Most bands rely on merch sales to stay afloat and keep making music. The right merch can increase revenue, promote your brand, and rally fans behind your message. Shirts are a staple for any merch table. But what else is worth adding to your lineup?
T-Shirts
One of the best custom merchandise for bands you can sell is something your fans already wear: shirts. A shirt with your band’s name and logo is a low-cost, high-impact item. Another excellent merch idea is creating a product line that showcases your album art. Personalized mugs and throw pillow covers are great examples of merchandise that allows the album cover art to be seen by a larger audience. Collaborate with artists and illustrators to produce these unique merch items. Offer them for sale at shows or on your website to get fans creatively involved in your brand image. Fans will haphazardly advertise your band when they play these games with friends, too!
Posters
Posters and tapestries bring your album art into fans’ homes. You can also design mugs, bookmarks, or calendars that feature your album art and keep you top of mind with your fans whenever they use them. Cell phone cases are another popular merch item. They’re inexpensive to produce and can help generate interest in your band before your show even starts for fans who want to keep their lighters in the crowd. CDs might not be as standard as once, but they can still be valuable to your merch lineup. They make your music repeatable and portable, allowing fans to develop relationships with your sound.
Socks
Adding band-themed socks to your merch lineup is an easy way to boost sales. Fans will love the creative graphics, while you’ll enjoy the revenue boost from the eye-catchingdesigns. Caps are another popular merch item. You can use them to promote your tour dates and concerts, while fans will be able to sport your band’s unique style. Stickers are another must-have for any merch table. They’re affordable to get produced and are a great way to collect email addresses from invested fans. You can also offer them as a free giveaway to build brand awareness.
Messenger Bags
Whether it’s a suitcase, a sling bag, or a pouch, a messenger bag creates an instantly recognizable brand connection for fans. Easily design one with your logo, album artwork, and other custom elements to sell at shows or in an online store. Musician fans will love a lyric book, which provides an intimate insight into your creative process and connects them to the songs they love. A hat is another must-have merch item that can be personalized with a song title or lyrics. A bookmark with a band photo or poster is another popular merch item that raises brand awareness every time it’s read. Puzzles are another great idea that is fun for fans to solve and are perfect for gifting.
Blankets
Blankets are an essential part of any band’s merch line. They keep fans warm and offer a unique way to show off their love for your music. Custom blankets can be made from various materials, including polyester, mink, cotton, and fleece. They can also be designed with song lyrics or artwork to create a fantastic keepsake for fans. Other merch items that can be creatively designed include drumsticks and sunglasses. These are perfect for bands with a distinct look or those wanting to reach a younger audience. Stickers and decals are another great option, as they can be used on various surfaces, acting like mini mobile billboards for your music.
QR Codes
During the COVID-19 pandemic, restaurants replaced their paper or laminated menus with QR Code decals that opened online versions of their entire menu. Consumers could then scan the codes with their phones to view, share, or order items from their menu. Stickers are a great addition to any band’s merch table because they are practical and creative. They can be applied to water bottles, laptops, or phones, allowing fans to show off their band love. Offering customized cell phone cases is another good way to increase merch sales at your gigs. These can feature your original artwork or your album cover design. They also make great gifts for fans.