Getting Started With Merch — Step Three: All The Best to All The Rest

Continuing the series discussed here. Part One is here, part two is here.

We’re still droning on about merchandise here, and for good reason; it’s an integral part of how modern artists get paid. A lot of these articles assume that you’ve already got some merch, and you want to make it better. That’s all well and good, but what about artists who are just getting started with merch?

This guide aims to make monetizing your band a painless process. We’ve talked about your music, and basic wearables; and while those are the meat-and-potatoes of your merch table (or vegan soy jerky, if that’s your jam), you also want to look at different items — especially lower-cost offerings. Bottom line,  if you’re not selling these items, you’re probably selling yourself short. 

Let’s dive into the wonderful world of random swag, shall we?

Other Wearables

So! You’ve got a couple t-shirts, maybe a hoodie or two. Awesome.

But there are so many other body parts that aren’t covered in your gear. And that simply won’t do.

Hats

If video games have taught us one thing, it's that people love buying hats.

Jokes aside, there’s a gold mine of opportunity here, so long as you tailor it to your crowd. Beanie hats are always a good idea — more so if you’re someplace with cold winters, but good either way — and bandannas with your logo have countless uses, and make a nice impulse purchase. Take a look at your audience, and take notes. See a lot of snapback trucker hats? Get one with your logo on it, and watch your fans go nuts.

Sweatbands

Don’t laugh – these can be money, if you know your audience. First off, there’s the classic wrist “sweatband” style, beloved by 80’s workout aficionados, as well as drummers who hate dropping their sticks mid-song, and anyone else whose wrists are either cold or sweaty. These can be cheap, fun, and you can also get headbands while you’re at it. Depending on the style of your scene, this is either a license to print money, or a waste of it – so do your research and pay attention. But if it works for you, it’s a solid revenue stream.

Also, don’t sleep on headbands – they’re not just “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” style (though you can certainly get those too); modern polar fleece headbands are super-popular in cold-weather climates, and in certain segments of the post-hardcore scene. Either way, they’re ridiculously cheap if bought in bulk, and make a nice, unique touch for your fans.

Wristbands

Not to be confused with the above, modern wristbands — think those “Livestrong” or “WWJD” bracelets — are stupidly cheap to produce, and can go with pretty much any outfit. Drop a small version of your logo, and band name or lyric on one, and you’re good to go. 

Classic Add-Ons

If you don’t have these, get some, full stop, no excuses.

Stickers

Inexpensive for you and your fans, easy free advertising – they’re a classic for a reason. Sell’em for a buck, give’em away with CDs – it’s all good.

Buttons

Inexpensive for you and your fans, easy free advertising – they’re a classic for a reason. If you’ve got crafty friends, or cash to drop up-front, you can also buy your own button maker, and proceed to make money hand-over-fist.

Posters

Super cheap to make, easy to autograph; a staple for a reason. If you tour, do a new one for each tour; suddenly, you’ve got collectibles.

Good to Go

With these staples in place, you can set up your merch table with confidence, knowing that you’ve got at least something for every fan.