Touring is a crucial aspect of all musicians’ careers. It's a way to connect with fans, get new music out there, and earn a living. However, touring is not just about nailing live performances; there are other aspects that can make or break a tour, and one of them is merch. In this article, we will explore how merchandise can impact a tour and the importance of creating high-quality and attractive merchandise for your fans.
Firstly, in today’s day and age merch is a significant revenue stream for bands. With the decline in physical album sales over the last few years, artists have had to find alternative ways to generate income, and merchandise sales have become a necessity. According to a report by the Music Industry Research Association, merchandise sales now account for up to 40% of a band's revenue. This revenue helps to offset the cost of touring, including transportation, accommodation, and other expenses, allowing musicians to keep the tunes flowing.
DO IT FOR THE FANS
Moreover, merchandise is a way for fans to show their love and support for their favorite bands. The band’s community wants to feel connected to the music and the band, and picking up some merch is a direct way to do that. It's a way to showcase their loyalty and passion for the band and to connect with other fans. For some fans, wearing band merchandise is a way of life, and they will go to great lengths to acquire unique and limited-edition items.
With that said, it's essential to create high-quality and attractive merchandise that fans will want to buy. The merchandise should by all means reflect your band's style and image, and it should appeal to your fans' sensibilities. Merchandise should not only be visually appealing, but it should also be of good quality. Fans are willing to pay a premium for high-quality merch, and they will be more likely to wear and cherish it for years to come.
Band merch act as a marketing tool for bands. Fans wearing band merchandise become walking billboards for the band, spreading the word and promoting their music to a wider audience. When people see others wearing band merchandise, it can pique their interest in the band, and they may check out their music or attend a show. Therefore, it's crucial to have eye-catching merchandise that captures people's attention and creates a buzz around the band.
DO NOT SKIMP ON QUALITY
One of the biggest breaking points - is poor quality merchandise can have a detrimental effect on a band’s tour. Low-quality merchandise can leave a negative impression on fans, and they may feel like they wasted their money on something that didn't meet their expectations. It can also damage the band's image and reputation, as fans may associate poor merchandise with a lack of care and attention to detail. Additionally, if the merchandise is not appealing, fans may be less likely to buy it, resulting in lower merchandise sales and revenue for the band which leads to dead stock.
In conclusion, band merchandise is an essential aspect of a successful tour. It provides a crucial revenue stream for musicians, allows fans to show their support for the band, and can act as a marketing tool to reach new audiences. It's crucial to create high-quality and attractive merchandise that reflects the band's style and image and appeals to fans' sensibilities. Poor quality merchandise can have a detrimental effect on a tour, damaging the band's image and reputation, and leading to lower merchandise sales and revenue. Therefore, bands should invest time and resources into creating high-quality and attractive merchandise to ensure a successful tour.