> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.hypebot.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # 6 Tips For Upping Your Music Merch Game - URL: https://www.hypebot.com/6-tips-for-upping-your-merch-game/ - Published: 2012-11-07T11:28:00.000Z - Updated: 2012-11-07T11:28:00.000Z - Description: Your merch game may start with a t-shirt and you should definitely have some of those. But to really please your fans while maximizing your revenue, getting creative with music. Continue reading [https://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2012/11/6-tips-for-upping-your-merch-game.html] - Author: Guest Author - Tags: DIY Advice & Tips, Live & Ticketing, Vinyl, Cassettes & Retail, music merch tips, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-01-21 10:49 [![Bikes-rock-merch-table](http://hypebot.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451b36c69e2017ee4d2cc20970d-150wi "Bikes-rock-merch-table")](http://hypebot.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451b36c69e2017ee4d2cc20970d-popup?ref=hypebot.com) Your **merch game** may start with a t-shirt and you should definitely have some of those. But to really please your fans while maximizing your revenue, **getting creative** with music merch is the way to go. At a recent [CMJ](https://www.hypebot.com/cmj-music-marathon-invades-new-york-city-next-week/) panel, a group of music entrepreneurs and artists gathered to share their perspectives on going "**beyond the tour t-shirt**." CMJ 2012 included a variety of educational panels including "[Modern Merch: Beyond the Tour T-Shirt](http://cmj2012.sched.org/event/038da309398b0796aae3e4eda03be3c7?ref=hypebot.com)." The panel was moderated by [Digital Cowboys'](http://www.digitalcowboys.com/?ref=hypebot.com) Dave Kusek who is co-founder and Chairman of the still to launch [Merchluv](http://merchluv.com/?ref=hypebot.com). Panelists included [Zach Bair](http://www.zachbair.com/?ref=hypebot.com), [Mary Sparr](https://twitter.com/YoungMarySparr?ref=hypebot.com) and [Alexandra Starlight](http://www.alexandraband.com/?ref=hypebot.com). [![Postcard_Buttonset](http://hypebot.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451b36c69e2017ee4d2ccd1970d-450wi "Postcard_Buttonset")](http://hypebot.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451b36c69e2017ee4d2ccd1970d-popup?ref=hypebot.com) **Button & Postcard Set from [Alexandra & The Starlight Band](http://www.alexandraband.com/store.cfm?ref=hypebot.com)** Ale Delgado attended the panel and came away with [5 Ways To Go "Beyond the Tour T-Shirt"](http://iamaledelgado.wordpress.com/2012/10/29/merchin-on-up-5-ways-to-go-beyond-the-tour-t-shirt/?ref=hypebot.com) plus a bonus tip. I've taken the liberty of summarizing them as: **6 Tips For Upping Your Merch Game** **1\. Think of merch as an extension of your brand** Example: Alexandra Starlight's "[one-of-a-kind rainbow glitter vinyl record](http://www.alexandraband.com/store.cfm?ref=hypebot.com)" is a great match for her [style and image](http://www.alexandraband.com/photos.cfm?ref=hypebot.com). **2\. Cater to your spectrum of fans** "You should have something at your merch table for the fan who just wants to snatch a free download card and for the fan who wants to buy everything." **3\. Be show-specific** Example: Mumford & Sons created a [ticket passport](http://chadtrutt.com/?p=943&ref=hypebot.com) that could be stamped at the merch table at each show for those following the tour. **4\. Work your merch like a pop-up shop** Display items so they're easy to see, stay organized and provide friendly customer service. **5\. Extend the experience** Example: "Make sure there’s someone taking pictures of your show, including grabbing a few shots of the crowd. Then post it on [Facebook](https://www.hypebot.com/modernizing-the-merchandise-madness/ "Modernizing The Merchandise Madness") and encourage your fans to tag themselves." **6\. Include limited edition collectibles** Example: The Hold Steady [Foam Hand](http://www.bluecollardistro.com/theholdsteady/product%5Finfo.php?products%5Fid=4765&cPath=237%5F242&store=&ref=hypebot.com) is sold out and likely to be on display in the homes of fans. It's an [insightful post](http://iamaledelgado.wordpress.com/2012/10/29/merchin-on-up-5-ways-to-go-beyond-the-tour-t-shirt/?ref=hypebot.com) and well worth a closer look. **More:** - [Modernizing The Merchandise Madness](https://www.hypebot.com/modernizing-the-merchandise-madness/) - [Creative Music Merch From Talain Rayne & Pink Floyd](https://www.hypebot.com/creative-music-merch-concepts-from-talain-rayne-pink-floyd/) *\[Thumbnail image courtesy [Incase](http://www.flickr.com/photos/goincase/3657422703/?ref=hypebot.com).\]* *[Hypebot](https://www.hypebot.com/music-ecommerce-green-day-chirpifys-chirpify-adds-soundscan-wepay-vs-paypal/) Senior Contributor Clyde Smith ([Twitter](http://www.twitter.com/fluxresearch?ref=hypebot.com)/[App.net](https://alpha.app.net/clydesmith?ref=hypebot.com)) blogs about music crowdfunding at [Crowdfunding For Musicians](http://www.crowdfundingformusicians.com/?ref=hypebot.com) ([@CrowdfundingM](https://twitter.com/CrowdfundingM?ref=hypebot.com)). To suggest topics for Hypebot, contact:* clyde(at)fluxresearch(dot)com .