Did you know that most musicians make more money selling their merchandise than they do from music streaming platforms like Spotify or Apple Music? This might surprise you, but it’s the truth!
This makes you think: Are you giving your fans something they can take home and remember you by? Is your merchandise helping your brand grow? And could you be missing out on a big opportunity to earn more from your music?
This guide will walk you through the benefits of branded merchandise, some creative merchandise ideas you can offer your fans, and where to sell them.
Why Branded Merchandise Matters for Musicians
Branded merchandise can help you:
1. Generate income outside song sales
Branded music merchandise provides an additional source of income beyond online music sales. It reduces your reliance on streaming revenue and gives you more control over your earnings with a steady income.
2. Connect with your fans
When your fans wear your merchandise, it makes them feel like they’re part of your world. It gives them that special feeling of community and increases their loyalty to your brand.
3. Grow your brand without ads
Every T-shirt, cap, or tote bag becomes a powerful marketing tool. When someone wears your merchandise, they help spread your name and music to a broader audience.
Best-Selling Merchandise Ideas for Musicians
You don’t need to sell everything; you only need to sell the right merchandise. Here are the items we recommend:
- Branded T-shirts: Branded T-shirts are one of the most popular merchandise items for musicians. They’re a classic choice that connects your fans and promotes your brand. You can make yours unique by designing with your logo, album covers, or some of your catchy lyrics. Above all, ensure the shirts are stylish and of high quality.
- Limited-edition Vinyl Records: Limited-edition vinyl is a powerful music merchandise item. Its physical design, limited-time offer, and exclusive artwork make it a coveted collectible. Adding your autograph and custom visuals enhances the value and makes it highly appealing to loyal fans.
- Hoodies: Hoodies are a high-profit music merchandise item that fans love. Their higher cost means that even with fewer sales, they can still generate significant profit for you. Custom designs, song lyrics, or album artwork make them both fashion statements and collectable music merchandise.
- Phone Cases: If you want practical and trendy merchandise that your fans will use every day, then go for branded phone cases. You can customize them with your artwork or a catchy lyric to promote your brand. They’re budget-friendly, customizable, and perfect for modern-day fans.
- Stickers, pins, and posters: Stickers, pins, and posters are cost-effective merchandise ideas for musicians. They are simple to create, low-cost to produce, and excellent for promoting your brand, as fans will have them on their laptops, bags, and more.
- Wireless Headphones: Wireless headphones are a premium merchandise item that combines practicality with style. Personalized with your logo or design, they offer your fans convenience, greater freedom of movement, and superior quality sounds.
Where to Sell Your Merchandise
You don’t have to own a physical shop to sell your merchandise. You can sell them:
- At your live shows: Set up a merch table; fans love to buy in the moment.
- On your music website: You have full control of your merchandise sales on your website.
- Through online stores: Online stores, such as Bandcamp, Shopify, or Merchbar, offer easy setups with tools designed to assist artists.
- Social media: Instagram Shops and TikTok Storefronts help convert views into sales.
Harness Our Creativity at UCT (Asia)!
Your fans already love your music. Give them something to show it. Start building your merchandise line today and increase your earnings. Need help creating custom merchandise that sells? Contact UCT (Asia) now and let’s bring your music brand to life.
