The two primary factors influencing your merch sales at a comic convention are owning your brand and knowing your target audience. With conventions back and in full throttle, fandom merch sellers must take advantage of this opportunity to market to their target audience directly, including both local and national conventions.
This might be your brand’s first experience selling merch, but that doesn’t mean it has to be difficult! It might feel overwhelming for sellers who have recently ventured into selling merch initially. However, by implementing the right tips and tricks, you can overtake your competition with ease!
Associate Merch with your Brand
If you are at a ComicCon, or any other related convention, try selling your merch as an extension of your brand. If you are a comic book artist, design a logo that sticks out. You could also create stickers based on characters and organize a free giveaway to gain the spotlight. Another option is to use artwork from your comics to tease upcoming releases on new issues and merch.
For other vendors, such as cosplay prop makers or toy collectors, sell merch as an extension of your work. Use insider puns and phrases that only fans would recognize. People would feel special and would likely want to purchase from you. Be sure to spread the word about your booth using advertising tools such as banners and frames.
Go Digital
Provide QR codes to let convention-goers access your website or other direct links for different merch. Almost everybody owns a smartphone today, and using digital approaches will give off the impression that your brand is modern and up-to-date with society. QR codes grab the attention instantly of those who come across your booth on the convention floor.
Let people explore and sift through your merch, then provide them with a scannable QR code that redirects them to the website of that merch for later. They can aid you if you run out of a specific size or design. You can redirect customers to your online shop instantly to ensure that they do not leave empty-handed.
Bypass Copyright-Protected Designs
While it might be tempting to sell merch for Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, or Game of Thrones, you must not overlook copyright-protected designs! Most prominent franchises have copyrighted their works and are owned by an individual or a company. So most photos, designs, and quotes are a no-go. However, you can still get creative with creating merch that is copyright friendly and appeals to the fandom.
For instance, if you come across a customer who wants to shop for Star Wars merch, the chances are that they already have collected the mainstream merch. Fans often look for unique and creative designs that they don’t already have. Therefore, sell merch with designs that reference intense scenes or fan theories. Such type of merch often sets you apart by appealing to the fandom without disturbing the copyright claims.
Sell Exclusive Merch
People often create special memories at cons, and exclusive limited-edition merch helps fans commemorate their time in style. If you sell commonly-found merch, people probably would already have one or won’t be as interested. Think of selling merch with that specific convention’s year or location.
Be sure to associate these exclusive designs with the theme of your business. This gesture can help boost your brand image and keep it associated with the comic con’s vibe. Exclusive designs are most successful if marketed right and often sell in large quantities. Be sure to customize options based on your target audience to deliver what they seek.
Offer Discounts and Bundle Offers
Offering discounts and bundles help convert even the most hesitant customers. Discounts that come with a limited time window creates FOMO, which leads to higher purchases. Bundle offers help sell more merch and acquire more profit from each customer. You can advertise such offers using decals and other signs outside your booth to attract attention.
Not everyone can afford to buy big merch at comic cons. Instead, you can sell them smaller merch items. For instance, you can sell T-Shirts, phone cases, and keyrings so that you do not miss out on potential customers and people do not leave empty-handed.
Showcase your Lineup
Comic conventions are all about putting on a catchy display on your table. Make your merch visible from all angles of the comic con floor by hanging shelves, racks, and printed banners. With so much chaos around, convention-goers might not notice your merch if you have merely scattered it on a table.
Never be afraid to show off your merch with pride, because that’s your work! Put on a decent display of your merch using banners and lighting effects. Such gestures attract attention to your table and lead to a better conversation rate. More people would be willing to ask questions about your merch and be interested in making purchases.
Sell Fandom-Appealing Merch
It becomes easier to acquire new customers if merch sellers keep selling merch that appeals to the fandom. When die-hard lovers of a comic or series come across its merch, cons become an automatic success. Sell merch that is subtle yet bold.
Fans enjoy exclusivity and would only want a chunk of people to understand the reference printed on their merch. Merch is easy to sell if you know what is trending. One of the best ways to make your merch appealing is to know what the fandom is interested in at the time.
Final Words
Comic conventions are an excellent opportunity for merch sellers since the event is packed with die-hard lovers of comics, shows, movies, and more. Stay ahead of the competition and entice as many fans as possible to your booth. Sell exclusive merch that appeals to fans, offer attractive discounts, go digital, and advertise your brand for that convention and future ones!
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