Looking for a quick and simple way to offer your fans some merch (or even make your own custom swag)? No problem. I have an simple solution for you to get a band merch store up and running fast. Check it out.
Here is a Musicgoat store that I whipped up a in about an hour using a site called Zazzle.
Zazzle Dazzle…
I went with Zazzle because they seem to cater to musicians and artistic types plus – and this is a big plus – they give you a commission on sales for stuff sold outside of your store. Meaning, should one of your fans decide to look around and find other stuff and buy it, you get a little somethin, somethin yourself. Cool huh?
Plus, they have a ton of cool stuff to slap your band logo on. Besides the obvious stuff like T-shirts, buttons and posters they also have cool stuff like skateboards, shoes and iPod cases.
I Know What You're Thinking…
For the record, I am sure there are better deals out there if you are looking to buy merch in bulk for your shows or for a tour BUT if you are looking for a very quick way to throw up a merch store without worrying about building your own online store where you have to do the shipping and handling, this is the way to go.
Go check out Zazzle now.
What do you think?
Great article. While it is a great idea to get a fast merch store up and running, the downside to ‘on demand” storefronts is pretty high base costs, which either push your profits down, or make the products seem expensive.
Also, be careful when setting up a Zazzle (or indeed cafepress)store, limit your product line to your best design, and keep the product line compact and relevant. A store that has every single product with your logo on it just because it costs you nothing to do, well, it ends up being too much for the browser, and looks like one of those “wait! there’s more” as seen on TV commercials.
Those caveats aside, Zazzle isn’t a bad option – not the best in the world, but not the worst either.
Thanks Alex, I figured I’d get some good feedback on this article and you really delivered. Any interest in sharing some of the better options out there?
I reckon that when it comes to online retail – Zazzle or Spreadshirt provide a decent enough deal. If you can source a local screen printer, then a platform like Bigcartel or Goodsie might be a better option.
And nowadays the Wordress Shopping carts are getting very user friendly. (even a couple of free store themes out there where they link to Paypal/ Google checkout – removing all those SSL headaches too)
One idea that comes to mind if using a Zazzle storefront -how about running a contest on your site “show us the most unusual product with our band logo on it you bought” – win free schwagg. A great little attention getter, and hey, they have to buy a product too 😉
Alex,
Now you can import your Zazzle store on your Facebook FanPage for free. http://swag.io allows you to import, customize your Zazzle storefront in < 2 minutes . The store fronts will have the viral features that need to make your store social. You had the right bet on Zazzle.