How much do artists make from selling merchandise?
John Thompson
Published Apr 02, 2026
Most artists receive a percentage of the sale of their merch – around 30% or so is pretty common, at least in the US, though the rate can fluctuate depending on your star power. This percentage is commonly taken from gross sales of your merch – that is sales minus taxes, and credit card fees.
Why do artists sell merchandise?
Merchandise is a free means for an artist to advertise his brand. When you have a brand logo, signature or name, it is important to let the world know you with it. This is how far your merchandise can create an identity for you.
What is merchandising in the music industry?
Music merchandisers design, manufacture, ship, and sometimes sell products related to musical artists and their brands.
Do musicians make money from merchandise?
Artists will tend to make the most money from merch if they’re dealing with it all themselves, handling the screen printing, etc. Ideally, Ferrer says, the artist should make two-and-a-half times what they’ve invested — they could get a shirt for six bucks and sell it for 25. But it doesn’t always go that way.
What is the best merch to sell?
The Very Best Merch Items That You Can Offer
- Magnets. Magnets are one of the top merch items and could potentially help you to sell more, whether you’re at an industry event, a gig, or some kind of craft show.
- Tote Bags.
- Guitar Picks.
- Hoodies.
- Embroidered Beanies.
- Messenger Bag.
- Tank Tops.
- Acrylic Keychain.
How do I become a music merchandiser?
Many music merchandisers have a bachelor’s degree that includes coursework in music-related subjects and business. There are also certificate programs and associate’s degrees available, and work experience and internships are very important in this profession.
How are musicians making money?
Musicians make money from royalties, advances, playing live, selling merchandise, and licensing fees for their music. If you don’t mind playing other people’s music, you may also consider being a session musician to earn some extra income.
How do artists make money on Covid?
Pandemic-related merch isn’t just reserved for masks—artists have found success selling both timely merch and mining their stockpiles to release vintage items that were never made available for sale. “We’ve actually had some artists selling their canceled tour merch to raise money for COVID relief,” says Aten.
How much should I sell a hoodie for?
Suggested Selling Prices for Our Shirts & Other Apparel Options
| Product | Recommended Selling Price |
|---|---|
| Pullover Hoodie | $37.99 |
| Crewneck Sweatshirt | $35.99 |
| Premium Pullover Hoodie | $44.99 |
| Zip Up Hoodie | $41.99 |
How much does it cost to start selling merch?
In the mid-range, CDs are a must-have merch item at around $10-15. You can sell hats, or posters, and t-shirts for anywhere between $20 and $30. Hoodies are a great option as a higher-priced item. Signed merch, limited runs, and exclusives are also great ways to create higher-end merch items.
What products make the most profit?
30 Low Cost Products With High Profit Margins
- Jewelry. As far as unisex products go, jewelry is at the top.
- TV Accessories.
- Beauty Products.
- DVDs.
- Kids Toys.
- Video Games.
- Women’s Boutique Apparel.
- Designer & Fashion Sunglasses.
What business category is a musician?
If you’ve decided to register your band as a business, you will need to decide which business entity best meets your needs. In general, musicians can form either a limited liability company (LLC) or a corporation. Forming one of these business entities can help you resolve important issues related to your group.
What is merchandise music?
What is the business code for a musician?
Code 9811 is for musicians – as well as theatrical performers, agents, producers and those in related fields.
Should a record label be an LLC?
The limited liability company (LLC) is ideal for most record label businesses. An LLC is easy and inexpensive to set up, and has the least administrative requirements of any formal business entity.
Where can I work as a music merchandiser?
Cities with booming music industries that may provide more job opportunities in this field include Los Angeles, New York, and Nashville. Music merchandisers work on the business side of the music industry, promoting artists and products.
How to get a license to sell merchandise?
In order to form a business through which you will sell licensed merchandise, you must register your business first with the state and local government where you will be conducting business. You must decide upon how you will structure your business.
Where can I get a job selling music?
This often includes promoting artists, distributing music-related products, or creating strategic marketing plans. Cities with booming music industries that may provide more job opportunities in this field include Los Angeles, New York, and Nashville.
What’s the best way to group your merchandise?
Common ways to group merchandise for display include: Get customers’ attention so they’ll stop and consider the product (or at least spend more time in your store). Give them ideas for how they might use the product or how it might work with things they already have.
