way for many bands, big and small, to make money. Fans love supporting their favorite artists, whether it’s a famous headliner or a local act down the street. But selling merch online takes more than just throwing a few items on your website. To be successful, you need a plan and some know-how!
Step 1: Merch that Sells
Before diving in, figure out what kind of merch reflects your band’s unique style. Here’s how:
- Brand Yourself: Solidify your band’s identity – the colors, fonts, and logo that make you instantly recognizable. This will guide your entire merch design.
- Research is Key: See what bands similar to yours are selling. What’s popular with their fans? Get inspired, but don’t be afraid to add your own twist
- Fan Input Matters: Talk to your fans. Maybe there’s a forgotten album they’d love merch for, or a specific clothing style they prefer. Surveys and social media polls are your friends here.
- Create Your Merch List: Once you have ideas, make a list! Prioritize items that reflect your brand and what your fans want. You can always add more later.
Step 2: Budget and Products
Budget plays a big role, especially for indie bands. Let’s explore two types of merch to consider:
- Scalable vs. Custom Merch:
- Scalable: Think stickers, mugs, phone cases – affordable options for fans who want to show support without breaking the bank.
- Custom: This is where your creativity shines.Handwritten lyrics, autographed posters – these are special items for die-hard fans, allowing you to charge a premium.
- Digital Download Delight: Offer downloadable content like custom ringtones, personalized video messages, or online music lessons for tech-savvy fans.
- Planning Your Merch Timeline: Start with a few popular, easy-to-produce items. As you gain traction, you can introduce more options or limited-edition releases.
Step 3: Getting it Ready
- Pick Your Platform: Decide where you’ll sell your merch. Building your own website gives you complete control over branding and pricing. Consider using services like Printful and musifie for print-on-demand items
- Custom Touches: If you’re offering custom merch, factor in processing time. Consider pre-sale campaigns to gauge initial demand.
- Bulk Orders for Bigger Profits: Planning a tour? Bulk ordering merch with limited design variations can save you money. Just double-check your design specs and order well in advance!
Step 4: Setting Up Your Online Store
- Your Website is Your Merch Hub: Selling directly through your website gives you the most control. Platforms like Bandzoogle offer easy-to-use online stores with commission-free sales.
- Create a Seamless Experience: High-quality product images and clear, concise descriptions are key. Make your store easy to navigate, especially for first-time buyers.
- Start Small: Don’t overwhelm fans. Begin with a manageable selection of print-on-demand and custom merch options. Expand your offerings as sales grow.
- Mobile Matters: Ensure your store is mobile-friendly for seamless checkouts on the go.
Step 5: Spreading the Word
Just like your music, your merch needs promotion to generate sales:
- Fan Mail Power: Reach out to your email list with exclusive merch discounts or limited-edition designs.
- Social Media Buzz: Promote your merch on social media. Create engaging video shorts showing off new products or fun bundle combinations. Encourage fans to share photos of themselves rocking your merch using a specific hashtag.
- Landing Pages for Focused Campaigns: Highlight a new product launch with a dedicated landing page. This lets you track campaign performance and see what resonates with your fans.
- Data Drives Decisions: Once you have sales data, analyze what’s working and what’s not. Maybe digital merch is selling well – add a new sample pack! Consider expanding bestsellers with different colours or styles.
If you’re looking for a place where you can do all of this in one go, look no further because we have the solution for you. At musifie we have partnered with different companies to provide a seamless merch experience at rates better than you can imagine!
Merch isn’t just about making money; it’s about strengthening your connection with fans. By offering a variety of merch options and promoting them effectively, you can turn your music into a sustainable career while giving your fans a tangible way to show their love.
