Why Sell Merchandise?
Selling merchandise in your shop is not only a great way to bring in extra revenue, it is an excellent way to get free advertisement. Word of mouth advertising has always been a powerful form of advertising, especially online. Good news – and brands – spread like wildfire in the world of social media. 74% of consumers identify word of mouth as a key influencer in their purchasing decisions.
In fact, brand recognition, brand loyalty, and growing your following will most likely outweigh the actual revenue you see from selling merch. Soon your brand will be advertised in places you never thought it would be, like when a customer wears your hat on a vacation.
1. Build a Strong Foundation
People are proud of where they’re from and love merch that helps them represent it! Death Wish Coffee has built a well-rounded brand and sought after merch. Their logo is easily worn on any products, whether it’s apparel, mugs, or even socks! It can be seen on their viral memes all over social media too.
2. Create a Culture
What is a brand culture? Simply put, it’s how your brand makes your customers feel. It’s the first thing that comes to their mind when they hear the name of your shop. So think about what comes to mind when people hear the name of your own shop. It could be cool, hip, cozy, playful or whatever you’d like!
In the digital age that we live in, brand culture becomes incredibly valuable. Brands are more transparent than ever before, with information being shared at lightning-fast speed. Strong connections and loyalty are formed with customers through social media. If your brand aligns its customer experience, products, and values, you will soon find yourself with a loyal customer following.
3. Build a Customer Profile
Here’s a few questions to get you started creating your customer profile:
- Where is your shop located? Is it near a college? Near a beach?
- What does your customer drive?
- How do they dress?
- What are their hobbies?
- What time of day do they visit your shop?
- Do they have kids?
4. Quality Matters
Here’s a few ideas to get you started:
Additional Thoughts Before Starting
When placing your merch in your store, location matters! Place the smaller, less expensive items close to the register. Since their wallets are already out, customers are more likely to add a few small items in with their purchase.
You could put larger items that require more consideration at the other end of the counter, where customers are waiting for their order. Use your merch for even more exposure with fun giveaways and promos. Gift baskets full of branded items always create lots of excitement when they are offered as a draw.
Drew Thomas
Drew Thomas is a graduate of Georgia College & State University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in English Literature. He is an expert in brand marketing and has experience in freelance writing on topics ranging from sports to music reviews. He has also spent time as an editor, having revised website copy and press releases for local businesses. In his free time, Drew enjoys performing music, reading, hiking, and spending time with friends.
