How to sell band merch: a guide to your first drop

Want to sell band merch without ending up with a box full of unsold shirts?

A lot of artists go too big, too fast—ordering more than they can move, picking the wrong items, or launching before anyone’s ready to buy.

This guide shows how to do your first merch drop the smart way:

• When to launch
• What to make
• How much to order
• Where to get it made
• And how to actually sell it

Let’s break it down.

Are you ready to sell merch?

You don’t need a massive following—but you do need signals that people want what you're making.

Look for signs like:

• Fans asking about merch
• Decent turnout at shows
• A consistent online presence
• A clear visual identity (logo, color palette, design vibe)

If that sounds like you, you’re probably ready. If not, it’s okay to hold off—or test the waters with something small, like stickers.

What merch should you make first?

Start small. Focus on things that are easy to produce, easy to ship, and make sense for your fan base:

• T-shirts: One design, one color, black or white. Simple = smart.
• Stickers: Super affordable and easy to include with other orders.
• Totes, hats, patches: Great if they fit your audience and aesthetic.
• CDs, tapes, vinyl: Physical music is niche but meaningful. Know your crowd before committing.

Not sure what people want? Ask. Run a quick poll on Instagram or email your list.

How much merch should you make?

This is where artists often overspend. Use these guidelines:

• T-shirts: Start with 50–100
• Stickers: 250–500
• Other items: 10–25 to test demand

If you’re playing 100-cap rooms, selling 3–5 shirts is a win. Preorders are another safe option—they help fund production and gauge real interest.

Where to get merch made

It depends on your budget, timeline, and how much control you want. Here are your main options:

Screen printing (local or online)

• Best for bulk and quality
• Higher upfront cost
• Full control over design and materials

Print-on-demand (POD)

• No inventory or upfront costs
• Lower margins
• Good for testing ideas or offering passive online sales

DIY

• Screen print, stencil, sew, fold zines, etc.
• Time-intensive, but adds a unique, personal feel

Tip: Always order a sample first. What looks good on your screen might not look the same in real life.

How to promote your first merch drop

Treat it like a music release. Build some hype, then launch with a plan.

• Tease it early: Mockups, behind-the-scenes shots, sketches
• Tell a story: Why this design? Why now?
• Add urgency: Limited runs feel special
• Email your list: Short and clear with one image and a link
• Text reminders: Great for launch day or last-chance notices
• Give early access: Use Patreon, Discord, or private links
• Include bonuses: Stickers, handwritten notes, extras
• Show it off: Wear it, bring it to shows, repost fans wearing it

Where to sell your band merch

Start with tools you already use:

• Bandcamp: If you're already using it, it's a natural first step
• Big Cartel or Shopify: Great for standalone stores
• At shows: Bring a bin, a simple display, and accept mobile pay
• Your website or bio link: Add a merch page or link directly to your store

Pro tip: Print a QR code and tape it to your merch table. Link it to your store for easy, contactless checkout.

After your first drop

Now that it’s live, take stock:

• After your first drop

  You launched it—now use what you learned.
  • What sold well? Double down on that next time.
  • What didn’t? Consider dropping it.
  • Grow your list. Ask for emails during checkout or include a signup in your thank-you notes.

Even a small run—50 shirts, a few tapes—can make a real impact. It connects fans to your work and brings in income.

Final thoughts

Your first merch drop doesn’t have to be big. It just has to make sense.

Start small. Keep it personal. Learn as you go.

Need a place to sell your band merch?

If you’re using Supertape, your site and bio link are built to showcase merch—just drop in your store URL. No extra tools or platforms needed.