Help! I need new merch. What are you selling?
I'm a photographer and I'm doing a weekly local market and a few local art shows this summer. While I've made a handful of big sales, most people at these events are buying smaller merch, rather than my large metal prints or even small matted prints.
In an attempt to keep things simple, I've only been selling cards, magnets and tote bags (as far as merch goes). I also have stickers with my website address that I give away. (They're very popular and I do wonder if I should be selling them instead -- haha!)
I'd like to add more merch items. But what?? What is everyone selling that works well with photography, is easy to transport and isn't tacky? Mugs and wine glasses take up too much space (with packaging) and they're a pain to pack/unpack. I'm not fond of the usual t-shirts, and it's hard to find other clothing items (I like the all-over prints) that are both nice and affordable enough to make a profit. So I need some ideas!
Thanks!
Hi there! First, yes, sell the stickers. If people are grabbing them for free and they're "very popular," that's the market telling you something. Price them at $2-3 each or do a 3-for-$5 bundle and keep a small stack of freebies for the people who buy something else.
Now for expanding the merch lineup. The golden rule at weekly markets is: functional items that let someone live with your photography daily, priced under $25. A few that tend to move really well for photographers at local shows:
- Coasters (sets of 4, $15-20). Landscapes and nature shots especially. People buy these as gifts constantly, and a set lets you showcase four different images.
- Mini metal or wood prints (4x4 or 5x7, $15-25). You already sell large metals, so you know the look. Shrink them down to impulse-buy size and display them on little easels. They bridge the gap between "merch" and "real art."
- Calendars, especially once you hit July/August shows. A 2027 wall calendar ($20-25) with 12 of your best shots is a natural buy for someone who likes your work but isn't ready for a big piece. Start designing now so you have them ready for fall.
- Ornaments ($10-15). Christmas ornaments from landscape and nature photography sell shockingly well at summer and fall markets because people buy ahead. Round ceramic or metal, one hero image per ornament.
- Notebooks or journals with a cover image ($12-18). Functional, giftable, and every time they open it they see your work.
One thing to watch: don't add five new items at once. Pick two from this list, test them at your next three markets, and track which ones actually move. Then rotate in a third.
The fact that you're already tracking what sells (big prints vs. small merch) means you're thinking like a business owner, not just an artist hoping for the best. That puts you in a great spot heading into the summer show season.
Want help figuring out which of your images would work best on specific merch items? I can look through your collection and match pieces to products
Other resources you might find helpful:
- "Can you do better (on the price)? — Concrete strategies for handling price negotiation requests at markets and shows, including standing firm, offering multi-piece discounts, and redirecting buyers toward larger sales.
- Prints are a sales magnet. — Offers specific strategy—selling prints alongside originals—to reach more buyers and increase revenue at markets and shows.
- How to Actually Succeed at Art Fairs: A Practical Booth Guide — Concrete booth setup and display tactics to attract buyers and increase sales at the exact venues the asker is targeting this summer.
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