PIÑATA
SWEATER
Justin Bieber http://justinbiebermusic.com
Slayer http://slayer.net
Sometimes you just have to smack something. Of course, with the Bieb’s face on it––it’s even more delicious. Actually, there have been a few acts that used piñatas during their shows. One was even filled with joints for stoner fans.
You can spice up your fans’ holidays with a colorful sweater––just like Slayer did.
LIGHT SWITCH COVER Metallica http://metallica.com
Not content with dominating the heavy rock scene, Metallica is now into interior design.
CUM RAG
Tenacious D http://tenaciousd.com
It is the same size as a golf towel, but it isn’t a golf towel.
!"#$%"$&'(($)"*'$ )'*+!,-./&' 1. Set up your merch table in a high-traffic area Near the entrance or exit is good, or even near the restrooms. 2. Make the merch table a “Go To” place Decorate it …Use lighting and display cases, whatever makes it stand out. 3. Hire an experienced person to work your merch table They should be there all the time––especially while you’re performing. And make sure they can up-sell and make deals. 4. Let people know that you have merchandise available If you keep it a secret, you won’t sell anything––mention it from the stage. In fact, announce that you’ll be at the merch table to meet with fans. That will sell even more. 5. Keep prices reasonable Consider the venue and your fans. Prices that suit both will lead to more sales. 6. Sell a range of merch: COOL MERCH SELLS More options appeal to more customers. 7. Offer Bundle-Deals If you sell a CD for $12 and a shirt for $15, sell both for $25. 8. Offer something FREE with a purchase People love getting free stuff––a poster, sticker or maybe an old CD.
PILLOWCASE
Morrissey http://facebook.com/ morrissey
Considered one of the most influential indie artists around, Morrissey is known to be a bit odd. And this pillowcase proves it.
ACTION FIGURE
Lemmy Kilmister http://imotorhead.com
The leather jackets Motörhead sells make sense. This action figure (real chain-smoking action), however, is pure Lemmy madness.
9. Accept credit/debit cards Accepting plastic will result in more sales. Use Card Readers that plug into your phone, like the Square Card Reader (http://squareup.com).
SEX KIT
Rammstein http://rammstein.de Rammstein destroy all decorum with this item––which is actually a fan favorite. The kit features a selection of Rammstein endorsed vibrators, a pair of handcuffs and some exotic lotions… oh, and there’s also a copy of their album. Despite the hefty price tag ($390), the kit sold out in a matter of days.
SNUGGIE
Weezer http://weezer.com The only thing weirder than KISS ketchup is the fact that Weezer sells Snuggies. But, if you’re a fan of nerd-rock, staying warm and early-morning infomercials then the Weezer Snuggie––aka the Wuggie––is for you.
10. Go into the crowd to sell your merch By approaching the audience directly, merch sales can increase by almost 40 percent. 11. Whoever is selling your merch should be wearing your merch It looks cool, helps sales and gets them psyched. Print “Crew”––or give them a “Crew” lanyard––and they’ll work harder for you. 12. Give your merch to whoever booked you into the club Same goes for sound guys, DJs, program directors and other industry folks. 13. Have friends / fans wear your merch and hang out in front of the venue before your show Give a couple Tees to the hottest girls and guys at the venue, and take a picture of them wearing it. Nothing creates a buzz like having people walking around with your gear on. 14. Don’t underestimate the power of friends and family Give away your merch as gifts. They’ll wear it to the mall, soccer practice, in school… wherever they go. 15. Always have a Tip Jar at your merch table A tip jar allows people to show their appreciation. Without one, you will definitely not make that money. 16. The more gigs you play, the more merch you’ll sell The simple fact is, most merch is sold at live shows. To learn more about what sells and what doesn’t, see “The Twenty Most Profitable Pieces of Merch” at http:// digitalmusicnews.com/permalink/2012/120906merch
September 2013
musicconnection.com 43