Merchandise is one of the most effective ways for independent musicians to earn extra income and build deeper connections with fans.
But if you’re just starting out—or working with a limited budget—the idea of launching a merch line can feel out of reach. The good news? You don’t need thousands of pounds or a warehouse full of stock to start selling merch. Here’s how to get going without breaking the bank.
Start small and simple
When launching merch on a tight budget, keep your first run focused and affordable. Instead of trying to offer everything at once, start with one or two staple items. Good low-cost options include:
- Stickers
- Badges or pins
- Digital downloads (bonus tracks, artwork, lyric sheets)
- T-shirts (printed to order)
- Tote bags
These are affordable to produce and easy to ship, and they allow you to test interest before investing more.
Use print-on-demand platforms
Print-on-demand (POD) services are perfect for independent artists with limited funds. You don’t pay for inventory upfront—instead, the item is only produced when someone places an order. Most POD services also handle printing, packaging and delivery, which saves time.
Popular POD platforms include:
- Printful
- Teemill (UK-based and eco-friendly)
- Merch by Amazon
- Redbubble
- Everpress
You can integrate many of these with your website, Bandcamp page or social media store. Push.fm smart links can also help by giving fans one link that takes them directly to your merch page, streaming platforms and more.
Offer limited editions or pre-orders
If you don’t want to go the print-on-demand route, consider using pre-orders or limited editions. This helps gauge demand before spending money.
For example, you can say:
“Only 25 signed lyric posters available—order before Friday!”
Or:
“Pre-order the exclusive T-shirt and help fund the next music video.”
This approach not only saves money, but also creates urgency and adds value for fans.
Use social media to promote creatively
You don’t need a big ad budget to promote your merch. Use what you already have: your social media presence.
Ideas include:
- Behind-the-scenes videos showing how your merch was made
- Polls asking fans which design they like best
- Countdowns and early access for top followers or mailing list subscribers
- Live streams where you show off the merch and take questions
The key is to make it feel personal and fun—not like a hard sell.
Sell at gigs and small events
If you perform live, gigs are a great place to offer physical merch—even if it’s just a few sticker packs or a small box of shirts. People love the chance to support artists in person, and you’ll save on shipping.
Make sure your setup is simple and portable. A small sign, mobile card reader (like SumUp or Zettle) and a merch table is often enough.
Design on a budget
Can’t afford a graphic designer? Try DIY design tools like:
- Canva (great for basic layouts)
- Placeit (for mockups and templates)
- Fiverr or Upwork (for affordable freelance help)
You could even crowdsource design ideas from your fans—run a contest and reward the winner with a free item or shoutout.
Selling merch doesn’t have to mean spending big. With smart tools, creative thinking and a direct connection to your audience, you can start small, test what works, and grow over time. Whether you’re using print-on-demand or DIY methods, what matters most is offering something that feels genuine and true to your brand.
