How to plan your band’s first merch drop

Want to make merch without ending up with a box of unsold shirts?

A lot of bands get excited and go too big, too fast—ordering more than they can sell, picking the wrong stuff, or launching before anyone’s ready to buy.

This guide walks through how to get it right:
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.

How to know if you're ready for merch

You don’t need a massive following to drop merch—but you should see some signs that people actually want it.

Here’s what to look for:

• Fans have asked about it
• You’re playing shows with decent turnouts
• Your online presence is active and consistent
• You have a clear visual identity (logo, photos, design vibe)

If most of that sounds like you, you’re probably ready.

If not, it’s fine to hold off—or start with something small and low-risk, like stickers.

What merch to make first

Start simple. Low risk, decent margins, and easy to pack and ship.

• T-shirts: One design, one color, black or white. Don’t overcomplicate it.
• Stickers: Cheap to make, easy to include in orders or hand out at shows.
• Totes, hats, patches: Niche but great if they match your audience and vibe.
• Cassettes, CDs, vinyl: Great for physical collectors and DIY fans, but more expensive to produce. Know your audience before going this route.

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

How much to make

This is where a lot of bands lose money. Start small and scale up.

• T-shirts: 50 to 100 max
• Stickers: 250 to 500 (these are cheap)
• Other items: 10 to 25 to test demand

If you're playing shows, think in terms of venue size. Selling 3 to 5 shirts at a 100-cap venue is a win.

Want to play it safe? Offer preorders to measure interest and help fund your print run.

Where to get merch made

It depends on your budget, your timeline, and how much control you want.

• Screen printing shops (local or online): Best for quality and bulk orders. Costs more up front, but you get full control over materials, sizing, and finish. Ideal for selling at shows or shipping yourself.
• Print-on-demand (POD): No inventory, no upfront cost. These services print and ship when someone orders. Good for testing designs, but the margins are lower and you won’t have anything to sell at shows.
• DIY: Hand-print your own shirts, make zines, sew patches—whatever fits your style. More time-intensive, but it can feel unique and personal.

Not sure where to start? Ask other artists whose merch you like. Check Reddit or Discord threads. Look up local print shops with strong reviews.

And always order a sample before you commit. What looks good on your laptop might not translate in real life.

How to promote your merch

Don’t just post a link and hope. Treat it like a release.

• Tease it in advance: Share sketches, mockups, or samples
• Tell a story: Why this design? Why now?
• Add a limit: A small batch makes it feel more special.
• Email your list: One image, one paragraph, one clear link
• Text your list: Short reminder texts work well on launch day or final hours
• Give your core fans early access: Use Patreon, Discord, or private links
• Add extras: Include a handwritten thank-you note or sticker with each order
• Show it in the wild: Wear it yourself, post it at shows, and repost fan photos

Where to sell it

You don’t need a full ecommerce setup to start selling merch. Start with what you already use and build from there.

• Bandcamp or similar music platforms: If you’re already using a platform to sell or share your music, see if you can add merch directly alongside it.
• Online storefronts like Big Cartel or Shopify: These make it easy to set up a basic merch store, take payments, and handle shipping. No web dev skills needed.
• In person at shows: Bring a suitcase, make a clear price list, and be ready to accept mobile payments (like Venmo or PayPal) or cash.
• Your website or bio link: Add a merch page or link-in-bio. Pin a post or create a simple graphic pointing people to where they can buy.

Tip: If you're selling in person, print a mobile payment QR code and tape it to your table. It makes checkout fast and painless.

After your first drop

You launched it. Now use what you learned.

• Track what sold: Which sizes moved? Which items didn’t?
• Restock smart: Only reorder what worked
• Grow your list: Collect emails during checkout or add a signup link in your thank-you notes
• Encourage photos: Ask fans to tag you when they wear your merch. Repost it. It builds connection—and shows others it’s worth grabbing.

Even a small run—50 shirts, a few tapes—can bring in money, grow your audience, and give fans something to connect with.

Takeaway

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.