03 May 4 Tips for Selling Merchandise At Concerts
Selling merchandise is optional, but having this option available allows fans to support your music directly other than by buying show tickets. Merch is a visual representation of your art and when anyone displays your artist or band name, you are increasing your brand’s reach. Use a sticker, shirt, baseball cap or whichever type of item you like to get your name out there and to give people the option to take home a memento of your awesome show! Artists looking to book shows can go to shows.fanflex.com/signup to create an artist profile and access a list of venues that need live music. Read the following four tips on how to sell merchandise at concerts.
1. Prepare for a successful setup
First, ask the venue if they have merch tables available. Having the venue provide a table for you saves the effort of having to transport a table in addition to your instruments and/or equipment. By asking the venue beforehand, you also find out if a fee is involved.
Once you know the dimensions of where you can display your merch, think about how you can place items to catch people’s attention. If you know you are playing in a dark room, consider including fun sources of lighting such as glowsticks. Make the shopping experience easier for people by having a printout of the items you are selling along with prices and accepted forms of payment.
2. Tell people you have merch!
Warm up the crowd by playing a few songs then in the middle of your set tell people that you have merch available for sale and where they can go to find your merch. At the end of your set, remind people how they can support you. Try your best to go on stage with one of your merch items that most of the audience would be able to see. This is an opportunity to showcase your products without having to redirect people to the merch table.
3. Offer various payment methods
Usual payment methods include cash, card readers, and popular digital payment systems. As previously recommended, be sure to have these payment options known by listing them on a printout. If you have cash as one of your payment options, have change available.
4. Interact with fans
When you are at your table, give people enough space to browse through items at their desired pace and be readily available for any questions. Even if a person walks away with no items, at the very least you’ll have the chance to tell them more about your art.
Conclusion
Merchandise helps to get your name known and provides another form of income. Take note of the items you sell the most and use those insights to create new items that fans will enjoy. As you have more experience selling merch, you’ll have a better idea of how to customize the shopping experience for supporters of your music.