Merch Strategy
Custom Band T-Shirts: The Complete Guide to Selling Merch at Shows
Learn everything you need to know about creating and selling custom band t-shirts. From design tips to pricing strategies, this guide covers it all.
Read More →Our Blog
Expert advice on custom band t-shirts, merchandise strategies, and growing your brand.
Merch Strategy
Learn everything you need to know about creating and selling custom band t-shirts. From design tips to pricing strategies, this guide covers it all.
Read More →Design Tips
Discover which t-shirt designs consistently sell out at shows. We break down the most popular band merch designs and why they work.
Read More →Printing Methods
Understand the differences between screen printing and direct-to-garment printing. Learn which method is right for your band's merch needs.
Read More →Pricing
Find the sweet spot for pricing your band merchandise. This guide covers costs, profit margins, and what fans are willing to pay.
Read More →Business Tips
Maximize your merch profits with smart bulk ordering. Learn the best practices for wholesale band t-shirt orders and volume discounts.
Read More →Getting Started
A step-by-step guide for bands new to merchandise. Cover everything from creating your first design to setting up your merch table.
Read More →Merch Strategy
Merchandise is one of the most reliable income streams for bands at any level. Whether you're playing local venues or touring nationally, custom band t-shirts can generate significant revenue while building your brand.
T-shirts do more than make money—they turn fans into walking billboards. Every time someone wears your shirt, they're introducing your band to potential new fans. Studies show that bands can make 50-70% of their touring income from merchandise sales.
Start with a simple, bold design that features your band logo prominently. Black t-shirts are the most popular choice—they look good on everyone and hide stains from the road. Order a mix of sizes, focusing on medium and large as these sell most frequently.
Set up your merch table where it's visible but doesn't block foot traffic. Display shirts on hangers so fans can see the full design. Always have someone at the table during and after your set—that's when sales peak.
Get a Quote on Custom T-ShirtsDesign Tips
Not all t-shirt designs sell equally. After printing for thousands of bands, we've learned which designs fly off the merch table and which collect dust.
Keep designs readable from a distance. Use contrasting colors. Avoid overly complex artwork that loses detail when printed. And always get a proof before approving a large order.
Start Designing Your MerchPrinting Methods
Choosing the right printing method can significantly impact the quality, cost, and longevity of your band merchandise. Here's what you need to know.
Screen printing pushes ink through a mesh screen onto the fabric. It's the industry standard for band merch because it produces vibrant colors that last hundreds of washes. Best for: large orders (24+ shirts), designs with limited colors, and maximum durability.
DTG works like an inkjet printer, spraying ink directly onto the fabric. It's ideal for complex, multi-color designs and smaller runs. Best for: detailed artwork, photo-realistic prints, small orders, and one-offs.
For most bands, screen printing offers the best value. The cost per shirt drops significantly with larger orders, and the print quality stands up to the rigors of life on the road. We can help you choose the best method for your specific needs.
Compare Printing OptionsPricing
Pricing your band merchandise correctly is crucial. Too high and shirts don't sell. Too low and you leave money on the table. Here's how to find the sweet spot.
Most band t-shirts sell for $20-$30 at shows. Local/emerging bands typically price at $15-$20, while established touring acts can charge $25-$35 or more. Festival and limited edition shirts can command even higher prices.
Aim for a 3-4x markup on your cost. If a shirt costs you $7 to produce, price it at $20-$25. This gives you room for occasional discounts while maintaining healthy profits. Remember to factor in shipping costs if you're ordering from a printer.
Business Tips
Ordering t-shirts in bulk is the key to maximizing your merch profits. Here's how to get wholesale pricing without getting stuck with inventory you can't sell.
Most printers offer tiered pricing. A typical breakdown: 24-48 shirts costs $8-10 each, 49-99 shirts drops to $6-8 each, and 100+ shirts can go as low as $4-6 each. The more you order, the better your profit margin per shirt.
If you're going on tour, calculate your needs based on expected attendance. Plan for 5-10% of your audience to buy merch. Better to run out than have boxes of unsold shirts at the end of the tour.
Get a Bulk Order QuoteGetting Started
Ready to launch your band's merchandise? This step-by-step guide will take you from concept to your first sale at a show.
Start with your band logo or album artwork. If you don't have design skills, hire a freelancer or use your printer's design services. Ensure your file is high-resolution (300 DPI minimum) and in vector format if possible.
Start simple with t-shirts in black or dark colors. Add variety later once you know what sells. Consider offering one or two designs maximum for your first order.
Look for a printer who specializes in band merchandise. They'll understand your needs—fast turnaround, quality prints, and wholesale pricing. Ask for samples and references from other bands.
Invest in a table cloth, shirt hangers, and good lighting. Display sizes clearly and have a price sign visible. Accept both cash and cards (Square or PayPal Here make this easy).
Mention your merch during your set. Post photos of fans wearing your shirts on social media. Give a shirt to the headliner or venue staff for free marketing. Your merch table is a business—treat it like one.
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