Selling merchandise is one of the best ways to sell products and monetise your artist brand.
It always has been.
Fans buy t-shirts and other merch items as a way to express their musical taste.
Not only have you had a meaningful transaction with fans, but their wearing your brand as they go about their life is a great way to get your name out there.
Your merch is more than a side hustle—it’s a connection to your fans. Whether you’re selling at shows, online, or via print-on-demand, a strong setup and great design are key. Use tools like SumUp, Bandcamp, Shopify, or Patreon to power sales, and always encourage fans to share their merch moments online. Remember: great merch starts with great design.
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Introduction
The Merch Table
For all you gigging artists out there, your merch table is your best friend. It's prime real estate to sell your stuff right after you've wowed the crowd. A solid setup is key—think eye-catching and easy access.
Tools for the job:
SumUp: For easy card payments.
Local T-shirt Printer: Support local businesses and get some quality tees made.
A Table: Duh, but a sturdy one that can handle all your awesome merch.
E-commerce
Did you know you can set up your own online store to sell your merch? Yep, no label needed! There are tons of platforms to choose from that make it easy to list products, set up a shopping cart, and handle checkouts.
Tools for the job:
WooCommerce, WordPress, Squarespace: For building your site.
Stripe, PayPal, Shopify: For handling payments.
An online store also helps you stay connected with your superfans. Offer them promo codes, and watch your merch fly off the virtual shelves.
Bandcamp
This one's a gem for indie artists. Bandcamp lets you sell your music and merch side by side. Bundle them up, offer promo codes, and create a hub for all your fans to visit.
Bandcamp is perfect if you're just starting out. Once you've hit its limits, you can always upgrade to a more custom solution.
Print-on-demand
Worried about investing in stock and not selling it all? Print-on-demand is your answer. Design your products, and these platforms will handle the printing and shipping. You just need to promote them.
Tools for the job:
Spring
Printful
Promoting Merch
Whether it's a tee, mug, or CD, get your fans to show off your merch on social media. Encourage them to post selfies and tag you. Repost these, and show your community some love—they'll give it back tenfold.
Patreon
Here's a bonus tip. Patreon is an awesome platform for creating membership packages with exclusive content and perks. Offer merch as part of your higher-tier packages to sweeten the deal and get some steady financial support.
The Number One Tip for Selling Merch
Your designs matter. Team up with a designer who gets your vibe and can create something that truly represents your music. Go beyond just logos—create an authentic design that resonates with your audience. Mix it up with variations that stay true to your style.
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