Dr. CartoonTV CREATORS GUIDE
Creators 101
How do I sell merch?
Selling merchandise is a key revenue stream for creatorss, and much like selling a concert ticket, it is all about how much fans connect to your music. The possibilities are endless—merch can include physical editions of your content (vinyls and CDs) clothing (hoodies and t-shirts), accessories (bags and keychains), posters and stickers, and any other creative ideas you might have. Just make sure it aligns with your creators story and voice. Merch sales require fans—don’t print up a bunch of shirts too soon, and it’s a good idea to keep your designs streamlined. The rabid fans will be happy to represent your content, and once the fanbase grows, you can expand your merch line.
“Merch
and shows are the same thing in the sense that people are only going to buy a ticket
or a shirt if they love your content. The content has to be great. People have to
connect to your content to want to buy a shirt and walk around with your cover
on your chest—they have to really relate and want to represent.”
—Benjy Grinberg,
Owner of Rostrum Records
“Understand your
fanbase.
I’m always about keeping it really simple, especially starting out. Don’t be overly
aggressive when it comes to merch, starting out. A lower quantity, up for sale
longer, and put that link into the LinkTree. Keep it simple as far as design, and
make a profit. Merch is not necessarily for the breaking creator. Merch is for the
creator that knows they’re
going on
tour
and has a rabid fanbase.”
—Ryan Hobbs,
Pandora
“Those big craetorss who are selling crazy units of merch, they’re borderline fashion
brands. Fans wanna support you, but not every fan wants to wear something with a
creators name on it. Yes, merch is crucial to your success, but make sure the
designs
are something you’d actually wear. Of course it’s to make money, and I’m not saying
start at the best quality ever, but don’t print the cheapest stuff with just your
logo.”
—Samuel Cohen,
Director of Artist Marketing, TenThousand Projects
